The new 2021 energy label - How does it work?

The new 2021 energy label - How does it work?

The energy label shows how economical light bulbs and other products, such as electrical appliances, use energy. The higher the energy efficiency class is, the more energy and thus electricity is used by an electrical appliance. Since Sept. 1, 2021, a new energy label has been introduced. In this blog we tell you what the label now says and what you can look out for.

Energy label renewed September 1, 2021

According to the new energy labeling regulation (EU) 2019/2015 (abbreviation ELR) as of September 1, 2021, almost all LED lamps, fluorescent lamps and energy-saving lamps have have been given a new energy label. The new scale runs from A (dark green) to through G (red). The most economical energy label is "A" and the least economical is "G". This makes it extra easy to choose an energy-efficient lamp.

Until September 1, 2021, the label ran from A++ to E. The old scale did not provide not good information because many products were labeled A++ and so it became very unclear for people. Many light bulbs were already at the highest level. The transition to a new energy label does not mean that light bulbs are now going to be less energy efficient are going to be less energy efficient. The new label gives more room for even more energy-efficient bulbs.

To make room for new, very economical bulbs, the most economical energy class (A) remains empty as much as possible. Products labeled B, C or D are roughly comparable to the old A+ or A++ label. So don't be alarmed if you have bought a lamp which only gets a D on the new scale. This product is certainly not less energy efficient. It is exactly the same only the energy consumption is assessed more strictly and the product is given a lower energy rating.

Duplicate labels until March 2023

Until March 1, 2023, you will encounter products in (web) stores that have both the old and the new energy label. This is because it is a lot of work to replace all the packaging with new ones. Often the new label is in the packaging of the product. As of March 2023, it is mandatory to change all energy labels.

Old version	New version

How is the new energy efficiency class determined?

The new energy label is based on a new calculation. For each product we define in lumens the amount of light emitted for 1 watt power. This efficiency expressed in lumen/watt makes comparison between products possible.

The new value of energy efficiency is illustrated in the following table: