A recent study from the Open University of Sri Lanka [6.9°N, 79.9°E] explores how energy-efficient labelling systems can drive more sustainable residential energy use. While the research focuses on Sri Lanka, the core insights — how clear information, incentives, and technology can encourage better energy habits — are equally relevant to the UK. With rising energy costs and ambitious net-zero targets, the UK has much to gain from applying these lessons.
The Power of Energy Labelling
Energy-efficient labelling helps consumers make informed decisions about household appliances, encouraging them to choose products that consume less electricity. However, the study highlights that labels alone are not enough — they must be paired with policies, incentives, and consumer awareness campaigns to have a lasting impact.
For the UK, this raises key questions:
- Are energy labels clear and trusted? Many UK appliances already carry efficiency ratings, but awareness and understanding remain low.
- Are people financially motivated to choose efficiency? Stronger incentives — such as tax breaks or rebates — could encourage more households to switch to efficient appliances.
- Can smart technologies help? Integrating real-time energy monitoring through smart meters and IoT-based solutions could further drive behavioural change.
Key Findings with UK Implications
- Consumer Awareness is Critical
- The study found that many households had limited knowledge of how much energy their appliances use.
- In the UK, improving public education on energy efficiency — through school curricula, workplace initiatives, and government campaigns — could close this gap.
- Time-of-Use Tariffs Work
- In Sri Lanka, time-of-use (ToU) tariffs helped reduce peak electricity demand by incentivising people to shift consumption to off-peak hours.
- The UK has begun rolling out ToU tariffs for households with smart meters, but wider adoption and clearer benefits are needed to make a real impact.
- Home Design Matters
- The research highlighted the role of natural lighting, ventilation, and insulation in reducing electricity consumption.
- In the UK, where older homes are often poorly insulated, retrofitting incentives and building regulations should emphasise these passive energy-saving measures.
- Smart Energy Monitoring is the Future
- The study explored IoT-based energy tracking, which allows real-time monitoring of electricity usage.
- With the UK rolling out smart meters nationwide, leveraging AI-driven insights could help households cut unnecessary energy waste.
What Can Britain Learn?
The research shows that improving home energy efficiency is about more than just better appliances; it requires a system-wide approach. The UK could benefit from:
- Expanding public awareness campaigns to ensure energy labels lead to meaningful choices.
- Strengthening financial incentives for efficiency upgrades and appliance replacements.
- Encouraging real-time energy tracking through smart meter innovation.
- Tackling inefficiency in older homes through better insulation and passive design strategies.
A Smarter Energy Future
As the UK moves toward net-zero, empowering households with the right tools and information will be just as important as large-scale energy infrastructure changes. By learning from global examples, the UK can take practical steps to make homes smarter, bills lower, and the energy system more sustainable for everyone.
Source
Enhancing Sustainable Residential Energy Practices through the Implementation of an Energy-Efficient Labelling System for Domestic Consumers in Sri Lanka, Solar Compass, 2025-02-05
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