The Energy Standards and Labeling program, which started its journey in the 1970s, were implemented in more than 80 countries around the world (as of 2013). It involves more than 50 types of equipment depending on its design and scope of application in accordance with the condition of each country. Energy labels are an effective tool in promoting development of the energy-efficient equipment market. 

By providing visual information on the energy efficiency of equipment, energy labels help users distinguish between high performance and energy saving equipment and equipment with low energy efficiency leading to the development of the high performance and energy saving equipment market. Energy labelling makes great contribution to the achievement of energy efficiency goals of each country. 

The key findings of this 2013 report are set out below.

- The number of countries with a standards and labelling program has grown to 81 countries (from 50 in 2004).

- The number of different products subject to mandatory energy performance standard measures is 55 product types (from 42 in 2004).

- The number of all types of Standards & Labelling measures in different countries around the world (where measures are energy performance standards or some form of efficiency labelling) have almost trebled to 3604 measures in 2013 (from 1220 measures in 2004) 

- The number of energy performance standard measures used (or proposed) for all categories have increased by more than a factor of three to 1453 measures (from 431 measures).

- Comparative labels used (or proposed) for all product categories have more than trebled to 1149 measures (from 354 measures). Comparative labels have now overtaken endorsement labelling in absolute numbers, with a strong tendency for these to be mandatory (now more than 80%).

- Endorsement labels used (or proposed) for all product categories have also more than doubled to 1002 measures (from 435 measures), with more than 95% of all endorsement labels remaining voluntary and applicable to or targeted at the most energy efficient of products. 

The most commonly regulated product types are:

- Refrigerators (75 countries with 185 separate measures).

- Room air conditioners (73 countries with 152 measures).

- Lamps or ballasts (67 countries with lamps alone, accounting for some 358 separate measures across all lamps types).
- Televisions (47 countries with 135 measures, most of which are now mandatory from a base of just 21 countries with 41 voluntary measures in 2004).

The countries with the most active national programs are:

- China with 100 measures.

- USA with 86 measures.

- Korea with 78 measures.

- All EU countries with 77 measures.

The top three product types covered in national programs remains constant but the absolute number of measures has expanded significantly. In 2004, refrigerators were the most commonly covered product, with some 45 countries managing some 95 separate measures. In 2013, refrigerators expanded to 75 countries with 185 separate measures. Room air conditioners remain the second most commonly covered product in 2004 and 2013, with the country count increasing from 37 to 73 and the number measures increasing from 81 to 152. In 2004, around 30 countries covered various lamps or ballasts; this increased to almost 67 countries in 2013 with lamps alone accounting for some 149 separate measures. There has also been a shift in the type of products commonly regulated. In 2013 televisions are covered by some 47 countries with 135 separate measures (most of which were mandatory), from a base of just 21 countries in 2004 and 41 measures (where virtually all were voluntary). The coverage of water heaters also grew from 12 countries with mandatory measures to some 44 countries with mandatory measures in 2013. 

While electronic products are now covered by a substantial number of countries, the most common measures tend to be voluntary endorsement labels, although recently products like external power supplies, computers, set top boxes and other audio/video equipment have started to be covered by mandatory energy performance standards. The number of mandatory energy performance standard measures for electronic products increased from 9 in 2004 to 347 in 2013.

At a regional level, the European region now has the largest number of individual country measures for energy performance standards, comparative labels and endorsement labels. The number of measures by measure type is shown for each of the geographical regions used in this report.

In Australia, labelling and Energy Performance Standards programs were historically controlled by State legislation, as the national (Commonwealth) parliament did not have the constitutional power to legislate in this area. In 2012, this was changed through the introduction of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act (GEMS), which now allows national control of all labelling and Energy Performance Standards programs under agreement with the states. Energy labelling was introduced progressively in a number of Australian states from 1986, with all states now having the necessary regulations in place. The program was originally coordinated by the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (NAEEEC), but this role is now undertaken by a joint Australia/New Zealand program called the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program. Major manufacturers and importers recognise the commercial value of energy labelling and Energy Performance Standards, and are generally very supportive of the programs.

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) label was introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2005. Mandatory labelling of most products was introduced in mid 2006, with mandatory labelling of dishwashers and clothes washers starting later in 2008. The WELS label replaced a previous water rating scheme run by the water supply industry (based on AAA efficiency grades). WELS is administered by the Australian Department of the Environment.

In addition to labelling of electric appliances and water labelling, Australia also has a gas labelling scheme. The Australian Gas Association (AGA) has members from both the gas utility sector and gas appliance manufacturers, and has promoted various forms of energy efficiency labelling for space heaters and water heaters since the early 1980s. In 1988, the AGA introduced labels similar in format to those for electrical appliances. The gas labelling program is been voluntary and the level of compliance varies considerably from state to state. The Australian government is progressively regulating gas appliances under GEMS legislation.

Australia is also involved in the international ENERGY STAR® Program, using this endorsement label for office equipment and home electronics. The Endorsement label; the Good Environmental Choice Mark, is also used within Australia.

Energy Performance Standards were introduced to Australia in 1999, with refrigerators and freezers being the first product types covered. Now around 20 products are part of the Energy Performance Standards program, with levels for products revised over time as required.

Energy Performance Standards - Australia

The Australian States and Territories adopted new, uniform regulations in 1999, which saw the beginning of the Australian Energy Performance Standards program. Refrigerators, freezers and electric storage water heaters were initially covered from October 1999. Since this time, the program has been expanded to cover a range of products, with existing regulations revised to new levels as required. Energy Performance Standards requirements are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they keep up with advances in technology. From time to time there may be new or revised levels for products, with additional products also being investigated for potential Energy Performance Standards. Joint AS/NZS standards (some of which are based on international standards), cover the energy performance test requirements for labelling and Energy Performance Standards.

