Qatar General Organisation for Standards and Metrology has finalised the modification of the energy star labels for the new energy saving air conditioners, ahead of their import.

The organisation will officially release and distribute the labels to the importers and traders to be pasted on the energy saving ACs, which are mandatory from July 1.

In a statement, the organisation pointed out that the change introduced to the label is simple and the basic information will continue to be the same including the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), trademark, type (model and brand), cooling capacity, and annual energy consumption in kWh.

The new format for the label include a table indicating the approved number of stars, ranging from three to eight, with ACs having eight stars saving up to 51% of the energy, though their models are very few. Other modifications on the label include EER calculated in British thermal unit/ hour, and energy reduction calculation corresponding to the number of stars to help consumers take better decisions when buying new ACs.

The modified label also includes the logos of the co-operating entities such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa).

The organisation had approved 171 types of new energy saving ACs out of a total of 276 types submitted by local importers. Among the approved types of ACs, 20 were of three stars, 21 with four stars, 63 of five stars and 67, of six stars.

The organisation will start in September to issue two new labels for the energy saving ACs, which will be optional for companies and manufacturers; the golden label of eight stars and the silver label of seven stars. The companies that supply such category of ACs will be given appreciation certificates indicating the number of stars to encourage them to import such types of ACs. The project of energy star is expected to save around 30-50% of electricity consumption.