European energy efficiency classes are used to categorize the efficiency levels of household appliances and other consumer electronics. Energy labels certify the class a product belongs to and are mandatory for appliances sold within the European Union.
In addition to the energy class, these labels show the manufacturer’s and model’s identifying information, annual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours based on a standard usage profile, and other details depending on the type of appliance, such as capacity or noise level. LGblog.it shows you what’s new about energy labels.
What are Energy Labels and what are they used for?
The original purpose of energy labels is to encourage consumers to choose more efficient products that perform the same tasks using less energy and water, benefitting users, companies, and especially the environment.
Energy labels have been key in pushing manufacturers to improve the energy efficiency of everyday electric appliances such as light bulbs, space heaters, refrigerators, freezers, and TVs, as well as items like boilers, tires, and air conditioners.
Energy classes are assigned through controlled, reproducible tests that assess a product’s efficiency. Annual kWh consumption, however, depends on both efficiency and the size and type of appliance—larger devices can consume more even if they’re in a high-efficiency class.
On European energy labels, energy classes are typically shown as a scale of seven colored bars (some classes may not appear at the top or bottom): from green (highest efficiency) down through yellow and red (lower efficiency). Until now, an appliance’s class was marked on this scale with a letter ranging from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
However, as technology advances and devices become more efficient, energy classes must be periodically updated to reflect the evolving market. Labels before 2010 originally had a scale from A to G, but were later expanded with new classes (A+, A++, A+++), while phasing out less efficient ones.
New Energy Labels for appliances from March 2021
The European Commission decided that starting March 1, 2021, new energy labels would be introduced to show appliance consumption levels using a simpler A to G scale. These labels were rolled out even before that date, with a short two-week transition period during which old labels were replaced.
The update affects dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators (including wine coolers), and electronic displays (including TVs). On September 1, 2021, new energy labels were also applied to light bulbs.
The biggest change is the removal of energy classes with “+” symbols like A+++. The new scale runs from A to G. New methods are being used to measure energy consumption and determine label classes, making the process more transparent for consumers.
A key new feature is a QR code on each label that can be scanned with a smartphone to access more product information. This data, entered by manufacturers into a centralized EU database (EPREL), allows consumers to verify the claims made on the label.
Depending on the type of appliance, the new labels also include symbols with information about environmental impact and usage: not only energy consumption but also water use per cycle, load capacity, and noise levels.
At first, the new labels will help better differentiate between products that, under the current system, all seem to belong to the same high-efficiency categories. The idea is to “look ahead”: initially, class A will be empty, and classes B and C will have few products. For example, a fridge that’s now rated A+++ might become class C with the same consumption, or an A++ dishwasher might shift to class E.
LG’s Commitment
LG has always been committed to sustainability and works constantly to reduce the environmental impact of its products through innovative design and responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing practices throughout its entire supply chain.
LG aims to go beyond the data shown on the energy label and has outlined several key steps to contribute to a better future for our planet.
- Reducing energy consumption by creating increasingly efficient products. LG appliances already stand out for their low consumption: for example, the latest refrigerators and washing machines achieve energy classes of A+++ -40% and A+++ -50%, meaning they use 40% and 50% less energy than standard A+++ appliances.
- Considering the entire product life cycle, by minimizing size and weight, increasing the use of recyclable and sustainable materials, and designing products that are easy to disassemble for full recovery of raw materials.
- Avoiding harmful substances and cutting CO₂ emissions. LG is committed to reducing carbon emissions across its global operations by increasing the use of renewable energy and offsetting the rest. This effort supports LG’s ultimate goal of carbon neutrality, aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030.