Smarter eco-design for energy using products could save 900 million says Defra

The European Union (EU) Framework Directive for the Eco-design of Energy Using Products (EuP) has already begun to introduce minimum energy standards and labels for televisions, washing machines and fridges, and more products are to follow. The EU estimates that implementing these standards effectively will reduce EU energy use by 10 per cent. Non-compliance with these standards costs £30m pa.

The consultation will ensure that manufacturers can compete in a fair environment while consumers are guaranteed that the products they purchase meet the mandatory minimum energy performance standards and their declared energy label.

New Environment Minister, Dan Norris, said:
"It is really important that we hear from businesses and manufacturers to get a well rounded view of how we can enforce and check on the energy standards of products. These standards can save our economy so much money and can save millions of tonnes of CO2 from going into the atmosphere."

The consultation is split into three main parts
* To find out who would be best placed to carry out the market surveillance
* To discover what the necessary powers such an enforcement authority should have, whether we need more regular testing programmes, and the role business should play in enforcement and testing of energy using products
* To seek industry and business views on draft guidance notes for five energy-using products (standby, simple set top boxes, external power supplies, tertiary lighting and household lighting).

The benefits of an effective market surveillance and enforcement regime include:
* Safeguarding the CO2 reductions and environmental benefits from the two directives (EuP and Energy Labelling);
* Ensuring a level-playing field between manufacturers by removing economic advantage from those who fail to comply;
* Guaranteeing to consumers that the products they purchase perform according to their declared efficiency claims.

It is estimated that 15% of products across Europe do not comply with standards.

EuP requires manufacturers of energy-using products to reduce the energy consumption of their appliances at the design stage. They are also obliged to reduce the negative environmental impacts of their products, throughout the whole life cycle - from manufacture to disposal.

It is generally acknowledged that a product's lifetime energy use is strongly influenced by choices made at the design phase. 'Eco-design' means that there will be a greater focus on lifetime energy use and other environmental aspects during the conception and design phases before it is manufactured and brought to market.

Existing requirements for product energy labelling (as well as for the voluntary EU eco-label) will continue to exist alongside the provisions set out in the Eco-design Directive. The Energy Labelling Framework Directive does not directly introduce obligations on businesses, but instead provides a legal framework for establishing labelling requirements. Energy labels provide clear and easily recognisable information for consumers about the relative energy consumption and performance of domestic appliances. Mandatory EU energy labels are currently required to be displayed on household refrigerators & freezers, washing machines, electric tumble-dryers, combined washer-dryers, dishwashers, household electric ovens, air conditioning units and lamps.

The EuP Directive makes provision for the introduction of implementing measures, which can be minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) or other mechanisms. Implementing measures have come into force for a number of products including domestic non-directional lighting and many more are imminent.

The EuP and Energy Labelling Framework Directives require Member States to put in place a Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) to ensure that products placed on the market comply with the requirements of their implementing measures. Currently, this role is fulfilled by Trading Standards Officers and DETI in Northern Ireland. With new measures coming into force over the next 2-3 years this is a timely opportunity to assess the options for compliance and enforcement activity.

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