The current policy is seen as out of date by the EU since technology is developing faster
Most home appliances in the EU market, such as hoovers, ovens and refrigerators, require a the energy label
By Émilie Bergeron and Clara Ribera
BRUSSELS – The European Union is working on a new legislation to change energy labels on domestic appliances. These labels indicate the level of energy efficiency in washing machines and refrigerators, among other white goods. The debate remains open as the Parliament and the Council of Ministers can still present their amendments. In this ongoing discussion the industry seeks for flexibility in the new upcoming law while consumer organisations demand for more clarity.
“Energy efficiency being recognized officially at EU level within the Energy Union as the number one priority is a big jump forward”, emphasizes Claude Turmes, member of the Parliament sitting at the Committee of Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) in charge of the Energy labelling file. “Now this political declaration needs to be transposed to reality”, adds Turmes.
The EU goal is to achieve 20% of final energy consumption, and it looks like it will get up to 18%, according to Yvon Slingenberg, policy officer of Energy Commissioner Arias Cañete. These are not bad figures. Nevertheless, European institutions keep working to decrease the continents’ gas emission numbers. Individual energy consumption has an impact on EU’s capacity to meet its 2020 targets. “Today we have to focus on specific white goods,” says Turmes.
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