New and Notable Labeling for a Cause A new energy label has
taken effect for refrigerators, freezers, washing machines,
dishwashers, and TV sets in the European Union (EU) countries.
It retains the distinctive design and classification of products
into seven energy classes from A to G, color coded from dark
green (high energy efficiency) to red (low energy efficiency).
Novelties include the option of including three new classes: A+,
A++, and A+++. The new classes take note of the fact that there
have been improvements in energy efficiency since the labels
were first required in 1995. According to the EU, a triple-A-
rated fridge/freezer will consume 60% less energy on average
than the same appliance in class A, while a triple-A dishwasher
or washing machine will use 30% less. The labels, which will
become mandatory in April 2012, have been changed in other ways
as well. For the first time, TV sets will be required to carry
the label; and the labels on all appliances will be text free.
Up to now, labels have co