The International Network
for Sustainable Energy

Updated: July 2010

The Ecodesign process is regulated by the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products Directive (EuP) 2009/125/EC, replacing directive 2005/32/EC that established a framework for the setting of Ecodesign requirements (such as energy efficiency requirements) for alle energy-using products (EuP) in the residential, tertiary and industrial sectors and amended Council Directive 92/42/EEC (SAVE Directive) and Directives 96/57/EC and 2000/55/EC.
Aim: Reducing the environmental impact of products, including the energy consumption throughout their entire life cycle.

The European Council and the European Parliament adopted the Commission's proposal for this Directive in 6 July 2005. See also at Eur-lex.

Focus on Solid Fuel Combustion
December 2010: The regulation of stoves and other small biomass installations is important as they can be important contributers to replace fossil fuels with renewable biomass, but they can also be local pollution problems. With new technology and good regulation, biomass can be used more efficiently, thus replacing more fossil fuel, and making less pollution. In the EU Ecodesign process regulation of small solid fuel installations is under preparation and proposals are expected in 2011. See: www.ecosolidfuel.org. INFORSE-Europe has also worked on proposals for requirements together with other NGOs. The latest ideas, specifically on air pollution, are summarised here (pdf file). Comments are welcome.


The Development of Ecodesign Continues
June 2010: The development of Ecodesign measures continues, and gradually more product groups are being covered:
- Energy-efficiency requirements for fans, dishwashers, and washing machines were agreed among the EU countries in the beginning of June. New equipment must be more efficient from 2011 onwards.
- New labels and requirements for tumble driers are being developed. They were discussed at a Consultation Forum for stakeholders on June 24 2010, in which INFORSE-Europe participated.
- Work on boilers and water heaters continues, with comments including those from INFORSE-Europe on boiler methodology and with a new working document on water heaters.
- NGOs have criticized the development of voluntary agreements (VA) as alternatives to Ecodesign regulations in a new position paper. Two VA's on, respectively, complex set-top boxes and imaging equipment are under development; but due to delays they will not be final before the autumn.

Peaceful Standby
Since January 2010, most products put on the market in EU satisfy the new standby criteria:
No more consumption than 1 Watt for stand-by and off-mode, or 2 Watts if there is a display.
The introduction of this regulation has been welcomed by all, and it seems that no complaints have been made.

2010 is a busy year for energy-efficiency regulation with the Eco-design Directive. Now, also new labelling will be introduced, after the delay in 2009 because of disagreements about label formats. The plan calls for regulation and/or labelling of the following products groups to begin in 2010:
- Refrigerators, freezers (labeling only)
- TVs (labeling only)
- Dishwashers


A + + +
December 2009: A compromise has now been reached for future EU labelling for energy efficiency, after a year of negotiations and a veto against a label scheme by the EU Parliament. The compromise is that the A-G scale will be retained; but when a majority of products are in the upper class(es), there will be not recalling as promoted by NGOs and the EU Parliament. Instead, the new classes of A+, A++ and even A+++ will be added. The system will be evaluated in 2014.

A Process Covering 30+ Energy Using Products in the EU
EU is in a process of covering most energy using products on the markets of the EU countries with Ecodesign regulation, a regulation that sets minimum energy efficiency requirements and other environmental requirements, based on a life-cycle approach. Regulation and other measures will cover at least 32 product groups as well as 2 horizontal aspects (standby consumption and electric motors). For each product group or horizontal measures is adopted an implementation measure, typically an internal market regulation. Also voluntary agreements are possible measures. Often the process also involves mandatory energy efficiency labelling with the labelling (SAVE) directive. For many products these measures can reduce consumption 25% or more. In November 2009 was adopted a revision of the Ecodesign directive, enlarging the scope to energy related products. This could for instance be windows that are important for heat consumption of a house, but do not directly consume fuel or other delivered energy.

The process for each product group is:
• Expert study with stakeholder consultation, typically 1-2 years
• Consultation Forum with stakeholders including INFORSE-Europe and other NGOs
• Proposal for EU regulation made by the EU Commission, typically 3 months after the Consultation Forum
• Adoption of EU Commission in cooperation with EU countries (process under revision because of new rules with the Lisbon Treaty)
• "Scrutiny" by EU Parliament (and with Lisbon also by EU countries), where a majority of EU parliamentarians (or EU countries) can stop a measure, 2 months
• Official entry into force of regulation(s)
• Typically 1 year after regulation enters into force, companies must only put on the EU market products that follow the regulation and has the necessary labels. Only such products can carry the "CE" label.
• Typically 2-3 years later stronger energy efficiency requirements are introduced as a second step (this has not happened yet for any product as the regulation is new)
• Typically 4-5 years after a regulation enters into force it is reviewed, and a revision might take place (this has not happened yet since the regulation is new).

