Product eco-labelling must be streamlined

The Delhi Government has decided to use energy-efficient offices and buildings.

- GOVIND SINGH, VAMIKA MITTAL

The cooling devices in all its move comes as a step to save energy and curb the rising demand of electricity. Once approved, all departments of the Delhi Government will use only 5-star rated air conditioners and other cooling devices. The starrating of electrical devices is an ecolabel that makes green initiatives like these possible.

The star-rating of electrical devices was introduced under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, through the setting up of a Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The BEE assesses electrical products and rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with higher ratings indicating greater energy efficiency and lower running costs.

The Delhi Government expects to save up to 3,042 units of electricity and Rs. 29,000 per AC each year by using 5-star-rated cooling devices.

Eco-labelling of products helps consumers know how environmentally friendly one product is compared to others in the same category. The overall environmental impact of products is assessed by a third party; this allows eco-conscious consumers to make unbiased purchase decisions.

Moreover, eco-labelling encourages manufactures to transition towards environment-friendly production since the entire life cycle of a product - from its manufacturing to its disposal is assessed during eco-labelling.

The concept of eco-labelling has been around for more than two decades.