Australia works together with New Zealand on improving the efficiency of products, under a joint program called the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program. This program develops energy efficiency measures for a range of residential, commercial and industrial products, creating economic and environmental benefits. Aligning product energy efficiency measures across Australia and New Zealand reinforces development of a single marketplace, and allows both countries to honour their commitments under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). Aligning product standards also keeps business compliance costs low as they don’t have to meet differing requirements in two countries. Australia and New Zealand have had a joint program since 2002.

Products must meet certain requirements before they can be sold, these are set out in product standards. Importers or manufacturers need to understand and fulfill the requirements, including undertaking a single registration process that is valid in both countries.

Comparative Label (Electric) - Australia

Program Name: Energy Rating Labelling Scheme

Implementing Agency: Originally State and Territory Governments (start dates vary), now the Department of Industry

Participation Category: Mandatory Appliances Labelled: 1986 - refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers; 1987 - air conditioners (central, room and split system), dishwashers, freezers; 1989/90 - clothes dryers, clothes washers; 2009 – televisions; 2013 - computer monitors; Voluntary – three phase air conditioners, swimming pool pumps

Rating System: Energy Consumption (generally kWh/year), 1 to 10 stars (10 most efficient) (includes half stars)

Program Information: The labelling program requires the cooperation of several organisations. Historically, each State and Territory Government is responsible for legislation, regulations and administration, although from 2012 the program moved to national control. This includes the requirement for labels to be displayed, with regulatory offences and penalties for non-compliance in this area. In order to gain consistency across the country, the E3 Committee was established to provide a coordinating role for the program. E3 determines policy and sets the future directions for labelling.

Standards Australia is charged with establishing test procedures. They also publish special regulatory standards that show how to calculate ratings and configure the labels and specify other program requirements.

The rating scheme algorithms used to determine star ratings were upgraded in 2000, increasing the efficiency levels needed to obtain equivalent star ratings, and giving a new look, while still allowing comparison between old and new ratings. In 2007, an additional 4 star ‘tiara’ (or ‘crown’) was introduced to allow the labels to convey more information to consumers concerning appliance efficiency levels. The algorithms for the labels for refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners were again revised in 2010 to include this arrangement, and to take account of rapid market changes and Energy Performance Standards impacts for these products in previous years.

Manufacturers and importers are required to register the claimed performance of all products covered by the program before they can be sold. The government verifies these claims by check testing samples of products on the market, using a selection process that aims to indentify products that are likely to fail. This verification testing is conducted by independent laboratories. Regular surveys of retail outlets for compliance with labelling display requirements are undertaken, as to check that all eligible products are registered.

The first label is for a reverse cycle air conditioner, while the bottom label is for a television.

Comparative Label (Gas) - Australia

Program Name: Gas appliance Star Rating Scheme

Implementing Agency: Australian Gas Association 

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: 1980 - heaters (central and space) and water heaters

Rating System: Energy (MJ/year), 1 to 6 stars (6 most efficient)

Program Information: Being voluntary, this label is administered by the Australian Gas Association. In order for appliances to be approved for sale technical information must be provided to the AGA. This information allows an assessment of energy efficiency that determines the appliances star rating. It is then up to the manufacturer and/or retailer to decide whether to display the rating at the point of sale. Although the program began in the early 1980’s, the current label design was adopted 1988. There have been discussions concerning moving the program so it is covered under the same administration as the energy label, as well as introducing it into the New Zealand marketplace.

Comparative Label (Water) - Australia

Program Name: Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards(WELS) Scheme

Implementing Agency: Australian Department of the Environment

Participation Category: Mandatory

Appliances Labelled: 2006 – tapware, showers, lavatory equipment, urinal equipment; 2008 – dishwashers, clothes washers

Rating System: Water (Litres/wash or flush etc), 1 to 6 stars (6 most efficient)

Program Information: The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) label was introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2005. Mandatory labelling of most products was introduced in mid 2006, with mandatory labelling of dishwashers and clothes washers starting later in 2008. The WELS label replaced a previous water rating scheme run by the water supply industry (based on AAA efficiency grades). WELS is administered by the Australian Department of the Environment. Manufacturers and importers of applicable equipment need to register their products and affix a label before an item can be sold in the market. Penalties can be enforced for non compliance under the WELS Act, with periodic compliance investigations undertaken in the market. The WELS label design was based of that of the electrical label. 

Endorsement Label - Australia

Program Name: Good Environmental Choice

Implementing Agency: Australian Environmental Labelling Association

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Began in 2002, covers – computers, display devices, multifunction devices, photocopiers, printers, set top boxes, stereo systems, televisions

Program Information: This eco-label program was launched in 2002. Products need to meet a variety of environmental standards including energy usage requirements, with companies paying an annual fee to use the label.

Endorsement Label - Australia

Australia became an international Energy Star partner in 1999. This endorsement label is applicable for two product categories (office equipment and consumer electronics), and for a range of products including; computers, fax machines, photocopiers, televisions, printers and DVD players.

