Website of the UK government

European Energy Label

The European Energy Label shows how efficiently a product uses energy. 

New products labels are being introduced that will rate appliances on a scale from dark green (most efficient) to red (least efficient). 

The ratings generally go from A to G. However you may also see higher categories appear in the green bands of A+, A++ and A+++ as products become more energy efficient.

For the most efficient product, look for the darkest green band.

You can also look at the amount of energy that the product uses in an hour (kWh). The lower this number is, the less energy the product uses.

Over the lifetime of an inefficient product you could waste £100 in running costs compared to a more efficient model, even if the most energy efficient products may not be the cheapest to buy.

The European Energy Label is compulsory on these products:

• household fridges and freezers
• washing machines, tumble dryers and washer-dryers
• dishwashers
• air conditioners
• electric ovens
• light bulbs
• televisions (from December 2011)

The new labels on televisions are being introduced on a voluntary basis from 20 December 2010. From December 2011 all new television sets must carry an energy efficiency label.

More products will have the European Energy Label in the future, including boilers and vacuum cleaners.

• Watch the video on new energy labels Opens new window

Energy Saving Trust Recommended

The Energy Saving Trust Recommended scheme is voluntary and shows you a product is very energy efficient.

The wide range of products covered includes:

• appliances like washing machines and fridges
  
• light fittings
  
• boilers and hot water cylinders 
  
• insulation
  
• glazing
  
• televisions

The scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

• Compare and buy Energy Saving Trust Recommended products Opens new window

European Ecolabel

The European Ecolabel is given to products that are less harmful to the environment than other similar products – and this includes using less energy.

You can find out more by reading ‘European Ecolabel’.

• European Ecolabel

TCO label

There are several different TCO labels. All of them show that IT equipment is energy efficient and made with fewer harmful chemicals.

All equipment must:

• contain fewer materials that can be a risk to the environment and human health – certain substances, like lead, are banned
  
• be energy efficient
  
• be easily recyclable – for example, by making different plastics easy to separate out
  
• be produced in a way that reduces its impact on the environment
  
• give a spare part guarantee to encourage a longer life for the product
  
• be produced by a manufacturer that actively works to improve workers’ conditions

Some of the labels also tell you a product has very good picture quality, low noise levels, and low electrical and magnetic fields. For a full explanation, see ‘What the different TCO labels mean’, below.

• What the different TCO labels mean Opens new window

• Four ways to make your computer greener: TCO Opens new window

• Search for a TCO certified product Opens new window

Energy Star

The EU (European) Energy Star scheme is voluntary. It shows that office equipment has reached energy efficiency standards set by the EU, both when being used and in standby mode.

The logo appears on some types of office equipment, like:

• computers
  
• monitors
  
• printers
  
• fax machines
  

• Find Energy Star labelled products Opens new window

Energy Performance Certificates

All homes bought, sold or rented have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

EPCs contain:

• information on a home's current energy use and carbon dioxide emissions
  
• an estimate of how energy efficient a home could be if you put in place energy saving measures, like fitting loft insulation
  
• a report with suggested ways to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

Homes are rated from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient), with the average efficiency grade to date being D. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so it’s easy to compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

• Energy Performance Certificates - what they are

More useful links

• Energy saving and generation