Buying energy efficient is as easy as A to G, says MEP Fiona Hall

10.00.00am GMT Wed 11th Mar 2009

Today, energy rating labels can tell you everything you need to know to make sure you go out and buy that all important energy efficient product - giving you vital information about energy consumption, performance and efficiency.

Energy efficiency labels are currently found on goods such as washing machines, freezers and light bulbs and are soon to be extended to a number of other energy using products such as televisions. But energy saving is set to become even easier as new proposals to extend energy efficiency labelling have been given the green light by MEPs.

A vote in the European Parliament's Industry Committee has endorsed plans to extend the A to G scheme to energy related products - that is, products which cause a significant waste of energy if they are badly designed. This includes household fixtures such as shower heads and windows.

The straightforward A to G labelling method clearly shows that products labelled with an 'A', get top marks for energy saving performance, whilst those at the other end of the scale branded 'G' are the worst.

Said North East Lib Dem Euro-MP Fiona Hall, who sits on the Industry committee, and voted to support this move:

"It all boils down to a clearer choice for energy-conscious shoppers. At a time when everyone is watching what they spend, more information about energy efficiency is a boom. For example, plasma TVs use much more energy than LCD ones, yet hardly anyone out there buying a TV knows this.

"Driving up energy standards for everyday goods is also crucial in the battle to cut CO2 emissions and tackle climate change.

"I am particularly pleased that MEPs voted last night to keep the A to G approach, which is widely recognised and understood. Technology is improving all the time so we want to see a date added to the A to G label too. An 'A' from five years ago is not as good as an 'A' today."

MEPs also supported the idea that, in future, information about energy usage should be included not only in the A to G label at point of sale but also in any advert giving technical data.