Standby Program - Australia

In 2002, Australia released its standby power plan, which aimed to achieve a 1 Watt standby target across a wide range of product types, endorsed by the then Ministerial Council on Energy. Over the period 2003-2004, a total of 30 standby power profiles were released, outlining the extent of the issue for each product type. A survey regime investigating standby was implemented in 2000, which included both new products (from store surveys) and stock products (from residential surveys), with these periodic surveys found that the average standby power consumption for most appliances had fallen over time, generally thought to be due to the impact of overseas standby policy and regulation.

There currently are Australian regulations for standby power, but only as an inclusion for a number of products in their Energy Performance Standards regulations (dishwashers (2006), clothes washers (2006), air conditioners (2010) and televisions (2009)). The standby consumption for these products is included in the energy consumption figures for the respective product energy labels, but is not shown separately. To align with international policy responses to the issue, and to address the market failure of unnecessary standby power consumption, Australia released a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (proposal to regulate) in late 2013, which includes a variety of options to possibly regulate standby power for a broad range of appliances and equipment. Limits on standby power are proposed to begin in 2014.

The European Union (EU) is now made up of made up of 28 member countries. Originally 9 countries when it first formed, the EU grew to 15 countries by the 1990s: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Another 10 additional countries joined in 2004: the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Since then, three more have joined in Romania and Bulgaria in 2007, and Croatia in 2013. These countries are required to implement harmonised regulations, including those covering energy efficiency requirements (Energy Performance Standards and labelling).

This broad geographical and economic coverage means that many of the practices of the EU are adopted or absorbed into many other countries that are geographically close or that trade with Europe. The European Commission is the EU’s governing body, with the Directorate General of Energy and Transport (TREN) being responsible for energy policy. Labelling and standards are the task of the New Energies and Demand Management Unit.

Prior to the EU labelling program, only a few countries were either running or developing labelling and standards programs. The earliest programs began in the 1960’s, with France introducing Energy Performance Standards, and in the mid 1970’s with France and Germany both implementing labelling programs. In the 1980’s, a voluntary common EU label was developed for ovens, but none of the Member States introduced the system due to a range of concerns. By 1990, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom also had legislation in place pertaining to energy labels and standards, while other countries such as Ireland were running voluntary labelling programs. It was Denmark’s desire to introduce a mandatory energy labelling scheme that led to the introduction of a common mandatory EU label.

In 1990, Denmark announced it wished to implement a Mandatory Energy Labelling Program. The European Commission (EC) declared that this would present an obstacle to “Free Trade”, and so requested that Denmark not proceed. However, given the interest across Europe in labelling programs the Commission developed the Directive For Mandatory Energy Labelling Of Household Appliances (Directive 92/75/EEC), which made comparative labelling compulsory in all member countries once a product directive had been passed. The Directive came into force in 1992, with the first labels becoming effective for refrigerators in 1995. The label for refrigerators and freezers was amended in 2003, with the inclusion of A+ and A++ categories (Directive 2003/66/EC). On 19 May 2010, the EU adopted the Directive 2010/30/EU on energy labels and 25 October 2012, the EU adopted the Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency amending Directives 2009/125/EC, and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC. The nature of the directive means that new appliances can be included in the program without seeking further political approval (from either parliament or the Council of Ministers – although there is a consultative labelling committee made up of civil servant appointees from Member States). An EU wide review of the energy label commenced in 2013. 

Another EC directive in 1992 allowed for the introduction of an EU wide eco-labelling scheme. This voluntary program covers several appliances, which must meet energy efficiency criteria. The ecolabel can be incorporated into the design of the comparative label. In addition, several EU members run their own voluntary endorsement programs both for energy efficiency and as part of broader eco-labelling schemes. Europe also now participates in the International ENERGY STAR® program for office equipment. 

The history of Energy Performance Standards within the EU has a similar beginning to the labelling program. The Netherlands notified the EC in 1992 of a desire to introduce Energy Performance Standards for refrigerators; again this was seen as a barrier to the working of the single market. The Commission hired consultants from three national energy agencies who formed the Group for Efficient Appliances (GEA) to carry out the study. The GEA produced a report with recommended Energy Performance Standards levels. The Commission and Member States largely ignored these recommendations, opting for less stringent levels, but which were still based upon the technical efficiency definitions and approaches established in the GEA study. This was approved in 1996, and took effect in September 1999. However, the directive is specific to refrigerators and freezers, unlike the framework energy labelling legislation, which means that Energy Performance Standards for other appliances need to be presented separately to the Council of Ministers (made up of representatives from the Member State governments) and the Parliament for approval. Hence the progress of Energy Performance Standards was slow and somewhat ad hoc. Energy Performance Standards for fluorescent lighting ballasts were also introduced in 1999 and requirements for boilers were also developed, but only approved in 2013.

In July 2006, the European Parliament issued the directive (2005/32/EC), with further amendments in 2008 and 2009 establishing a framework for the establishment of energy efficient requirements for energy, known as the EcoDesign Directive. The EcoDesign Directive provides consistent EU wide rules for improving the environmental performance of energy related products through energy efficiency measures, and prevents disparate national legislations on the environmental performance of these products from becoming obstacles to the intra EU trade. The EcoDesign directives can notionally cover any Energy Related Product (any product not only using energy directly, but also influencing its usage). More than 30 different products have had preparatory studies and many have requirements implemented. The regulations have a set revision and upgrade timetable for all regulated products. 

Previously, Directives passed by the European Commission required member states to implement enabling national legislation to give effect to the requirements. Since the EcoDesign directive and the upgraded energy labelling directive, energy efficiency requirements for new products have been promulgated as EU wide delegated regulations, which are force in all member states once passed in Brussels, without the need for national laws or regulations (translation into each of the 24 official EU languages is required).

