Energy-using Products Directive

The implementation of the Energy-using Products Directive (EuP) is expected to occur over a two year period between 2009 and 2011, signalling changes in the way many energy-using products are designed and specified. NBS Information Specialist Michael Smith looks briefly at the
proposed implementation framework for the directive.

EuP – what will change?

Exactly what shape the EuP will take is not yet clear. Under the Directive, inter-Governmental agreements could reduce the number of products on the market, or introduce energy ratings for complete systems.

The Market Transformation Programme (MTP), the UK Government body entrusted with ensuring the marketplace offers products in line with national sustainable policies, has segregated and targeted 19 product groups which are likely to be affected by the introduction of the Directive. These range from laptops and lawn mowers to commercial boilers and street lighting. Since the EuP was published in July 2005, the MTP has been organising product analysis to see where energy savings can be designed in.

Why introduce the EuP?

The European Commission believes that the EuP can reduce Europe's energy consumption by about 10%. However, a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on energy savings in California attributes 30% of all energy saved to product standards of the type envisaged in EuP.

The framework directive for the EuP provides a basis for establishing minimum eco-design requirements for energy using products. The aim of the Directive is to reduce the environmental impact of these products, contributing to sustainable development and ensuring the free movement of products in the EU. While the scope of the Directive covers all energy-using products except transport, requirements relating to individual products, product groups or functions of products (e.g. stand-by) still need to be established by EU-wide implementing measures.

Manufacturers, consultants, technical directors and EU groups are now beginning to set the criteria their products must begin to meet by the end of 2009. Final details of UK criteria will be decided by the MTP, DEFRA and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). However, before this is possible a series of consultations and proposals based on production possibilities and technical performance must be navigated, though there is a clear intention for the EuP to avoid in-depth legislation on design. Rather, it hopes to encourage voluntary action by manufacturers to eco-design their products.

How will the EuP become law?

Implementation could be through amendments to the national Building Regulations, or Brussels could issue a European Regulation, which would then have to be implemented without national consultations or debates.

The table below gives a framework table of links to implementing measures and latest news on how the various groups are likely to be introduced, as well as current events relating to the EuP Directive itself.

Framework of implementation of the EuP

Key:
Reported – A report has been made and the European Commission is considering implementation options
Working document published - A working document on possible implementing measures has been drafted and published on the Commission website

The reported studies will provide the Commission with the necessary information to prepare for the next phases: the impact assessment, the consultation with the Eco-design Forum and a possible draft implementing measures. Depending on the type of implementing measures proposed, new legislation may be required in the UK.

Further information

EuP Directive 2005/32/EC Establishing a framework for the setting of eco-design requirements for energy-using products
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:191:0029:0058:EN:PDF

Framework Directive for the Eco-design of Energy Using Products (EuP)
This webpage gives up to date details of changes in the framework
http://www.mtprog.com/Eup.aspx

EU Policies – interest group
To keep up-to-date you can join the interest group on EU Policies at http://www.mtprog.com/JoinInterestGroup.aspx

Eco-design of Energy-using Products
Ongoing product-specific preparatory studies page – gives details of the publication of ‘working documents’, in preparation for the next phase of the EuP implementation
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/demand/legislation/eco_design_en.htm#studies

Related NBS information:

Articles:

• 17th Edition Wiring regulations
• Approved Document Part P: Electrical safety – dwellings
• Don't get your wires crossed: the colour coding of low voltage fixed wiring cable cores

Selected links:

• Mechanical and electrical engineering

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