The EP asks for more information on the energy consumption of appliances
Any advertisement that reflects the technical characteristics of refrigerators, washing machines or furnaces should indicate the energy consumption of the product, according to the Parliament decision. MEPs who have voted on the directive that governs the energy labeling, suggest that the label of a product is valid for three to five years and the energy rating standards are updated regularly.
Energy labeling will help consumers to assess the costs they entail the purchase of appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers or ovens. The producers of these goods will have to indicate their power consumption, irrespective of whether their performance is good (green class "A") or bad (red class "G").
The report at first reading calls for this label to be also applied to industrial and commercial products that consume energy, such as cold rooms, refrigerators or desks vending machines. The same will happen with the building products that have a significant direct or indirect impact on energy consumption, such as door frames or windows.
The EU also proposes that all advertising on specific energy-related products, to provide technical specifications have to report their energy consumption and energy on its label. Any technical documentation such as manuals and brochures of the manufacturers, both in print and online, you must meet these requirements.
Regular review of the classification of energy
According to MEPs, the Commission should regularly review the classification included in the labeling of energy. In addition, the label of a product should last between three and five years and the standards of classification should be upgraded "in the light of progress in terms of product innovation”.
Tax incentives and public works
Member States may also offer incentives to those products that meet energy efficiency criteria. Members recommended tax incentives, both for consumers and businesses that use and sell such products. Also requested to reduce the VAT on materials and components that improve energy efficiency.
The text also calls on the authorities to hire supplies, works or services from 15,000 euros, which will only do so if the products meet minimum levels of energy efficiency. Furthermore, MEPs call for, within six months, the Commission forwarded to Parliament and the Member States a list of priority products for labeling, "based on their potential in terms of energy savings."
All these initiatives are continuing the line initiated by the Commission to adopt an ambitious package of measures to curb climate change and to achieve an energy efficiency increase.