In a public deliberation, the Council took note of the state of play and procedures concerning the so-called "energy efficiency package", which includes the following three proposals:
· an energy labelling directive;
· an energy performance of buildings directive;
· a regulation on labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency.
The Council has been working intensively on the proposals and has already adopted the regulation on labelling of tyres and reached an informal agreement with the European Parliament on the two directives. Nevertheless, the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty requires some adaptations mainly concerning the legal basis and the comitology provisions. Consultations are ongoing between the institutions on these issues.
The energy labelling proposal recasts directive 92/75 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by household appliances. Its objective is to extend its scope, providing for the labelling of all energy-related products including for the household, commercial and industrial sectors and of some non-energy using products, such as windows which have a significant potential to save energy once in use or installed.
The basis of labelling will continue to be the scale A–G, from dark green (the most energy efficient) to red, which is well understood by consumers. For products that are already subject to labelling requirements and where a majority of the products on the market are in the highest energy classes, up to three more energy classes can be added to the label ( A+, A++ and A+++). Advertising should also indicate, as appropriate, the energy class, where energy-related or price information is disclosed.
In public procurement, Member States should endeavour to procure only the highest energy class of labelled products.
Incentives which Member States may provide for the promotion of efficient products should not cover taxation and fiscal matters.