Labels
With the Academy Awards behind us, I thought I might feature a light-hearted, red carpet Special ... just to raise awareness … you know, a kind of Who’s Who of the Household Efficiency Rating Awards. I’ve added some links for those interested in researching their ‘new and up coming appliances,’ as they emerge onto the scene …
..and the nominees are…
This much-awaited star (rating) for consumer electronics and electrical appliances, will grade models on their energy efficiency, starting from one star for the least energy-efficient, and going up to five stars, for the most energy-efficient model.
Though sources close to the development, say the initial test period will cover refrigerators and will be a voluntary initiative from manufacturers, the target is to make it mandatory by mid-2007.
~oOo~
Newly introduced to the scene of energy saving labels, this cheeky little Swirl from the UK, is guaranteed to offer you the low down on energy saving savvy, savvy?
Developed by the Energy Saving Trust, in conjunction with U.K industry and Government, the pretty little tag appears on a wide range of appliances, including fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, light bulbs, light fittings, gas boilers and heating controls.
Although rarely seen in the US or Australia, its appearance in the UK, ensures energy savings and is recommended to consumers before they let an appliance loose their home. One official said : “It’s become the guarantee that consumers look for that their appliance won’t misbehave itself the moment it’s plugged in.”
You can search the for the energy rating on an appliance you may be thinking of buying, by visiting this Link.
~oOo~
…From down under, we have this earthy little number, offering sound practical advice by displaying an efficiency rating of up to six stars and the comparative energy consumption figure (in the red box), devised under standard test conditions.
When dealing with this little tag, it is wise to know that the higher an appliance's star rating, the better its energy efficiency and the lower its comparative energy consumption.
For those who like to calculate the odds themselves and want to estimate annual running costs, multiply the energy consumption in the red box by the cost of your gas supply.
It has been suggested that when not in use, you put a timer on the electric booster of solar water heaters and on peak electric storage systems, to avoid finding yourself in hot water, when you don’t need it.
A list of star ratings is available on the AGA's website here. Click on the "Directory of Certified Appliances and Components" on the home page.
~oOo~
This daring new water label is the latest to make the Energy Efficiency Ratings and does so with a big splash.
Shimmering in cool complimentary shades of Aqua-turquoise and Teal, this little stunner reminds us that we are in a drought, and that restrictions are in play in most major cities in Australia.
The vital statistics reveal Water Consumption levels and aim at us all reaching a minimum, fabulous AAA or 3-star rating on all our water usage devices.
AND THE WINNER IS….
~oOo~
The key to it's success?
A High number of stars, compared to low numbers (statistics) ...
Rock on.
~oOo~
Having read this post, I thought I'd do a little digging of my own and found a nice little diddy (29 pages worth) of North American Energy and Efficiency standards. I haven't read it all together yet, but will do so in small doses in the near future.
In case you're interested, here's the link:
North American Energy Efficiency Standard and Labels
*Note: It's a pdf file
Movies and Life
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I will have a look at it in due course... Australia also has pages of standards information and a atandard label on products that sums it all up.
The Standard Australian AC/DC Electrical usage label looks like this.
The more stars the better, the lower the number the better...
Glad you got something out of it..
Lilla ...
Ps Would be really interested in seeing what a North American Label looks like, can't find one on the link document?
Although the water label is nice. i find it to be alluring and strangely beautiful like a lava lamp or rice bubbles...
I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for telling me all about the different kinds of labels in this world. Before this post I was competely ignorant to all the colours and designs.
GO UK LABEL. How nice is that one? No numbers, nothing !
Cheers, great post, lovely Lilla
- Anthony
Movies and Life
I'm a bit dismayed...I couldn't find my fridge label which makes me a bit suspicious...we bought it second-hand so who knows...
My washing machine only has 3 stars but the number is low and it's a front loader (I read somewhere that they use less water).
Hmmmmmm, thanks for the info, Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
*lol* poor fridge, I feel sorry for it, like all the robots superseded in I, Robot.
Aww, I was going to feature some more labels for pollution .. just looking into the new Carbon Tax and Carbon Footprint labels, coming to a supermarket near you soon ... just when you thought it was safe to go out side...*chuckle*
I’m with you, I hate labels, but am glad we have them to guide us… sorry to disturb …
thanks for the lovely compliment,
much appreciated.
Lilla ...
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
...thanks for the feedback.
You are right and raise a really valid point Tracy ... about one being high in stars, but low in number, whilst yet anotheris good with water...
Do these labels really help us buy better?
What about when they bring in the Carbon Footprints labels too... these will tell us how much oil was used to produce the product and transport it to our supermarket shelf, and/or appliance store...
Are there appliances that are low in all things : power, water and Carbon Footprints; or is it all becoming a confusing, contradictory parody?
.. will we all go mad(er) trying to figure it all out? *chuckle*
Lilla ...