The first regulations, covering for instance certain light bulbs, are already in force, and many others are coming soon. Read the product types below.

INFORSE´s Positions

INFORSE-Europe has a permanent seat in the Consultation Forum together with WWF, Greenpeace, CAN-Europe, EEB, ECOS and other NGOs. We cooperate on our inputs to the process as well as more generally in the Cool Products Campaign and collect our positions etc. on our common website Ecodesign of Products: Views of Environmental NGOs on the EuP Policy. We develop common position to better argue for high energy efficiency requirements and good consumer information via labels etc.

22.06.2010 - Household Tumble Driers
Joint Position from Environmental NGOs on the EC Working Document on the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling of Household Tumble Driers (pdf file 181 kB)

22.06.2010 - Vacuum Cleaners
Joint Position from Environmental NGOs (pdf file 170 kB)

01.04.2010 - Display Cabinets and Vending Machines
Joint Opinion from Environmental NGOs on the approach for setting Ecodesign rules for display cabinets and vending machines click here

04.03.2010 - Label for TVs
Joint Position from Environmental NGOs on the revised version of the proposed Energy Label for TVs. Comments (pdf file 181 kB)

03.02. 2010 - Fans
Joint Position from Environmental NGOs on Fans (pdf file 51 kB)

29.01.2010 - Boilers
Joint position from Environmental NGOs on the final version of the methodology for the Ecodesign measures on Boilers
Second technical contribution from ECOS and INFORSE on the methodology (pdf file 97 kB)
First technical contribution from ECOS and INFORSE on the methodology (pdf file 101 kB)

05.10.2009 - Imaging Equipments
Joint position by ECOS, INFORSE-Europe, FoE-Europe, CAN-Europe, EEB, WWF-European Policy Office on the proposed Voluntary Initiative Agreements on Imaging Equipment and Complex Set Top Boxes (pdf file 199 kB)

15.10.2009 - Computers and Displays
Joint position by ECOS, INFORSE-Europe, FoE-Europe, CAN-Europe, EEB, WWF-European Policy Office (pdf file)

18.09.2009 - Launch of Sustainable Energy Vision 2030 - Denmark
Press Release (pdf file 32kB) and Background

19.08.2009 - Boilers
Position on Green Public Procurement of Boilers.
Information and Position (pdf file 211 kB)

15.07.2009 - Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 on State Aid to the Coal Industry"
Response on Consultation on the aftermath of the expiry of Regulation (EC) No 1407/2002 on State Aid to the Coal Industry"
Position (pdf file 29 kB)

19.06.2009 - Boilers and Central Heating Sources
Environmental NGOs (ECOS, INFORSE-Europe, FoE Europe, CAN-Europe, EEB, WWF) Joint Position on Boilers (pdf file 194 kB)

17.06.2009 - Air Conditioners
Environmental NGOs (ECOS, INFORSE-Europe, FoE Europe, CAN-Europe, EEB, WWF) Joint Position on Energy Labelling requirements for Room Air Conditioners (pdf file 204 kB)

Together with many other NGOs, INFORSE-Europe has agreed an Energy Efficiency Manifesto, see Manifesto on Cool Products website.

In the Consultation Forum INFORSE-Europe works for:

For each product type, INFORSE-Europe adopts a specific position together with ECOS and other NGOs.

Read more about the Directive and implementation measures at: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/ecodesign/eco_design_en.htm
and about NGO positions at www.ecostandard.org, env-ngo.eup-network.de and www.coolproducts.eu

Products Covered (so far):

