04 Mar 2023
New EU Regulations For Lighting Products
In September 2021, a new version of the EU energy label for lighting products, including light bulbs and LED modules, was applied to all shops and online retail outlets. The initiative has aimed to help EU consumers to make a significant reduction in their carbon footprints and their energy costs.
Out with the old label, in with the new label
The label follows a considerable improvement in energy efficiency in the lighting sector in recent years, with more and more "light sources" achieving label ratings of A+ or A++. The most significant change in the new format is a return to a simpler A-G scale. This change makes it easier for consumers to identify the best products in terms of energy efficiency, allowing them to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
The new scale is also stricter, making it more challenging for products to achieve an “A” or “B” rating. The most energy-efficient products on the market will typically now be labelled as “C” or “D,” leaving space for even more efficient products to enter the market gradually. The new labels will feature a QR code linking to an EU-wide database where consumers can find more details about the product they want to purchase.
Does the new energy label make the lamp less efficient?
Simple answer is no. They are still the same energy efficient light as before but the letter class has changed. The change will make manufacturers push the boundaries of energy efficiency further.
Background
To ensure a smooth transition, the rules allow physical retail outlets to continue selling products with the old label for a period of 18 months. However, online retailers are required to replace the old labels with the new ones within 14 working days. 1st March 2023 marks the end of the transition phase, with 1st September 2023 being the final phase-out stage.
The new rules are projected to save 7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (mtCO2eq) per year by 2030. The updated labels will not only help consumers save energy and money but will also reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
The EU energy label is a widely recognised feature on household products, helping consumers make informed choices for over 25 years. In a 2019 EU-wide survey, 93% of consumers recognised the label, and 79% confirmed that it had influenced their purchasing decision. The EU energy labelling rules, combined with minimum performance requirements ("ecodesign"), are estimated to significantly cut consumer expenditure every year while generating multiple benefits for the environment, manufacturers, and retailers.
In conclusion, the EU energy label for lighting products will make it easier for consumers to identify energy-efficient products, save money on their bills, and reduce their carbon footprint. The label will also contribute to the EU's goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050, generating benefits for the environment, manufacturers, and retailers.
For a wide range of eco-friendly lighting products and helpful, trustworthy advice and assistance, visit PEC Lights (link to the site: https://www.peclights.com/) today.
