Eco-design requirements for energy-using products:
Better design reduces EU energy
needs and costs to consumers
The European Parliament today gave its broad support to
new laws that will improve the environmental performance of new energy-consuming products. The directive on
eco-design requirements for energy-using products will define a stringent framework under which the European
Commission has to come forward with minimum requirements for the environmental quality of household appliances,
office equipment, consumer electronics and industrial process engines.
The European climate
change program has identified improving the energy consumption of appliances and office equipment as one of the
best and cheapest ways for Europe to fulfil its Kyoto requirements to reduce carbon emissions. Speaking after
the vote today, Claude Turmes, Green coordinator of the Industry Committee and member of the
Environment Committee, said:
"Due to weak policies over the last decade the EU has lost its world
leadership on efficient energy-using products to countries like Japan. We hope that this directive will boost
innovation in the European appliances industry and create an example of how thorough environmental legislation
can pave the way for a sound economy."
"We have had to fight hard against the Commission and
Council to make a meaningful directive. Almost all of the directive's relevant provisions – such as a clear
priority for energy efficiency, a stake-holders forum with NGOs representatives, a criteria list to check the
relevance of voluntary agreements and a work-plan based on the European climate change program – were imposed by
the Parliament."
"It is now time for the Commission to deliver, but this will not be possible
with the resources it currently allocates. The Commission does not even have two people working full-time on the
important issues of minimum requirements, labelling and public procurement of appliances. This situation must
change if Europe wants to take full advantage of the opportunities for significant environmental benefit and
reduction of greenhouse gases offered by this framework directive."