InkWELS – Issue 3, 2023

Our newsletter is published to keep you updated on the latest developments relating to the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.

Joint WELS and GEMS inspection agreement opens new opportunities

We’re making it easier for businesses to comply with regulations and for our teams to collaborate through a new joint inspection agreement.

This new agreement will enable joint inspections of retail stores by compliance teams from both the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Regulator and the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.

The GEMS regulation and WELS scheme delivers energy and water savings across Australia. Both programs help householders and businesses to save money and reduce their impact on the environment.

Understanding the importance of tap water

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water was the principal sponsor of Water Night that was held on 19 October 2023.

This annual event organised by The Water Conservancy, encourages stronger action on climate change and aims to improve our water knowledge.

A recent survey shows that 90% of Australians are concerned about healthy waterways and saving water.

More than 80% are aware of the WELS scheme and use the label information to choose water efficient products. While about 20% of people visit our Water Rating website to research their choices.

The WELS scheme was designed to help consumers choose taps, showers, toilets, urinals, dishwashers and washing machines that save water and, in turn, save energy and money.

Progress on new product registration database

The new product registration database is expected to be available in 2024.

Registrants can use the current system to register or to renew product registrations for the 2023-24 renewal period.

The new database will make application processes simpler and faster for businesses and will strengthen and improve the administration of the WELS scheme.

This is one of our priorities in the WELS Strategic Plan 2022-25.

Progress updates will be provided on our website over the next few months.

Positive response to WELS online course

Over 150 people have completed our free online WELS course for builders and plumbers. Feedback has been very positive with over 90% of participants saying that they now have a better understanding of the scheme and would recommend it to a friend.

The course was developed for those in the building and plumbing industries to learn about the important role they can play in saving water, energy and money.

It provides a good overview of the scheme and how it works including how to read the label and the water and energy savings generated.

This 45-minute course helps plumbers and builders understand their legal obligations under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005. Please share this course with your colleagues who may be interested. Scan the QR code to get started.

Nominate a new product category for possible inclusion into the WELS scheme

In February 2024, we will be inviting stakeholders to nominate new product categories for consideration for inclusion into the WELS scheme.

We are doing this to evolve the WELS scheme and to drive further water savings in the community.

After the nomination is submitted, there will be a staged assessment process to determine if the product is included.

Products nominated must be a water-using or water-saving product, be supplied in Australia and can be either a residential or commercial product. More information on the nomination process will be provided on our website early next year.

Wishing you a happy new year in 2024!

The WELS team would like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year in 2024!