A revised Energy Labelling Directive, extends the scope to energy-related products and to products in the commercial and industrial sectors. A new working document proposes horizontal requirements for product information online.

The new working document (see table below) proposes how the energy label should be displayed in online environments, such as laptops, tablets, smart phones and other devices.

The recast Energy Labelling Directive Directive 2010/30/EU was adopted by the European Parliament and Council in May 2010.  It extends the energy label to energy-related products in the commercial and industrial sectors, for example cold storage rooms and vending machines.

The extension of the scope from energy-using to energy-related products (including construction products) means that the Directive covers any good having an impact on energy consumption during use. These products do not consume energy but "have a significant direct or indirect impact" on energy savings. Examples are window glazing and outer doors.

Energy labelling requirements are already in force for a number of products and the Commission will adopt delegated regulations for energy labelling in parallel with the adoption of the Ecodesign regulations .

Seven classes and colours

According to the new Energy Labelling Directive, the layout of the energy efficiency label gives room to up to three new energy classes to reflect technological progress. The principle of the energy labelling system is that the energy label starts with the classes A to G.

The new Energy Labelling Directive introduces new efficiency classes A+, A++ and A+++ on top of the existing A grade for the most energy-efficient household products.The most efficient class is represented by A+++.

However, the total number of classes will still be limited to seven. The "A" to "G" scale to may thus appear as follows:

• If the highest class is classified as A+, the lowest class will be F.
• If the highest class is classified as A++, the lowest class will be E.
• If the highest class is classified as A+++, the lowest class will be D.

The labelling colour scheme will be adjusted accordingly, so that the highest energy efficiency class will remain dark green and the lowest energy efficient class will be red.

The new label will gradually be introduced at the point of sale. Consumers are likely to see the old and the new label  alongside. Still, it is possible to compare the products since an old class A appliance is still equivalent to a new class A appliance.

The energy classes will be reviewed in 2014.

New regulations adopted

New labels for domestic dishwasher, washing machines, refrigerators and freezers enter into force in December 2010. The highest class will be A+++, since the technological development these appliances has resulted in about 90 percent of the products already reaching class A.

Regulations with energy labelling requirements are presented at the Eco-design Products & status web site.

Products & status