energielabel

Energielabel is a label used in the Netherlands and across the European Union to indicate the energy efficiency of certain products and buildings. It helps consumers compare how much energy a device or a building uses and often relates to expected operating costs and environmental impact. The label is part of wider EU efforts to promote energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For consumer appliances, energielabels show the energy efficiency class and, in many cases, the estimated annual energy consumption. The labeling scale has historically ranged from A to G, with higher efficiency classes at the left. In recent revisions, the scale has been simplified to A through G to avoid the previous proliferation of plus classes such as A+, A++, and A+++. The label is accompanied by technical data, such as capacity and performance metrics for the specific appliance. Manufacturers and retailers must display the label at the point of sale and provide the associated energy information.

For buildings, energielabel often appears as an energy performance certificate (EPC) that rates a building from A to G based on its expected energy use for heating, cooling, hot water, and ventilation. In many EU countries, including the Netherlands, an EPC is required when a property is built, sold, or rented. The certificate includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency and typically remains valid for several years (commonly around ten).

Energielabel regulation is overseen by national authorities under EU directives, with updates aimed at improving comparability, accuracy, and the overall efficiency of energy labeling across products and buildings.