For some product types, the EC has worked towards improved efficiency through voluntary negotiated agreements for a range of products. The EC negotiates with manufacturing associations to reduce overall energy consumption by setting a target efficiency level for an appliance, and by requiring the elimination of the products that consume the most energy. To date there have been six negotiated agreements. Some of these have been superseded by recent legislative requirements. 

NAFTA (Canada, Mexico, USA) countries now implement the EU labelling and Energy Performance Standards directives under the European Economic Treaty – a treaty between EU and European Free Trade Association countries (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). The dates of implementation vary by country. In addition, several countries in Eastern Europe that are not yet in the EU (but that have initiated a format accession process), have also implemented parts or all of the EU labelling and Energy Performance Standards program.

Energy Performance Standards - European Union

The introduction of Energy Performance Standards in Europe was problematic initially, with the European Union members initially needing to gain approval from the EC and the Parliament, in order to introduce or revise mandatory energy efficiency standards for any product. When the Netherlands initially proposed a national standard for refrigerators, it was rejected on the grounds that it would be prohibitive to free trade agreements. Prior to 2009, only three products had mandatory standards.

In 2009, the EU adopted the Directive 2009/125/EC on EcoDesign, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products, including the energy consumption throughout their entire life cycle. This Directive established a framework for the setting of EcoDesign requirements for energy related products, however made no direct provision for mandatory requirements for specific products. Mandatory requirements are developed for individual products via implementing measures and voluntary agreements. Since the adoption of the Directive 2009/125/EC, mandatory Energy Performance Standards have been established for many electrical appliance categories.

Further products under consideration for Energy Performance Standards include: game consoles, tunnel washers (commercial), DVD and Blu Ray players, commercial refrigeration – all types, ovens, central air conditioners, ice machines. Energy Performance Standards have been developed and is awaiting implementation for coffee machines.

Comparative Label - European Union

Program Name: Energy Label

Implementing Agency: National bodies of EU member Countries

Participation Category: Mandatory

Appliances Labelled: 1994 - refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers (94/2/EC) (revised with 2010/30/EU and again with Commission Delegated Regulation 1060/2010); 1996 - clothes washers (95/12/EC) (revised with 2010/30/EU and again with Commission Delegated Regulation 1061/2010), clothes dryers (95/13/EC) (revised with 2010/30/EU and again with Commission Delegated Regulation 392/2012); 1997 - combination washer-dryers (96/60/EC); 1998 – dishwashers (97/17/EC) (revised with 2010/30/EU and again with Commission Delegated Regulation 1059/2010), lighting systems (92/75/EEC); 2000 – electrical lamps and luminaries (98/11/EC) (revised with 2010/30/EU and again with Commission Delegated Regulation 847/2012); 2003 - air conditioners (2002/31/EC), electric ovens (2002/40/EC); 2010 – Commission Delegated Regulations: 1062/2010 televisions (updating 2010/30/EU); 2011 – Commission Delegated Regulations: 626/2011 air conditioners (updating 2010/30/EU); 2013 – Commission Delegated Regulations: 811/2013 space heating equipment, 812/2013 water heaters, 665/2013 vacuum cleaners 

Rating System: Energy (kWh/year or per cycle), Efficiency rating A to G (A most efficient), although new label scales generally show a highest rating of A+++ with the lowest rating of D; the visible end scales depend on the product.

Program Information: Most products are now covered by delegated regulations, which do not require member country laws or regulations. Member States are responsible for compliance, educational and promotional activities. Product suppliers need to provide proof of appliance efficiency and make informational available in the form a product fiche. The requirement for a label also applies to products for hire (but not for second hand products), and a set of information to be provided on internet is also specified, where the label is not displayed. A new directive for the label display on internet is under preparation. For any advertisement, the product´s energy class has to be specified in media, whenever the price or technical specifications are promoted. The label displays the energy consumption and rates the appliance with its comparative level of efficiency. There is no product registration system in Europe. The above far left label is for a refrigerator, the middle for a television, and the far right is for a washing machine. All labels are of similar style. The EU has moved to using pictograms rather than words for each of the performance measures included in addition to energy, due to the large number of languages used in Europe (the EU labels are regarded as "language neutral"). 

The label is currently in a revision process (2013-2014), which may result in a (fundamentally) new design and energy class specification.

Endorsement Label - European Union

Program Name: European Eco-label award scheme

Implementing Agency: European Union Eco Labelling Board (EUEB)

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Began in 1992 - computers (including portables), lamps (cfls, double ended tubes), computer monitors, televisions, (Products originally included, but no longer included in the scheme - refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, vacuum cleaners)

Product Categories: Electrical equipment and household appliances:2007 – heat pumps; 2009/2013 – televisions; 2011 – notebook computers, light bulbs, personal computers; Other products: Beauty care, cleaning, clothing, paints and varnishes, electronic equipment, coverings, furniture, household appliance, lubricants, paper products, gardening, holiday accommodation.

Program Information: Launched in 1992, the European Eco-label award scheme operates across the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The EUEB was formed recently to improve the administration of the program and has representatives from all participant countries. Criteria are set by the EC in consultation with the member states, and are reviewed every three years to ensure the label stays relevant. If an eco-label is awarded, it can be displayed on the comparative label, and as with many eco-label programs, energy efficiency is just one criteria. Manufacturers need to apply to the accredited National organisation to be awarded the label, with the onus of proof of the claim on the manufacturer. The national body then informs the EUEB, and if there are no objections, then the label is awarded.

