Energy rating labels proposed

The Environmental Protection Department has proposed the introduction of a classification system for refrigerators, air conditioners and low-energy light bulbs in a bid to save energy and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.

The proposal, which was published yesterday in the government gazette, calls for each product to carry a label indicating its energy-efficiency rating, from Class 1 to Class 5.

For example, a Class 1 air conditioner would be 29 percent more energy-efficient than an equivalent model with a Class 5 rating. Similarly, a Class 1 refrigerator would be 49 percent more efficient than a Class 5, and a Class 1 energy-saving light bulb 15 percent more efficient than a Class 3.