The 2009/125/EC Eco-design directive is a framework defining the legal context for so called "implementing measures" but does not itself impose any obligations on industry. However, these implementing measures, developed and targeted at particular product groups, are now coming through in the form of EU regulations affecting a wide range of products. The first of these regulations entered force in January 2009 and now, as of June 2011, over ten electrical product groups are covered. As a result, this eco-design driven legislation is having a major impact on the design phase of a wide variety of products.

Objectives and scope

The main objective of the Eco-Design Directive is to bring about improvements in the environmental performance of products. This extends throughout their life cycle from the  mining of the raw material through to recycling / disposal at end-of-life.  Up to now the focus has been on increasing energy efficiency especially during the phase of a product's life when it is in use. However, obligations of the directive work proactively and focus on the design phase since this is usually the phase in which the resources that will be used in a product are determined.

The directive does not apply to modes of transport (planes, cars etc.) but, apart from this, the scope was designed to be deliberately broad. The aim was that it covered, in principle, any product which when in use depends on, generates, transfers or measures energy. This also includes electrical, fossil fuel or renewable energy sources. Examples could be boilers, computers, televisions, industrial fans, light bulbs etc. However, many products have an indirect impact on the energy in use such as water-using devices, taps and showerheads for example, and double glazing windows or insulating material but the directive does not take these into account.

Improvement in design could clearly result in the significant saving of energy and other resources. The extension of scope to energy-related products has enabled these types of product to be regulated in principle.

For more information visit:

http://www.element14.com/community/community/legislation/eup

or

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/ecodesign/eco_design_en.htm

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/regulatory-compliance-articles/eco-design-of-energy-using-products-directive-4888563.html

Victoria Jones is Legislation Marketing Manager at Farnell.

www.element14.com/legislation