Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
Under the compromise, there is a clear obligation to include reference to the energy label in all advertisements of energy-related products, where price- or energy-related information is disclosed. This mandatory reference was agreed for the first time despite objections from many member states and lobbyists.
Anni Podimata, who led the Parliament delegation in talks with Council, said: "If we are serious about meeting the 20 per cent energy efficiency target by 2020, we must guarantee every consumer's access to proper information and full awareness about the impact of his or her choices. In this context, the obligation to advertise will put an end to misinformation of end-users, giving them at the same time all the information they need to make fully informed choices.”
On the label layout, although the European white goods industry and a large majority of member states supported an open scale with no provision for re-scaling, after significant resistance from the Parliament, the final compromise:
- maintains the idea of an "A-G scale", restricting the number of additional classes to three;
- keeps the same labelling colour scheme – from dark green for the most energy efficient product to red for the least efficient;
- provides the opportunity of rescaling under specific and well-determined conditions.
On public procurement, national contracting authorities shall try to acquire only such products that have the highest performance levels and belong to the highest energy efficiency class. In addition, national authorities can encourage and reward consumers and industry when they make energy efficient choices by setting specific incentives.
As the Socialist rapporteur underlined: “The Energy Labelling Directive, along with the Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings, has a crucial role to play in the achievement of the 20 per cent energy efficiency target, but also holds a "key role" regarding the fight against climate change, the transition to an efficient, sustainable and competitive economy, and strengthening the EU's energy security."
The new directive is expected to come into force in spring 2010 and will be transposed into the national legislations of member states by 2011.
Tony Robinson
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Associated media
Deal reached for new laws on energy labelling. Anni Podimata, who led the Parliament delegation in talks with Council, said: 'If we are serious about meeting the 20 per cent energy efficiency target by 2020, we must guarantee every consumer's access to proper information and full awareness about the impact of his or her choices.'
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