Promotion and support to the implementation of the energy labelling for Space, Combi Heaters and Water Heaters with a focus on the “Package label”

An EU-funded initiative has supported the implementation of energy labelling for heating appliances to reduce energy usage and emissions. It also supports the uptake of renewable technologies, especially solar thermal in combination with efficient conventional technologies.

Energy labels provide information to consumers, helping them to choose between different heating systems and pushing manufacturers to introduce more energy-efficient products. Through increased awareness via energy labels, consumers can also be encouraged to change their old and inefficient system in a timely fashion.

The Horizon 2020 LabelPack Aplus project created an online platform to support the implementation of energy labelling of heating appliances. It focused on the ‘package label’ and its potential to promote the uptake of renewable technologies especially solar thermal in combination with more efficient conventional technologies.

Rollout of the package label

Package label refers to the label attributed to a heating system made up of different connected components. Therefore, the LabelPack Aplus platform hosted tools allowing the calculation of the package label for any combination of products covered in EU space and water heating regulations, be it for water heating, space heating or even a combination system (providing both space and water heating). “Any user, with basic understanding of the package label can use this tool,” says project coordinator Pedro Dias.

Working in close collaboration with the industry, the consortium developed tools and materials as well as training, workshops and public information campaigns. “These mainly focused on installers, as they are the most involved in the implementation of the package label. LabelPack Aplus will thus benefit installers by guiding them toward more energy efficient solutions for installing products and heating systems,” Dias explains.

The LabelPack Aplus team focused on six European countries: Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom, though the outputs of the project are also applicable in other Member States. The initiative also monitored the package label implementation, assessing options and issuing recommendations that support public authorities in enhancing the roll out of the package label onto the market.

Easy access to multiple benefits

Results showed that highlighting the advantages related to the integration of renewable energy in our domestic space and water heating systems gives a clear message to consumers. “This will help them to consider better solutions using renewable energy, with clear benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions.”

Furthermore, the energy label, combined with a comparison with the efficiency of an old system can enlighten consumers on the advantages of planning the replacement of their old system by a new and more sustainable one,” comments Dias. “The German programme for labelling existing systems is a good practice to be followed by other Member States,” he added.

Tools developed by the project partners will also help to support compliance with the current European legislations. “They are easy to access from your smartphone by simply going on our website. The website also provides a comprehensive explanation of the energy label, from the simplest guides to the European regulations on the topic,” Dias points out.

The LabelPack Aplus online platform has clear benefits for the whole heating system supply chain. Dias concludes: “Besides being available for any user, tailored information and resources are organised by target groups, ranging from manufacturers to public authorities, comprising installers and consumers.”

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Promotion and support to the implementation of the energy labelling for Space, Combi Heaters and Water Heaters with a focus on the “Package label”