Water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS) scheme - phase 2
Project details
| Objective: | To introduce minimum performance standardards for existing WELS products, and expand the WELS Scheme to include additional products. The funds provided will also support the continuation and expansion of the WELS scheme to 2010. |
| Funding: | $3.077 million, plus applicable GST, and in-kind contributions from states, territories and industry. |
| Jurisdiction: | National - The WELS Scheme and associated funds are administered by the Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts. |
| Commenced: | Sept 2007 |
| Completion: | 2010 |
Read about the project's progress.
About the project
In November 2006, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council agreed to a long-term program of work on the introduction of minimum performance standards for existing Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme products, and on the inclusion of new products into WELS.
The WELS-Phase 2 program will introduce minimum performance standards for existing WELS products, and expand the WELS Scheme to include additional products. The funds provided will also support the continuation and expansion of the WELS scheme to 2010.
The planned program of work for the WELS Scheme Phase 2 includes:
- adding extra products to the WELS list, identifying those products to which minimum stands can be applied, and developing technical and minimum performance standards.
- preparing any necessary legislative amendments and regulation impact statements and the implementation of regulatory arrangements.
- extensive industry and community consultation and communication activities.
- product registrations, and compliance monitoring, testing and enforcement activities.
Project benefits
The establishment of the WELS Scheme was identified in the National Water Initiative (NWI) as a key action for the implementation of demand management measures for urban water reform. This project will advance the NWI objective of increasing water use efficiency in domestic and commercial settings.
The project seeks to:
- achieve water savings by mandating minimum standards and applying the WELS Scheme to more products
- provide a credible and reliable label for a greater range of water using products to allow consumers to make informed choices
- drive product innovations for water savings outcomes
- encourage further research and development
- strengthen public recognition of the WELS Scheme and the information that it conveys.