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EU countries miss deadline for eco-design law |
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Most Member States are struggling to transfer EU efficiency standards for energy-using products into national law. This may put at risk the timely adoption of eco-design requirements for commercial refrigerators and freezers.
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2007-08-14
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According to a Brussels-based news service, only 6 out of 27 Member States have reported to the European Commission full or partial transposition of the Eco-Design Directive. The deadline, due by 11 August, required all EU countries to define authorities and penalty schemes ensuring the implementation of efficiency standards for energy-using products (EuP). The transposition of the framework directive into national law is a prerequisite to advance in the setting of more specific eco-design requirements for single product groups.
This delay undermines the law's main target: to create a barrier-free trade of EuPs marked with a common eco-label. The Commission is now considering to launch infringement procedures against all tardy countries, while analyzing the reports received from Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Slovakia, Sweden, and the UK.
Eco-standards for cold commercial products
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Under the Eco-Design Directive, the European Commission listed 14 priority groups with the highest potential to achieve a cost-efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Cold commercial equipment, such as freezers, chillers, or vending machines, is one priority group currently studied by the Commission. On-going studies mention environmentally friendly CO2 refrigeration units as a future alternative to current systems due to their reduced greenhouse gas emissions during design, use, and end of life. It is not yet clear, however, if final standards for cold commercial products will take the shape of voluntary industry agreements or binding legislative requirements.
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Background
The Eco-Design Directive, adopted in 2005, provides the framework for setting minimum efficiency standards for different groups of energy-using products. Based on a "cradle to grave" approach, it seeks to minimize the environmental impact from all product life cycle phases, including the manufacturing, operation, and disposal.
Next steps
First proposals for eco-design standards specific to commercial refrigeration is scheduled for end-2007. Late 2008, the European Commission is expected to issue legislation, following a consultation with stakeholders and a thorough impact assessment.
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More information:
› ENDS Europe Daily - News 13 August, 2007
› Eco-Design Directive - European Commission website
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