Efficiency convinces with new devices: A labeling guide supports sales consulting

Energy efficiency is an important decision factor for consumers when purchasing new appliances. The energy label offers a practical purchasing tool - and the label guide from the National Top Runner Initiative helps to find the right device step by step.

Whether a washing machine, refrigerator or dryer: Many factors play a role when buying new appliances. How high is water or electricity consumption? How loud is the device in operation? The energy label is therefore the most important guide in terms of energy efficiency - but not always the easiest for consumers to decipher. The label guide from the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs’ National Top Runner Initiative (NTRI) supports consumers in their purchases. The interactive online tool can be integrated into the retailer's website via an iFrame and thus offers added value for customer service. The information fields on the energy label are explained step by step so that customers can find the right device for their needs - and thus save a considerable amount of money on energy consumption.

The label guide can be found at www.machts-effizient.de/energielabel-lotse. Retailers, associations, and other organisations who would like to integrate the label pilot directly into their website can simply send an e-mail to infontri [dot] de (info[at]ntri[dot]de).

The NTRI informs consumers in the purchase of energy-efficient household appliances and raises awareness of the energy-saving use of the appliances. The initiative is carried out on behalf of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) by a consortium of Edelman.ergo, Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, Wuppertal Institute, and the Austrian Energy Agency under the direction of adelphi.