The energy label for PCs: towards a classification based on consumption, efficiency and performance

The energy label should contain information on consumption, efficiency and performance. Unlike a fridge or an oven, the consumption of a personal computer varies based on processor, graphics card and type of use. The label could therefore be differentiated based on the type of use so as not to penalize those computers, such as devices dedicated to video games or workstations, which are more powerful and therefore have higher energy demands, almost as to be inefficient.

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Performance and energy consumption analyzes divide devices into three macro categories: notebooks, desktop computers and all-in-ones (with the hardware integrated into the screen). The fact-finding survey conducted on over 4,200 consumers in seven member states of the European Union made it possible to test the understanding and effectiveness of the proposals. Around 90% of users recognize and correctly interpret the energy efficiency scale based on classes from A to G, while 82% understand the data relating to absolute consumption expressed in watt hours.

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"The preparatory study represents an expected and necessary step", Valentina Pontiggia, director of the Digital & Sustainable Observatory of the Polytechnic of Milan, explained to Ansa. "The regulation that introduced energy labels from A to G, already familiar to consumers for refrigerators, washing machines and televisions, has built over the years an effective system to guide purchasing choices towards the most efficient products, while leaving computers outside its scope. Filling this gap - he concluded - is today even more urgent in light of the EmpCo directive, which will come into force in Italy on 27 September 2026 with the aim of making any environmental communication not supported by data illegal verifiable, putting an end to the era of generic green or eco-friendly terms".

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In June last year, EU regulations 2023/1669 and 2023/1670 brought a novelty to the continental market in smartphone packaging, with a label that provides a rating on the energy efficiency class (on a scale from A to G), the battery life in conditions of intensive use and its longevity, i.e. the charging cycles guaranteed before a drop below 80% of the capacity.

An energy label similar to that adopted for smartphones is expected for computers. Anna Vizzari, Public Affairs Coordinator of Altroconsumo, told Ansa that the association appreciates "the start of work on a new energy label for PCs as a useful tool to help consumers compare products and choose the most efficient ones". But to be truly effective, according to Vizzari "it must be simple, legible and based on the relationship between consumption and performance. To make correct choices it is not enough to only measure the energy consumed but also to consider durability, repairability and the possibility of updating the components".

According to initial information, high-end machines, such as those for video games, and professional devices should have a double rating scale, while only one would be sufficient for products intended for daily activities. In this way, the consumption of more powerful computers would be contextualized within their reference range, without creating feelings of inefficiency compared to more widely used PCs.

An indication of the computer's performance should also appear on the label, accompanied by additional explanations that make it clear to the user the consumption in relation to the workload of the machine. The study has in fact highlighted how difficult it is for an ordinary person to relate computing power, workload and energy consumed. The data collected through the evaluation will feed into the Commission's preparatory activity in view of a possible regulatory delegated act.

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