Endorsement labels from individual Countries with the European Union

Seven examples of labelling programs being run by countries (or groups of countries) within the EU are briefly summarised below. This is not an exhaustive list, with other EU countries also using endorsement labels, including the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, Slovakia and Hungary. 

Program Name: Austrian Eco Label

Implementing Agency: Federal Ministry for Environment, Youth and Family Affairs (BMUJF)

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers, clothes washers, copiers; 2013 – product categories - building and housing, household and cleaning, garden, office, paper and printing, green energy, sustainable financial products, mobility (driving schools)

Program Information: This eco label program began in 1991, and is administered by the BMUJF. Labels are awarded only for a 12 month period.

Program Name: Umweltzeichen or Blue Eco Angel (Germany)

Implementing Agency: Federal Ministry for the Environment Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: 1986 – boilers, water heaters; 1990 – copiers, gas heating products; 1992 - refrigerators, freezers and combinations; 1994 – ballasts, computers; 1996 – printers; 1997 – televisions; 1998 - fax machines, portable computers; 1999 - clothes dryers clothes washers, dishwashers; 2013 – product categories include: home and living, electrical appliances including baby monitors and coffee machines, building materials, office equipment and consumables, energy and heating flues and equipment, gardening tools and materials and commercial practices.

Program Information: This Eco label program is a joint initiative of three organisations: Umweltzeichen - an independent panel with representatives from the scientific, business and environmental communities, consumer organisations, union, industry, and Government; Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung (RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labelling); and Umweltbundesamt (the Federal Environmental Agency).

Program Name: Milieukeur

Implementing Agency: Stichting Milieukeur, The Netherlands

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Central heaters, lamps, computers, televisions

Program Information: Stichting Milieukeur is responsible for this ecolabel. The organisation is made up of environmental, consumer, manufacturers and retail organisations, as well as government representatives.

Program Name: Energy Efficiency Recommended Logo

Implementing Agency: Energy Saving Trust, UK

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers combination washerdryers, dishwashers, lamps, boilers

Program Information: This program developed by the UK Energy Trust, who awards the label to the most efficient products in each category.

Program Name: Aenor-Medio Ambiente, (Spain)

Implementing Agency: Asociacion Espanola de Normalizacion y Certificacion (AENOR. Standards Association Spain)

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: copiers, fax machines, televisions, printers, VCR

Program Information: The Spanish eco label program began in 1994, and is run by the independent standards organisation, AENOR.

Program Name: Environmental Label (Croatia)

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: Building and cleaning products, paper products, tourism (accommodation providers), waste management and recycling, biodegradable lubricants.

Program Information: The Environment Label of Croatia was established in 1993, and is awarded for products or services which are deemed to be better for the environment compared to other products through a life cycle analysis. The manufacturer, importer, service provider, wholesale or retail merchant submits an application for the award of the Environment Label to the Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection, who then forwards the submission to the Commission for the award of the Environmental Label for consideration and professional assessment. The Commission proposes or rejects awarding of the Environmental Label if the product meets or does not meet all the requirements for the award, with the Environmental Label award then passed by the Ministry if the application is successful. The Environmental Label is awarded for a fixed term of three years. The manufacturer may resubmit a new application for an extension.

Standby Power – European Union

In 2008, the European Commission published a new standby regulation; EC No 1275/2008. This implemented the Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, in regards to Ecodesign requirements for standby and off mode electric power consumption of electrical and electronic household and office equipment. This regulation came into force in two stages with Tier 1 in December 2009, and Tier 2 in December 2012.
In August 2013, the EU published the Networked Standby Amendment to Regulations EC/2008/1275 (standby), and EC/642/2009 (televisions). An amended standby regulation was issued later in August 2013 (Regulation 801/2013) for networked products, and the requirements will be introduced in three Tiers in January 2015, January 2017, and January 2019. Existing standby and off mode regulation still applies for non-networked equipment.
While the amendment sets out levels through to 2019, a review is planned in 2016 to assess the validity of the levels in relation to any future advances in technology and design.

The Law Concerning Rational Use of Energy or Energy Conservation Law was introduced in 1979, and serves as the basis for Japan’s labelling and standards program. The law has been reviewed and updated several times since its introduction, broadening both the products covered, and the desired efficiency levels. Since 1986, Japan has required that energy consumption information be displayed on the compliance plates inside the door of refrigerators and freezers. However, in August 2000 a comparative labelling program was introduced allowing consumers to more easily distinguish more efficient models. The mandatory Uniform Energy Saving Label program for retailers was introduced in 2006 initially for refrigerators and fluorescent lamps, but has now been expanded to include four other products. Additionally, Japan participates in the International Energy Star endorsement label program for office equipment, and has an eco label program which includes several appliances. There are no traditional Energy Performance Standards in Japan, instead it has an aggressive efficiency target program that encourages (or more accurately, obliges) manufacturers to reach a specified level of efficiency by a nominated date – this program is called Top Runner.

Energy Performance Standards – Japan

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI – now called METI) passed the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy (or Energy Conservation Law) in 1979. The Law established standards concerning plant energy management, heat insulation of homes, and automobile fuel consumption. In 1979, target efficiency standards for residential refrigerators and air conditioners were established. Refrigerator standards were removed from the Law in 1984, since all manufacturers had already exceeded the efficiency targets. Standards for fluorescent lamps, televisions, computers, magnetic disk drives, and copiers were added in 1994. The Energy Conservation Law was revised in June 1998, and put into force in April 1999. In the Law target efficiency standards and requirements for energy-consuming products were established these targets are called the “Top Runner” program.

