A new digital switchover? Delivering a digital energy label for Europe

Panel: 7. Appliances, product policy and the ICT supply chain

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Tom Lock, Energy Saving Trust, United Kingdom
Stephane Arditi, European Environmental Bureau, Belgium

Abstract

The EU energy label has been in the form of a static on-product label for 20 years. The 2014 evaluation prioritised the investigation of opportunities offered by ICT to provide more information through Quick Response (QR) codes (or similar) and/or to provide electronic displays in stores. Whilst the EU was a forerunner in the launch of energy labelling, it now risks being left behind by other regions. The Chinese energy label already has QR codes incorporated and Bosch Siemens have completed a proof of concept on the use of QR codes in energy labels. Will the EU get left behind in this next evolutionary phase or adapt and use the surrounding expertise to deliver an effective digital solution? The current information presented on the energy label is limited, lacking flexibility and adaptability. It cannot be modified once printed and does not support any future re-scaling. Digitised labelling could deliver a step change in the delivery of energy labelling and standard product information, by building on the existing energy label and delivering a range of digital solutions to enable consumers to take action with the full knowledge of the energy related aspects of the product. Digitised labelling would also deliver effective solutions to enable stakeholders (manufacturers, retailers and policy makers) to fulfil the full and intended aims of the energy label. QR codes could direct consumers to the often difficult to find product fiche, to the running costs for the appliance and to comparisons of category performance. Average EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) smartphone penetration is now 60%, with 1 in 5 consumers using their phones to engage with QR codes. Electronic displays could help eradicate the 20% of products consistently not labelled in-store. They can adapt the display of energy label content according to cultural and national preferences. They could facilitate the re-scaling of energy labels; the opportunities to synchronise the digitisation of the energy label with the implementation of a revised energy label are considerable. The global best practice, the benefits, risks and options for the EU will be presented, but will the EU switchover too?