Understanding UK Energy Ratings for Lighting Products
Understanding UK Energy Ratings for Lighting Products: What You Need to Know
When you're shopping for light bulbs or other lighting products in the UK, you might notice a coloured label on the packaging showing an energy rating from A to G. But what does it actually mean, and why should you care?
In this blog, we’ll break down the UK energy rating system for lighting, how it works, and how it helps you save energy, money—and the planet.
What Are UK Energy Ratings?
The UK energy rating label is part of a mandatory EU and UK-wide labelling system that helps consumers quickly understand how energy-efficient a product is. Even post-Brexit, the UK has kept this system largely aligned with EU standards to maintain consistency and clarity for shoppers.
The Basics of the Label:
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Scale from A to G:
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A (Green) is the most energy-efficient.
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G (Red) is the least.
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QR Code: Most modern labels include a QR code that links to the product’s listing in the EPREL database (European Product Database for Energy Labelling), which provides detailed product information.
The 2021 Rescale: Why You Won’t See A+++ Anymore
Before 2021, many products were rated A+, A++, or A+++, which caused confusion. The labels were so lenient that even moderately efficient products ended up with top ratings. To fix this, the EU and UK rescaled the system back to a simpler A to G format, making it harder to earn an A.
This means:
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Products that were once rated A++ might now be a C or D under the new scale.
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It’s not that they’ve become less efficient—just that the bar is higher.
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How Lighting Products Are Rated
For lighting, the energy rating is primarily based on the lumens per watt (lm/W), which measures how much light you get for each unit of energy used.
Here’s how it breaks down:
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LED bulbs tend to score higher (A–C), thanks to their low energy use and high light output.
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Halogen or incandescent bulbs score lower (E–G) because they waste more energy as heat.
The label also includes:
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Lumen output (Brightness)
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Power consumption (Watts)
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Lifespan in hours
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Why It Matters
Choosing energy-efficient lighting isn’t just about saving electricity. Here’s why it matters:
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šø Lower energy bills: Efficient bulbs use less power and last longer.
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š Environmental impact: Less energy use means fewer carbon emissions.
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š” Better performance: Modern LEDs come in a range of colours and brightness levels with immediate start-up.
Tips for Choosing Lighting Products
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Check the energy rating—Aim for B or higher if possible.
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Look at lumens, not just watts—Higher lumens = brighter light.
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Use the QR code—Scan to see full specs in the EPREL database.
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Avoid older technologies—Halogen and incandescent bulbs are being phased out.
Final Thoughts
The UK energy rating label is more than just a coloured sticker—it's a quick, trustworthy guide to choosing lighting that’s good for your wallet and the environment. By understanding the A–G scale and what goes into it, you can make smarter, greener choices every time you switch on a light.