The new energy efficiency grading standards for single package type room air-conditioners, dehumidifiers and compact fluorescent lamps will be fully implemented on December 31, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department announced today.

The new standards under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme aim to encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient models and help consumers select such products.

From December 31, single package type room air-conditioners, dehumidifiers and compact fluorescent lamps must bear energy labels in compliance with the new energy efficiency grading standards before they are supplied to the local market. The prefix U2 will be added to the reference number on the new energy label.

The implementation of the new energy efficiency grading standards is expected to bring an energy saving of about 300 million kilowatt hours per year, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of carbon emissions by about 210,000 tonnes.

The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products was revised last year with the energy efficiency grading standards for these three products raised by 35%. A grace period of one year will end on December 30.

Click here for the scheme's details.