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EMSD's Energy Efficiency Label for two refrigerator models
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announced today (Wednesday) that they have approved the use of the Energy Efficiency Label on two refrigerator models.
Accordingly, consumers will be able to find these labels displayed on participating products shortly. The label has been designed to provide easy, pre- purchase information to consumers to assist them in choosing energy efficient appliances. It shows, among other things, the annual electricity consumption and the efficiency grading of the refrigerator.
The labels were granted under the Hong Kong Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme for Household Refrigeration Appliances that was introduced by the Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee last year.
The Department is responsible for the administration of the scheme. Only products that have undergone the prescribed performance tests and having been admitted to the scheme can display such a label, which applies to household refrigeration appliances for distribution in Hong Kong, but does not cover units already in use.
A spokesman for the Department said more agents were expected to join the scheme in the future.
"Energy label has become a global initiative for reducing energy consumption and green-house gas emission. Countries like Australia, Canada, United States and those in the European Union all have requirements mandating the display of energy label on specific types of appliances," he said.
The spokesman explained that the label gave concise information on annual energy consumption, energy efficiency grading, and other important figure such as the volume of respective storage compartments. Relevant test data were determined in accordance with the international standards ISO 8187, and thus helped to dispel problems arising from the use of inconsistent test methods.
The energy efficiency grading of the product is assessed on a scale of one to five. Grade one is the most energy efficient and at least 35 per cent more efficient than average products of comparable volume.