energimerke

Energimerke is a labeling system used in Norway and other European countries to communicate the energy efficiency of products and buildings. It is part of the broader European Union energy labeling framework, designed to help consumers compare energy use and to encourage manufacturers to improve efficiency. The scheme is implemented in the European Economic Area through national regulations, and Norway applies similar requirements.

For household appliances and consumer electronics, energimerket typically displays an energy efficiency class on a scale (for many years A to G, with higher efficiency classes in green). The label also shows estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours and may include additional information such as capacity, power rating, volume, or noise level. Some product groups transitioned to a simplified scale in recent years, while older products may still bear the previous A+/A++ scales.

For construction and buildings, energimerking (energy performance certificate) assesses the building’s overall energy efficiency. The certificate assigns a rating from A to G and provides an estimate of annual energy use and cost, along with practical recommendations to reduce consumption. In many jurisdictions, the certification is required when a building is sold or rented.

The use of energimerke empowers consumers to compare products and buildings, informing purchasing decisions and encouraging improvements in energy efficiency. While labels provide useful benchmarks, actual energy use depends on usage patterns, climate, and the specific product design.