Ecodesign and energy labelling: key tools for reducing consumers’ energy bills and EU use of fossil fuels

EU legislation on ecodesign and energy labelling helps improve the energy efficiency and other aspects of energy-related products, ranging from light bulbs to fuel boilers and washing machines. Compared to a business-as-usual or “no-policy scenario”, the total effect of these rules is estimated to have cut EU primary energy use (and related greenhouse gas emissions) by about 10%, reducing EU consumer expenditure by more than EUR 60 billion annually (EUR 210/year for an average EU household) and bringing numerous other environmental and consumer benefits.

The recently published Ecodesign Impact Accounting report offers a rich collection of concrete, down-to-earth examples of estimates on energy savings, in total and per product. These policies (gradually put in place over the last 3 decades´) have for example reduced aggregate EU electricity consumption in 2020 by about as much as Europe’s total hydro or wind energy production (or 2-3 times that of solar cells), and saved some 1000 kWh/year for an average household.

The European Commission prepares to present an updated working plan for energy-related products, as well as a revised ecodesign framework, as part of the Sustainable Product Initiative, in early 2022.

Related links

• Ecodesign Impact Accounting report
• About ecodesign and energy labelling