EU Ecodesign Directive: Norbert Röttgen makes the case for ambitious and dynamic minimum standards for products in Europe
The EU Ecodesign Directive, which has been in force since 2005, regulates the energy efficiency of electrical appliances. To date, minimum efficiency standards have been passed in nine separate regulations, including, for example, the light bulb phase-out. The European Commission is currently working on regulations for numerous other groups of products such as boilers, fans, computers, washing machines and dishwashers.
German Environment Minister Dr. Norbert Röttgen rates the implementation to date of the EU Ecodesign Directive as a success. The "standby regulation" alone has produced a potential saving in Europe of 35 terawatt hours per year up to 2020, which is roughly equivalent to Denmark’s annual electricity consumption,” said the Environment Minister at the opening of a conference entitled "Ecodesign Directive: opportunities for the environment, industry and consumers in Europe,” held in the Federal Environment Ministry.
The top runner approach, which is a comprehensive system of incentives to promote the best and most efficient products on the market, demonstrates the guiding principle underlying the product-based aspect of the German Environment Ministry’s environmental policy. The Ecodesign Directive is a key instrument in this approach.
In his speech, the German Environment Minister stressed the advantages inherent in the Ecodesign Directive’s provisions - not just for environmental protection but also for German companies. "The product specifications that apply throughout the EU are a major opportunity for innovative German manufacturers, who can use them to gain an edge over the competition in the European single market. To implement the Directive, we will continue to use the established consultation process that guarantees the participation of industry and environmental and consumer associations."
But not only industry, consumers too will benefit from the Ecodesign Directive. The electrical appliances on sale use less electricity and are therefore good for the household budget. It also means that more and more products have energy efficiency labels.