European Water Label : a force for good
24/02/2015 | The continuity of our natural resources is one of the most important issues facing our future generations. With that in mind, the European Water Label was created and is now firmly established across Europe and beyond. The scheme’s online database and accompanying product label shows the water consumption characteristics of bathroom and kitchen products using a simple-to-understand approach so that consumers and industry professionals alike can choose products to suit their lifestyle in an informed and educated way. The labelling scheme is proving to be a ‘force for good.’ What was once just a simple idea, and a stimulating discussion amongst a group of like-minded individuals, is now a major influencer for all sectors in the European Bathroom and Kitchen supply chain. The Scheme, created in partnership between CEIR, FECS and their memberships has resulted in a Scheme which fully embodies the nuances of individual participating countries. It is now blossomed into a stand-alone, not-for-profit Scheme, encompassing 86 major bathroom brands and supporting a database of 8,000 registered products across 34 nation states. It has become authoritative and well respected and, being entirely voluntary, it is inexpensive to operate, simple to administer, flexible and fast paced to adapt to market changes. Recent additions to the information which the label provides has been the incorporation of energy consumption data and additional technical specification. Although water is the primary metric of the Scheme it is recognised that energy saving is also key to raising awareness amongst consumers of the importance of using water more wisely. Since a quarter of household energy bills are associated with hot water it is logical to include energy aspects to the label for taps and showers, along with a selection picked from 9 technical features providing the consumer with additional and relevant information. The scheme is now, undeniably, the most important labelling scheme of its type and is proving to be a huge catalyst for change and a force for good. I urge you to visit the European Water Label website