Appliances that have high saturation, large energy consumption, and/or are deemed in need of energy efficiency improvements, have target efficiency levels set under Top Runner. The standards are set by identifying the most efficient model in each size and type of product as the benchmark. Manufacturers and importers have to ensure the average (sales weighted) efficiency of all their appliances shipped meet this target efficiency by a specified date (the target year). The program allows a continuum for improvement over time making manufacturers constantly increase the efficiency of appliances. The Top Runner standards are voluntary as there is no minimum level, however penalties can be evoked if the average efficiency target is not met. Usually, the penalty involves public announcements by the government that a company has failed to meet the target, although financial deterrents such as fines are available. The Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry monitor the program, and it is legislated through the Energy Conservation Law. The program so far has been very successful with most manufacturers meeting the targets by the specified dates. When the target year is reached, new target levels can be reviewed and established.

Comparative Label – Japan

Program Name: Uniform Energy Saving Label (for retailers)

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI)

Participation Category: Mandatory

Appliances Labelled: 2006 – refrigerators, fluorescent lamps; 2007 – electric toilet seats; 2008 – room air conditioners; 2009 – televisions (flat screen and CRT)

Rating System: Energy (kWh/year ), Efficiency rating 1 to 5 stars (5 most efficient)

Program Information: The Uniform Energy Saving Label is for retailers only, and is administered by METI. It covers products and shows the kWh/year and an efficiency rating in stars. The label also indicates the compliance level with the Top Runner standard, with arrows placed under the stars to show achievement and non-achievement. The expected annual electricity bill is indicated at the base of the label. Manufacturers and importers must provide a self-declaration of energy performance prior to joining the program. The Industry Association (for certain product types) undertakes an energy efficiency performance test. Surveys are also conducted by METI to ensure that the labels are placed correctly on products at the point of sale. Products may also be randomly selected for testing by the Industry Association. 

Top Runner Indicator Label - Japan

Program Name: Energy Saving Labelling Program (for manufacturers)

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI)

Participation Category: Voluntary (quasi-mandatory)

Appliances Labelled: (the following list almost certainly includes revised dates of implementation, as this program runs alongside the Top Runner Program); 2002 – transformers; 2003 – gas cooking appliances; 2005 – rice cookers; 2006 – microwaves, refrigerator/freezers, refrigerators, computers, cooktop/hobs, freezers, space heaters; 2007 – DVD/Blu Ray players, electric toilet seats; 2008 – room air conditioners; 2009 – televisions (flat screen and CRT), hard drives

Rating System: Annual Consumption (kWh/year Lm/W), Top Runner target year, achievement rate of Top Runner efficiency ratio (%) – less than 100% means that the product has not met the Top Runner target (label e yellow/orange), more than 100% means that the product exceeds the Top Runner target (label e green).

Program Information: Japan’s new indicator label allows consumers to ascertain how an appliance fairs in relation to the Top Runner Standard (See Energy Performance Standards above). Firstly the labels are colour coded; yellow/orange to indicate the models that are below (failed to meet) the efficiency target level, and green for those above (i.e. better than) the efficiency target level. Secondly, the label displays the ratio percentage of the standard that the model has achieved, i.e. if it operates at the Top Runner standard level then the ratio is 100%. Thirdly, the label displays the annual energy consumption of the appliance, and also the year by which the target is to be attained. The Energy Efficiency Policy Division of the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, which sits within the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, administers the program. The labels are to be adhered to the appliance as well as packaging, and in advertising. Where an air conditioner also has heating capabilities, energy consumption for both heating and cooling is displayed. In addition to these designated products which are required to be labelled according to progress against Top Runner, a range of other products are required to carry basic performance, capacity and energy consumption information on the products themselves or in catalogues. Manufacturers and importers must provide a self declaration of energy performance prior to joining the program. The Industry Association (for certain product types), undertakes an energy efficiency performance test. Surveys are also conducted by METI to ensure that the labels are placed correctly on products at the point of sale. Products may also be randomly selected for testing by the Industry Association. While this label contains some technical information, it is primarily an indicator of whether Top Runner targets have been achieved (or not), so it is a hybrid between a normal endorsement label and a comparative label. The Top Runner indicator label is usually included within the comparative label for products that are covered by those requirements.

Endorsement Label – Japan

Japan is an international ENERGY STAR® partner. 

This endorsement label is for one product category - office equipment, and includes 8 different products.

Endorsement Label – Japan

Program Name: Japan Environment Association (JEA) Eco Mark

Implementing Agency: Energy Conservation Centre

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: 2011 – multifunction devices; 2012 – LEDs, Blu-Ray DVD players; 2013 – photocopiers, computers, printers, projectors, televisions 

Program Information: The JEA Eco Mark is a voluntary program, managed in accordance with the standard and principle ISO14020 and ISO 14024, and has been running since 1989. The Mark is for selected products that are suitable for environmental preservation, as defined by the Eco Mark Committee for Establishing Category and Criteria. This mark is also for a variety of other products that are not energy related in nature.

Standby Program - Japan

In 2001, a number of industry bodies – JERAIA (Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association), JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) and JEMA (Japan Electrical Manufacturer’s Association), agreed as part of a voluntary industry agreement, that for appliances with supporting functions (i.e. remote controls), efforts should be made to reduce the standby power consumption to 1 Watt or less. It was also agreed that for other products with standby functions, efforts would be made to achieve as close to 0 Watts standby power consumption as possible. Standby power is also included in the total energy consumption of at least 7 of the products covered by Top Runner.