• Domestic Lighting: Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum in March 2008. Market Regulation approved by EU countries December 2008. Regulation entered into force April 2009 and the first general lamps (frosted lamps and clear lamps above 75 Watt) had to fulfill efficiency requirements as well as quality requirements from September 2009. The requirements will be increased in 6 steps, one step every year until 2016.
• Standby and Off-mode Losses of EuPs: Study completed and proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in October 2007. Market regulation approved by countries July 2008, regulation will entered into force January 2009 and all products put on market after January 2010 must comply.
• Simple Set Top Boxes for TV: Study completed, proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in February 2008. Market Regulation agreed by EU countries October 2008 and entered into force February 2009. Boxes put on market after February 2010 shall comply with energy efficiency requirements.
• Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies: Study completed, proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in February 2008. Market regulation for external power supplies approved October 2008 by countries and regulation entered into force April 2009. All products put on market after April 2010 must comply with minimum efficiency requirements.
• Office Lighting (tertiary lighting): Study completed. Proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in December 2007. Included in market regulation on tertiary lighting that was adopted by countries September 2008. It covers fluorescent lamps without in-built ballasts, high-intensity discharge lamps and ballasts and luminaries for such lamps. The regulation entered into force April 2009 and all products put on market after April 2010 must comply; BUT following protest from lamp manufacturers a new Consultation forum was organised September 2009 and amendments are coming. The amendments will result in lower requirements for specific lamps.
• (Public) Street Lighting (tertiary lighting): Study completed and proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in July 2007. Included in market regulation on tertiary lighting that entered into force April 2009. All products put on market after April 2010 must comply, but some lamps will have lower requirements with a coming amendment as for office light.
• Domestic Refrigerators and Freezers: Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum December 2008. Regulation agreed by countries March 2009 and the regulation entered into force August 2009 and all products put on market from July 2010 shall comply with minimum efficiency requirements and some consumer information; BUT the energy efficiency labelling is not updated due to disputes regarding the format of the label. A regulation regarding labelling is expected in 2010.
• Televisions: Study completed. Consultation Forum October 2008, proposal agreed by regulatory committee March 2009, and the minimum requirement entered into force August 2009 and all products put on market after August 2010 must comply with minimum efficiency requirements; BUT the EU Parliament rejected a label proposal, read here
• Electric Motors 1-150 kW: Study completed. Proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in May 2008. Regulation agreed by countries March 2009 and entered into force August 2009. Motors put on market after June 2011 shall comply with minimum efficiency requirements.
• Circulator Pumps: Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum May 2008. Regulation agreed by countries March 2009 and entered into force August 2009. Most standalone circulators put on market from January 2013 must comply with minimum efficiency requirements; all circulators from 2015.
• Boilers and Combi-boilers (gas/oil/electric): Study completed. Proposed new standards and labelling scheme. Proposals discussed at Consultation Forum (February 2008), proposal delayed until a new Consultation Forum July 2009 because of disagreements. A proposal for regulation is expected March 2010
• Water Heaters (gas/oil/electric): Study completed. Proposed new standards and a new labelling scheme. Discussed together with boilers in February 2008 and later in a seperate Consultation Forum. July 2008. Proposal for regulation expected after boiler proposal, i.e. after March 2010.
• Personal Computers (desktops & laptops) and Computer Monitors: Study completed. Consultation Forum October 2009. Proposal for regulation expected 2010.
• Imaging Equipment: Study completed. Consultation Forum with proposal for voluntary agreement October 2010. An improved voluntary agreement is expected in 2010, probably entering into force mid-2010.
• Residential Room Conditioning Appliances (air conditioning and ventilation): Study completed. Consultation Forum June 2009. Regulation is expected in 2010.
• Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers, including Chillers, Display Cabinets and Vending Machines: Study completed. Another study is ongoing regarding other cooling facilities: cold rooms, ice-makers and others.
• Domestic Dishwashers and Washing Machines: Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum December 2008. Regulation of washing machines adopted by countries March 2010, but did not enter into force in 2009. Regulation of dishwashers postponed until 2010.
• Complex Set Top Boxes (with conditional access and/or functions that are always on): Study completed. Consultation Forum October 2009 with discussion of a voluntary agreement. The voluntary agreement is expected to enter into force by mid-2010.
• Ventilation Fans: Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum May 2008. Regulation expected in 2010.
• Water Pumps (electric, for commercial buildings, drinking water, food, agriculture): Study completed. Discussed at Consultation Forum May 2008. Regulation expected in 2010.
• Cylinders for Hot Water (tanks for hot water preparation from central heating system): Included in study on water heaters. Discussed at Consultation Forum on boilers, July 2009. Regulation expected in 2010 (with boilers and water heaters)
• Machine Tools. No preparatory study started, but one is expected in 2010. Consultation Forum October 2009 on possible voluntary agreement.
• Medical Imaging Equipment (scanning equipment, X-ray, etc.). No preparatory study. Consultation Forum October 2009 on possible voluntary agreement
• Laundry Dryers: Study completed
• Directional Lighting: Study nearly completed.
• Vacuum Cleaners: Study ongoing/about completion.
• Solid Fuel Small Combustion Installations: Study ongoing, expected to be finalized in the first half of 2010.
• Local Room Heating Products: Study ongoing.
• Central Heating Products (mainly with air, other than CHP or boilers): Study ongoing.
• Domestic and Commercial Ovens: Study ongoing.
• Domestic and Commercial Hobs and Grills: Study ongoing.
• Professional Wet Appliances and Dryers: Study ongoing.
• Coffee Machines (Non-tertiary, i.e. domestic): Study ongoing.
• Networked Standby Losses: Study ongoing
• Refrigerating and Freezing Equipment: Study ongoing
• Distribution and Power Transformers: Study ongoing
• Sound and Imaging Equipment: Study ongoing
• Industrial Ovens (no information available currently)
• Tertiary Sector Air Conditioning and Ventilation systems: Study expected to start in 2010
  

