Do you know it’s been 20 years since the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme was introduced in Australia?
With its star-rating stickers, the initiative was launched in 2005 by state and territory governments and industry to help shoppers easily identify and compare water-efficient products when considering purchases.
It sets water efficiency standards for more than 22,000 household products sold in Australia and many in New Zealand, mandating the registration and labelling of taps, showers, toilets, urinals, dishwashers, washing machines and flow controllers.
Ai Group Lead - Standards and Product Regulation James Thomson said it was a key regulatory scheme for Ai Group electrical appliance and plumbing product members.
“While compliance with regulations like WELS can be seen as a financial burden, the long-term benefits are undeniable,” he said.
“These regulations not only help conserve vital water resources but also ensure all products meet rigorous standards, fostering a fair market and protecting consumers.”
Since it was introduced, the star-rating system is estimated to have saved more than 1800 gigalitres of water – enough to fill 735,000 Olympic swimming pools.
It’s also saved households a collective $16 billion in reduced utility bill costs and 29 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents of greenhouse gas emissions.
A 2023 consumer survey revealed more than 80% of Australians recognise the WELS label and use it when making purchasing decisions.
Australian Industry Group congratulates WELS on achieving this important milestone.
Ai Group is recognised as a leading contributor and supporter to the standards ecosystem through its formal involvement and collaboration with Standards Australia. Ai Group has staff and members involved with Standards Australia at many levels including the Board, Council and technical committees.
Learn more about our Standards and Regulation work here.
Ai Group’s McGrath appointed to Board of Standards Australia
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