The US Federal government has passed several major pieces of legislation that set a solid framework for appliance labelling and standards. In 1975, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act required the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish a labelling program and the Department of Energy (DOE) to set voluntary efficiency targets. The labelling program, Energy Guide, became effective from about 1980 when manufacturers were obliged to place energy labels indicating energy consumption on their appliances. Following was the National Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1978, which changed efficiency targets to mandatory standards and ensured that Federal Law had precedence over individual state laws. Many states had begun prescribing Energy Performance Standards during the late 1970s, meaning manufacturers had to meet varying criteria. This situation led to manufacturers giving great support to the federal act. The actual standards, along with a requirement to review and update efficiency levels, were made into law in 1988 with the enactment of the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act. Additional standards (mainly commercial and industrial products) were written into the law in 1992, with the introduction of the Energy Policy Act. There are now national efficiency standards for most home appliances and equipment.

The 1992, the DOE was directed to support a voluntary office equipment program (ENERGY STAR®) under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. ENERGY STAR® is a joint effort with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used to indicate low standby for some products and high efficiency for others. In an effort to boost the effect of these programs a presidential executive order was passed at the end of 2001, declaring all government agencies when purchasing appliances with standby mode, consumption must be no greater than 1 watt. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 included an expanded coverage and scope. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) added standards for some additional products, and included provisions to advance the standard-setting process. Orders passed as part of the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) also require that all appliances purchased by government agencies must be energy star labelled. In addition to these government programs, a non-profit organisation has also established an eco label, which endorses energy efficient products.

Energy Performance Standards - USA

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is required by legislation to set Energy Performance Standards for a wide range of nominated products. Additionally, those products which are not covered, but which consume more than a specified amount of energy, are also to be considered for Energy Performance Standards. However, Energy Performance Standards can only be set after a prescribed process of research and consultation, and the levels must be demonstrated to be technically feasible and cost-effective. Energy Performance Standards levels are reviewed by the DOE from time to time, and higher levels are set if the analysis justifies a revision. Federal Energy Performance Standards levels take precedence over state levels, but if the Federal government determines that no standards are warranted for a particular product, then states are free to set local rules. Canada and, to a lesser extent, Mexico, have harmonised their Energy Performance Standards regimes with the US for many products, although the implementation dates vary. As with the energy labelling program, NIST is responsible for establishing test procedures.

Comparative Label - USA

Program Name: Energy Guide

Implementing Agency: US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Participation Category: Mandatory

Appliances Labelled: 1980 – air conditioners (room), clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, water heaters (electric, gas, oil); 1992 - heat pumps, boilers; 1993 - air conditioners (central); 1994 – ballasts, lamps; 2007 – central boiler/furnace, water heating instantaneous; 2008 – ceiling fans; 2011 – televisions - CRT and flatscreen (under reveiw 2013); 2012 – lighting ballast fluorescent, CFL, LEDS; Under development – battery chargers, external power supplies (2013)

Rating System: Energy (kWh/year), operating cost and lowest and highest energy used for similar products (EER and or SEER for air conditioners). The end points on the label are upgraded each year.

Program Information: The FTC is responsible for the design, implementation and compliance of this program. The technical requirements are set out in the Code of Federal Regulations 16CFR305. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are responsible for development and maintenance of test procedures. Test procedures are specified on the Code of Federal Regulations 10CFR430. The label originally showed only the annual cost of operation however; problems arose when national average electricity price changed from year to year and the range of prices was so wide. In 1994, the FTC decided to revise the Energy Guide label so that annual energy use (in kWh) rather than average annual operating cost became the main comparative indicator.

Endorsement Label - USA

Program Name: ENERGY STAR® Program

Implementing Agency: US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (lead agency depends on the product).

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: 1992 – computers (2009 under revision), monitors; 1993 – printers; 1994 – fax machines; 1995 – air conditioners (central), copiers, furnaces, heat pumps, transformers; 1996 - air conditioners (room) (review complete pending implementation 2013), dishwashers, refrigerators; 1997 – clothes washers (under review 2013), MFD’s, residential lighting products, scanners; 1998 – televisions, VCR’s; 2000 – audio products, CFL’s, DVDs; 2003 – steam cookers; 2004 – air cleaners; 2006 – battery chargers (under review 2013), external power supplies; 2008 – string lights, telephones – cordless, freezers, refrigerator-freezers (under review 2013); 2009 – ovens (under revision 2013), central air conditioning, imaging machines (under review 2013); 2010 – water coolers, refrigerators, refrigerated cabinets (all under review 2013); 2011 – fryers, griddles, commercial hot food holding cabinets, LEDs self ballasted, set top boxes - complex and simple (under review 2013) 2012 – ceiling fan lighting kits, lighting fixtures, dehumidifiers, solid state LEDs/other, uninterruptable power supplies, integrated fans, ceiling fans; 2013 – dishwashers, central boilers and furnaces, ice machines; other products with Energy Star endorsement label under development: game consoles, networking equipment, computer server, clothes dryer, washer and dryer, climate control heating and cooling, televisions – CRT and flatscreen, refrigerated vending machine, laboratory refrigerator/freezers, water heaters - storage and instantaneous

Program Information: The ENERGY STAR® endorsement label was launched in 1992, both the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) jointly manage it. The ENERGY STAR® program is both an international product specification that deals with standby and increasingly on mode performance for a wide range of consumer electronic products and office equipment (see the section on International ENERGY STAR), and a US domestic endorsement labelling program that identifies major appliances, buildings and other equipment that are high efficiency (generally which average or Energy Performance Standards levels by a significant margin).

