VIPA International welcomes the development of the new European Regulation on energy efficiency labelling

VIPA International, the Vacuum Insulation Panel Association, welcomes the work of the European Parliament and the European Council to develop the new Regulation on Energy Efficiency Labelling. An effective energy labelling framework has several beneficial effects for the environment and for consumers. It allows consumers to take informed decision on the more efficient products on the market, saving energy and reducing their energy bills.

However, we think that the current system became too complex and not transparent, preventing the consumers from taking informed decisions when choosing their appliances. Therefore, in view of the vote of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament scheduled on the 14th of June, VIPA International wants to express its supports to the efforts of the European institutions to develop a new scale for energy related products.

Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) have high potential to improve the energy efficiency of appliances. The thermal conductivity of VIPs is remarkably smaller than other insulation products, allowing household and commercial fridges using VIPs to qualify for superior energy ratings effectively and economically.

The Chairman of the Public Affairs Working Group of VIPA International, Gregor Erbenich, remarked that “VIPs ensure top-class thermal insulation in a reduced space and are already contributing to increase the efficiency level of appliances such as refrigerators. We are convinced that the new energy label will be an important measure to correctly inform the European consumers on the actual energy efficiency performances of appliances, and we therefore support the work of the European Institutions in this direction.”

VIPA International acknowledges that the frequency of the rescaling will be a central issue to ensure the reliability of the label. However, the technological progress of every product is different, and it is thus inefficient to treat all products in the same way through a fixed periodic review. Any rescaling should be centered on the specificities of every product.

At the same time, it will be important that the launch of the database of energy efficient product is not too burdensome for companies: only simple and standardised information should be included in the database. Finally, all energy labels should be clearly visible in the shops, including the possibility of displaying an electronic label.