|
ECO-design
for energy efficiency - 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:
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 The products covered in the current work are:
Procedure: 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:
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: 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. |
|