Environmental Performance Label

The new Environmental Performance Label on the window of many new GM vehicles may be causing some confusion. (Fig. 15)

Fig. 15

It was developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB); however, it is installed on 50-state certified vehicles, not just those vehicles meeting California emissions requirements.

Here are some common questions about the label.

What is the Environmental Performance Label?

The Environmental Performance Label is a 4x6 inch window label that contains a global warming score and a smog score and is required to be installed on vehicles certified to California emission requirements.

Which vehicles have the label installed?

The label is installed on vehicles certified to California emission requirements. This includes "50-State Emission" vehicles which, for many models, are distributed in all fifty states. The label will not be installed on vehicles that are not certified to California emission requirements, i.e., Federal Emission vehicles.

In terms of vehicle classes, the label will be installed on all vehicles weighing up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR, and on certain vehicles weighing between 8,501 and 10,000 lbs. GVWR that meet the definition of medium-duty passenger vehicle.

What is the global warming score?

The global warming score is an indication of the vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions and is determined by CARB. It is determined relative to a 1-10 scale with a higher score meaning lower greenhouse gas emissions. Larger vehicles that burn more gasoline have lower fuel economy (mpg), higher greenhouse gas emissions and lower global warming scores. Smaller vehicles that burn less gasoline have higher fuel economy (mpg), lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher global warming scores.

What is the smog score?

The smog score is an indication of the vehicle's smog-forming emissions, specifically non-methane organic gases (NMOG) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and is determined by CARB.  It is determined relative to a 1-10 scale with a higher score meaning lower smog-forming emissions.

When did installation of the label begin?

GM began installing the label on vehicles produced December 2, 2008.

When can the label be removed from the window?

The label can be removed from the window after the purchaser has taken possession of the vehicle.

- Thanks to Steve Love