The first Energy Labelling framework Directive was adopted in 1992. The current Directive was recast in 2010. In 2015, the Commission decided to review this Framework Directive.
The Energy Labelling Directive requires manufacturers to label certain type of appliances in view of allowing the consumers to compare the energy efficiency and some other parameters (such as water consumption and noise level) of the products available on the market.
Not only does the energy label provide information to consumers; it also works as an incentive for the industry to continuously develop more energy efficient appliances.
The energy label rating calculation is based on energy efficiency and parameters related to the functionality of the product (such as performance/capacity). This provides a balanced way to rank appliances. One of its main assets has been its simplicity and focus on essential parameters.
Related European legislation:
The Energy Labelling Framework Directive 2010/30/EU is currently under review.
CECED position papers on the Review of the Framework
CECED press release - 15 July 2015
CECED, EHI, EPEE and LightingEU Infographic
CECED, DE, EPEE and JBCE Position paper on the Product Database
4 April 2016 – Key Messages on the ITRE tabled amendments
4 May 2016 – Key Messages on rescaling
Context
On 15 July 2015 the European Commission proposed a new regulation on energy efficiency labelling as part of its summer energy package. The new regulation would contribute towards meeting the target set by the October 2014 European Council of improving energy efficiency in the EU by 27% by 2030. See CECED Press Release
The proposed regulation would restore the A-G scale for energy labelling; create a mechanism for rescaling products that can accommodate further improvements in energy efficiency; establish a product database on energy efficiency; and introduce a safeguard procedure to improve national market surveillance. Detailed legislation on energy labelling of household appliances would be adopted as delegated acts. The Commission proposal for a new Regulation on energy labelling (+ annexes) was published together with the impact assessment and report, factsheet and press release of 15 July.
The proposal was then passed to the European Parliament and EU Council following the rules of the ordinary legislative procedure process.
On 7 September 2015 the proposal was referred to the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee, and on 20 October 2015 Dario Tamburrano (EFDD, Italy) was appointed rapporteur. The ENVI committee also decided to issue an opinion on the file (rapporteur for opinion: Aldo Patriciello, EPP, Italy).
The draft report and opinion of the rapporteurs for the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee (MEP Tamburrano) and the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee MEP Patriciello) were published in early 2016. Members of these Committees then had several weeks to table amendments before March 3 and February 26 respectively.
The final ENVI Committee opinion was agreed by a vote on 26 April. MEPs in the ITRE Committee agreed the report on 14 June 2016 however, the mandate to Rapporteur Tamburrano to start negotiations with the Council was not approved by the Committee and therefore the full EP plenary will need to vote in an upcoming plenary session on a mandate for starting the negotiations.
On 26 November 2015, the Council agreed a general approach on the Commission proposal, which recommended a number of changes that are discussed below. Only Bulgaria registered an objection to the general approach of the Council.
To know more about the EU labelling legislation, visit the EU energy label website.
For further information on the Energy Labelling Framework legislation, please contact Korrina Hegarty.
For further information on product specific labelling measures, please contact Matteo Rambaldi or Félix Mailleux.
