Disimproving the European Energy Label's value for consumers? Results from a consumer survey
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versione breve
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The European labelling scheme was introduced to counteract the rise
in energy consumption by increasing consumer awareness on real
energy use. Since its introduction in the mid-nineties it has not
kept up with the state of the art. After years of technological
advancements and better know-how, an update of the scale became
necessary because many products now have the highest
energy-efficiency class. After months of negotiations, members of
the European Parliament and representatives from the European
Commission finally reached a consensus with a compromise proposal
from the Swedish Presidency. As a basis for classification, the
system would continue using letters A to G, but would expand the A
categories into a maximum of three tiers (A+, A++, A+++).
Environmental and consumer groups criticise this proposal and
support the retention of a simple, closed A-G energy label, provided
that a dynamic system would be implemented. The purpose of this
paper is to provide evidence of the effect of two discussed
labelling schemes on consumer decisions regarding televisions. The
findings are based on 2,244 observations, where half of the
consumers surveyed were exposed to the existing label and the other
half received an otherwise identical survey, but using the new
categories. The survey shows that the well-known A-G closed scheme
has a greater impact on consumer decisions than an A+++ style label.
The results clearly show that introducing the new label with its
additional categories weakens the effect of the label, resulting in
lower awareness of consumers about energy efficiency as an important
attribute.
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tipo
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discussion paper (English)
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parole chiave
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progetto
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Soziale, ökologische und ökonomische Dimensionen eines nachhaltigen Energiekonsums in Wohngebäuden
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data di apparenza
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10-2-2010
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Editore
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IWOe-HSG University of St. Gallen
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pagine
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23
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review
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review interno
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citation
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Heinzle, S., & Wüstenhagen, R. (2010). Disimproving the European
Energy Label's value for consumers? Results from a consumer survey:
IWOe-HSG University of St. Gallen.
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