The Australian Government has introduced a new energy rating label for air conditioners.

Some of this year’s air conditioner models will carry the new label and from 1 April 2020 it will apply to all new models including, for the first time, portable air conditioners.

The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Regulator invites air conditioner retailers and installers to attend a free information session on the new Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL).

The ZERL has been introduced under new energy efficiency requirements that enable consumers to make a more energy efficient choice when it comes to picking an air conditioner for their home. It will be mandatory on new models from 1 April 2020.

The ZERL includes more detailed information than the previous energy rating label, so the GEMS Regulator will be running a series of free information sessions around Australia in August and September to educate retailers and installers on the new label.

These sessions will run for approximately two hours and cover why there has been a change to the label, how to read the new label and explain it to customers, the transition arrangements between the old and the new labels, and how retailers should display the label in store including regulated responsibilities. The session will also cover questions that you might expect to get from customers. We are developing a range of free communication materials which will be distributed to session participants.

Members of the Ozone and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program from the Department of the Environment and Energy will also attend to present on the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase down and licencing arrangements.

• Canberra – Manuka Oval, Griffith –           Thursday 22 August
• Brisbane – Rydges, Fortitude Valley          Monday 2 September
• Sydney – Rydges, Parramatta                    Tuesday 3 September
• Melbourne – Quest, Burwood East           Wednesday 4 September
• Hobart – Best Western, Hobart                 Thursday 5 September
• Perth – Mercure, Perth                              Tuesday 17 September
• Adelaide – Rydges, Adelaide                      Wednesday 18 September

To secure your place in a session, please register using the EventBrite links above.

If there isn’t a session listed in your location, please register your interest for possible additional sessions by emailing energyrating@environment.gov.au (link sends e-mail). Please provide the following details in your email:

• Your name
• Your organisation
• Your contact details
• Your preferred location