The program originally covered only computers, monitors and printers, but has now been expanded to cover a wide variety of appliances, equipment, building products and even homes and windows. For office equipment, such as personal computers and photocopiers, and electronic equipment, the Energy Star label indicates that the model has certain power management capabilities, and that the manufacturer has undertaken to supply the product with those capabilities turned on, or “enabled”. For other types of equipment, the Energy Star label indicates that the product is among the most efficient of its type, either because it is in the top percentile of the range on the market, or because it exceeds the Energy Performance Standards level by a specified margin. The amount by which an appliance must exceed the minimum standard differs for each product and is dependent upon available technology in each product category. The program is continuing to explore endorsement criteria for new products.

Endorsement Label - USA

Program Name: Green Seal of Approval

Implementing Agency: Green Seal

Participation Category: Voluntary

Appliances Labelled: 1992 – lamps; 1993 - clothes washers, dishwashers; 1994 – clothes dryers, freezers, ranges/ovens, refrigerators, refrigerators-freezers; 1995 – air conditioners (residential); 1998 – heat pumps; 2009 – CFLs

Program Information: Green Seal is a non-profit organisation, which runs an eco labelling program, the "Green Seal of Approval". The types of products eligible for a label are selected according to the significance of their potential environmental impact, and in consultation with industry, environmentalists, consumer groups and the public. Criteria are then established addressing the areas the product has most negative impact. Manufacturers pay Green Seal to organise the testing and monitoring of their product. Once the label is awarded the product is checked annually. The label displays the program logo and clearly states the criteria for which the award was given e.g. “Meets Green Seal Environmental Criteria for high Energy Efficiency, low Noise, and recycled Packaging”.

Standby – USA

USA standby requirements for a wide range of products have been included in the ENERGY STAR® program for many years. However, participation in ENERGY STAR® is voluntary. In July 1999, President Clinton signed executive order 13123, which requires ENERGY STAR® compliance as a prerequisite for government purchasing, where applicable. For product groups where ENERGY STAR® specifications are not yet available, the order requires agencies to select products that are in the upper 25 percent of energy efficiency as designated by FEMP. These requirements cover much more than standby in many cases.

In July 2001, President Bush signed executive order Executive Order 13221, ‘Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices’, which limits the standby power of equipment purchased by Federal government departments and agencies. The order states: “Each agency, when it purchases commercially available, off-the-shelf products that use external standby power devices, or that contain an internal standby power function, shall purchase products that use no more than one watt in their standby power consuming mode”. As a result of this order, the Department of Energy is required to compile and maintain a listing of eligible products. This can be found on the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) website. The scope of the order is not specified, but it is assumed to be extremely wide and the number of product types included in the FEMP website is continuing to expand.
The DOE is progressively including standby and off mode power into the test procedure energy consumption measurements of many products covered by energy labelling and Energy Performance Standards.

In Asia Pacific, Brunei, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore have implemented the labeling program quite early. In 2005, Brunei Darussalam released an overall energy efficiency goal to reduce energy intensity by 25% by 2030. This was part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategic Plan, which includes the planned introduction of energy efficiency labelling for electrical equipment and appliances. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was to be enacted in 20126 (it is unknown at the time of writing as to whether this is the case), with air conditioners and lighting being the first products to be labelled, with plans to expand to other electrical appliances and equipment in the future. The standards for the scheme are based on similar standards in the region.

In India, The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 provides the basis for India’s standards and labelling program. India’s labelling program was launched in 2006, initially with a voluntary comparative labelling scheme for refrigerators and air conditioners. The overall strategy was to begin labelling on a voluntary basis, then move to a mandatory approach for energy performance and test procedure standards. BEE's Star Labelling is now mandatory for four appliances, including frost-free refrigerators, room air conditioners, distribution transformers and tubular fluorescent lights (TFLs). 

The Indonesian government first announced a Master Plan for Energy Conservation in 1995, with Indonesian Energy Performance Standards and labelling programs coming under the authority of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Indonesia has introduced labelling for a number of products (started in 2011 with CFLs), adding products in 2012, and with plans to expand this in coming years. The acknowledged reasons for introducing both standards and labelling, is to increase demand side energy efficiency, and to encourage suppliers (importers and manufacturers) to supply only efficient products. Currently, four products are subject to Energy Performance Standards (chillers, lighting systems, packaged terminals and refrigerators), with levels also planned for a larger range of products. 

Malaysia has introduced mandatory efficiency standards for fluorescent ballasts, portable fans and incandescent lamps, and voluntary standards for small and medium 3-phase electric motors.

The Philippines Energy Performance Standards program also developed in the early 1990’s, and currently covers all types of room air conditioners.

Thailand passed its Demand Side Management (DSM) Master Plan and its Energy Conservation Promotion Act in 1991, with an associated Energy Conservation Promotion Fund in 1992. These two programs have established a strong basis for an increase in the efficient use of energy.

Thailand has active comparative label, endorsement label and Energy Performance Standards programs for appliances and equipment.

Appliances Labelled: 1995 – room air conditioners (split and window wall), refrigerators; 1998 – residential fluorescent lighting ballasts (magnetic ballasts); 2000 – refrigerator/freezers; 2004 – rice cookers; 2006 – compact fluorescent lamps; 2008 – portable fans; 2009 – fluorescent lighting ballasts (electronic ballasts and low loss magnetic ballasts), lamps; 2010 – kettles, standby (all equipment types); 2011 – instantaneous water heaters.