Mike Norton, Rohit Deshpande, and Bhayva Mohan, all affilated with HBS, think that it would affect purchasing choices, likely more than if it were simply published in an investor disclosure statement.  Indeed, they're running a field experiment at an online retailer to see if it would.  It would be difficult to require an energy saver style label on every good by regulation, but perhaps retailers will respond to consumer tastes?  Here are some preliminary surveys:

Popular Culture, Securities | Bookmark