energimerker

Energimerker are energy marks or labels used on products, buildings, and transport to indicate how much energy they use or how efficiently they operate. The goal is to help consumers compare options quickly and to encourage manufacturers to improve energy performance. Labels typically present an energy efficiency class, often on a scale from A to G, and may also display numerical indicators such as annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours or estimated CO2 emissions.

Common applications include household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, lights), where mandatory energy labeling exists in many markets; in addition, some products carry a QR code with product data. For buildings, energy performance certificates (EPCs) rate a building's overall energy efficiency on the A–G scale and include estimated annual energy use and recommendations for improvements; EPCs are usually required when the building is sold or rented.

How it is determined: Labels are based on standardized testing, calculations, and benchmarks defined by national or international authorities. Manufacturers submit data; independent bodies verify compliance. The schemes are regularly updated to reflect new technologies and to adjust the thresholds between classes.

Regional context: In the European Union and European Economic Area, energy labeling for appliances is mandated by directives and applied across member states; for buildings, EPC requirements vary by country but are common in Nordic and other European nations.

Impact and limitations: Energimerker aim to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, but consumer understanding can vary and scales can become confusing when classifications change or new top classes are introduced. See also energy efficiency, energy label, energy performance certificate.