What we did

An independent review of the operation of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme was conducted by Allen + Clarke for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Pursuant to section 76 of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 (Cth), an independent review is required every five years.

The Review included evaluating and reporting on the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the WELS scheme and potential improvements to its operation.

How we did it

The Review involved:

• a literature review including stocktake of similar schemes
• data collection, including a full public consultation targeting industry, registrants, importers and retailers, consumers and consumer advocates, relevant environmental and water associations and members of the general public
• synthesis and analysis of findings leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations

For more information about the WELS Scheme, please visit the Department’s website; https://www.waterrating.gov.au/news/have-your-say-2020-independent-review-wels-scheme.