The
International Network
for Sustainable Energy
- Framework Directive with Implementation Measures
Updated 21.05 2008
Ecodesign Directive and Process covering 25+ Products in the EU
EU is in a process of covering almost all energy using products on the markets of the EU countries with Ecodesign regulation, a regulation that sets minimum energy efficiency standards and other environmental criteria, based on a life-cycle approach. In progress are 25 pieces of regulation covering 23 product types and 2 horizontal measures (standby consumption and electric motors). For each type of regulation will be adopted an Implementation Measure that will be agreed by a special committee of EU countries. One to two years after the decision of this committee, all products sold in EU countries will have to follow the regulation. A new work programme to cover additional products will be adopted in 2008.
For each regulation is made a technical study. Each study has a website, where reports are made available as they are finished. Before the final report of the study is called an open meeting to discuss the study and possible regulation for the product group covered. Then the EU Commission develops a short overview of proposed regulation, which is discussed in a Consultation Forum with representatives of EU countries, industry, and NGOs. INFORSE-Europe has a permanent seat in the Consultation Forum together with WWF, Climate Action Network Europe, EEB, ECOS and consumer organisations.
The Ecodesign process is regulated by the Ecodesign of Energy-Using Products Directive (EuP) 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of Ecodesign requirements for energy-using products (EuP) and amending Council Directive 92/42/EEC and Directives 96/57/EC and 2000/55/EC.
In the Consultation Forum INFORSE-Europe works for:
- strong, but practical possible energy efficiency standards that moves the market by excluding inefficient products currently on the market
- fast implementation of measures, typically one year after they are approved
- a multi-step approach with stronger energy efficiency regulation 2-3 years after the first step and update after 5-6 years to include new technical progress.
- information to consumers on energy consumption of products, including standby consumption and typical annual consumption.
For each product type, INFORSE-Europe adopts a specific position together with ECOS and other NGOs. Two positions are made so far, on street lights and on standby consumption.
Read more about the Directive at: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/demand/legislation/eco_design_en.htm
and
about NGO positions at www.ecostandard.org
The products covered in the current work are:
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Simple set top boxes for TV: study completed, proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in February 2008.
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Boilers and combi-boilers (gas/oil/electric):study completed. Proposed new standards and labelling scheme for 2009. Proposals discussed at Consultation Forum (February 2008).
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Water heaters (gas/oil/electric): study completed. Proposed new standards and a new labelling scheme. Discussed together with boilers in February 2008.
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Personal Computers (desktops & laptops) and computer monitors: study completed
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Imaging equipment: study completed.
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Televisions: study completed. Proposals to be discussed in June 2008.
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Standby and off-mode losses of EuPs: study completed and proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in October 2007.
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Battery chargers and external power supplies: study completed, proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in February 2008.
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Office lighting: study completed. Proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in December 2007.
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(Public) street lighting: study completed and proposals discussed at Consultation Forum in July 2007.
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Residential room conditioning appliances (airconditioning and ventilation): study nearly completed. Proposals will be studied on the second half 2008.
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Electric motors 1-150 kW, water pumps (commercial buildings, drinking water, food,
agriculture), circulators in buildings, ventilation fans (nonresidential): study completed. Proposals discussed in May 2008. -
Commercial refrigerators and freezers, including chillers, display cabinets and vending machines: study completed.
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Domestic refrigerators and freezers: study completed.
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Domestic dishwashers and washing machines: study completed.
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Solid Fuel Small Combustion Installations: study ongoing.
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Laundry dryers: study ongoing.
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Vacuum cleaners: study ongoing.
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Complex set top boxes (with conditional access and/or functions that are always on): study ongoing.
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Domestic lighting: study completed. Proposal discussed in March 2008.
Procedure:
- Implementation
May 27-29, 2008: Seventh Consultation Forum
March 28, 2008: Sixth Consultation Forum
February 29, 2008: Fifth Consultation Forum
February 22, 2008: Fourth Consultation Forum December 18, 2007: Third Consultation Forum
October 19, 2007: Second Consultation Forum
June 2007: The EU Commission organised the first Consultation Forum,
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
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:
- Member States will designate authorities responsible for market surveillance;
- The criteria and the steps to be taken when preparing implementing measures, in particular a minimum sales and trade volume threshold, were clarified and specified;
- The Commission will establish a work plan with priority of products to
be regulated, in particular those identified
by the European Climate Change Plan as offering a high potential for the cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gases; - Consultation Forum : when envisaging the preparation of an implementing measure with regard to a given product, the Commission has to ensure the balanced participation of Member States and the proper involvement of all parties concerned. To this effect, there will be established a consultation forum;
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