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› Introduction
The European Union (EU) is central to many of the laws and standards applicable across the 27 countries on the European continent.* In addition, some EU legislation may also be applicable in other European countries, in virtue of agreements signed by the parties.**
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The EU political system is managed by three institutions. The European Commission (EC) represents the European interest as a whole. The independent body has the exclusive right to propose laws, which will be enacted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Within the EC, the Directorates-General Environment and Enterprise and Industry are mainly responsible for ruling the energy sector and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Member States.
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› Overview
Major legislative texts with an impact on the use of refrigerants and the treatment of commercial refrigeration systems:
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The F-Gases Regulation seeks to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of high-global warming fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gases) covered by the Kyoto Protocol, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The legislation applies to refrigerants used in stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment.
- The Energy Efficiency Action Plan provides a catalogue of measures regarding minimum efficiency standards for highly energy-consumptive areas. It targets the performance of refrigeration equipment by pooling technical, environmental, fiscal and financial tools.
- The Eco-Design Directive and the Labelling Directive require the integration of environmental considerations at the design phase of energy-using equipment, and implement labelling, incentive, information and rebate schemes for such appliances. Among the 14 priority product groups to become subject to early eco-design standards: commercial refrigerators and freezers, including chillers, display cabinets and vending machines.
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› Applicable legislation
Please click on the issue of your interest below for an overview, links to official documents and background:
› F-Gases Regulation
› Energy Efficiency Action Plan
› Pressure Equipment Directive
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› Standards & Other documents
To access the document of your preference, simply click on the link below.
› European Climate Change Programme
* Member States of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom. On 1 January , 2007, Bulgaria and Romania will join the European Union.
** Current members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are the 25 EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Main goal is to provide for the liberalisation of trade among the members.
In 1992, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway entered into the European Economic Area (EEA) to participate in the Internal Market, while not assuming the full responsibility of EU membership. All new Community legislation in areas covered by the EEA become integral part of the national legislation of the EEA States. |
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