Procedures of Directive

Recast (2008-09)

October 2009: The recast of the Ecodesign Directive was adopted as directive 2009/125/EC, published in the official journal.

September 2009: Following that the EU countries have now agreed, at a ministerial meeting September 24, to a compromise for the recast of the Ecodesign directive. The labelling directive that was discussed in parallel with the Ecodesign Directive is postponed due to disagreements over the content of the label, see here.

May 2009: The recast of the Ecodesign directives to cover "energy-related products" was welcomed by the EU Parliament in with some proposals for amendments.

November 2008: The EU Commission proposed an amendment of the related energy labelling /SAVE directive, read here

July 2008: A recast of the Ecodesign directive was proposed by the EU Commission as document COM(2008)399 to cover not just energy using products, but also energy related products such as windows that are important for energy use of a house, but does not directly consume fuels or other delivered energy.

Procedure - Implementation:

2008 - 2009: The EU commission has organised Consultation Forums and opened discussion on more than 20 product groups, see here

June 2007: The EU Commission organised the first Consultation Forum, on stand-by and off-mode consumption.

November 2006: INFORSE-Europe was given a seat in the Forum for European Eco-design Consultation.

October 2006: More detailed plans for implementation were included the EU Commission's Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

June 2006: The Commission has commissioned studies on implementation of the Eco-design Directive in 14 product categories, including a category for stand-by losses.

- Development and Adoption of Ecodesign Directive (2004-05)

The Directive was signed July 6, 2005 as Directive 2005/32/EC. The countries have until August 2007 to implement the Directive.

May 23, 2005: The countries approved the text of the Directive 2005: The EU presidency (Luxembourg) aims at a final agreement the proposal during Spring 2005.

April 13, 2005: The Parliament discussed the proposal for the second time (second reading) and agreed its opinion.

December 10, 2004: The Commission comments the decision of the energy ministers (2004/0800). Next phase is the second reading of the Parliament, which will be followed by final adoption of the council of ministers.

November 29, 2004: The energy minister agreed a common position. The agreement includes:

June 10, 2004: The proposal was discussed by the EU ministers on June 10, and they reached a political agreement, but some were outstanding.

April 20, 2004: The EU Parliament has adopted a resolution on the proposal for an EU Eco-design framework directive for energy efficiency and other environmental characteristics of products. The resolution calls for the following measures:
- One year after the adoption of the framework Directive, the Commission
should implement measures for those products that offer a high
potential for cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These include heating and water heating equipment, electric motor systems, lighting, domestic appliances, office equipment, consumer electronics, as well as ventilating & air conditioning systems. Stand-by losses of all products should also be regulated as soon as possible.
- Consumer information requirements for manufacturers and distributors, with information on life-cycle impacts and resource-efficient use of the products.
- Establishment of an Eco-Design Board with balanced participation of all relevant interested parties, including environmental NGOs.

An "Eco-design” framework Directive was proposed on August 1, 2003 by the EU Commission for energy-consuming equipment. The aim is to improve the overall environmental performance of these products during production and use as well as after use. It will be a framework for "eco-efficiency" standards of different equipment, aiming to minimize environmental impacts by reducing energy consumption as well as other factors that harm the environment. The standards will be elaborated for products that have a significant sales volume in EU and an important environmental impact.

The Directive proposal "On establishing a framework for the setting of Eco-design requirements for Energy-Using Products and amending Council Directive 92/42/EEC" is referred to as COM(2003)0453. It is co-decision procedure, involving the Parliament.
Follow the negotiations in Parliament: www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/index.jsp
Follow the proposal's progress in the EU system:
http://www.europa.eu/prelex/detail_dossier_real.cfm?CL=en&DosId=184690