Energy-using Products (EuP) Directive
The EuP Directive (2005/32/EC) sets out eco-design and energy labelling requirements for energy-using products, and is also sometimes referred to as the Eco-design Directive. Finland’s has duly transposed the directive in national legislation that came into force on 1.1.2009.The directive aims to ensure that environmental impacts are duly considered during product design from the perspective of products’ entire life cycles. The aim is to increase products’ sustainability by enhancing their energy efficiency as an important part of wider considerations related to environmental protection.
The EuP Directive serves as a framework directive within which the Commission issues binding eco-design requirements for specific product groups.
Eco-design requirements for specific energy-using product groups
The EU Commission can set eco-design requirements for energy-using products that meet the following criteria:
- Products of which more than 200,000 units are sold a year in the EU;
- Products with significant environmental impacts; and
- Products whose environmental impacts can be significantly improved without excessive costs.
Eco-design requirements are defined for the Commission by a committee made up of expert representatives from the EU’s member states, following consultation forums where stakeholders are actively involved.
Product groups for which eco-design requirements have so far been issued (as of 14.4.2009):
- lighting equipment for homes and service sector buildings;
- simple digital appliances;
- stand-by units; and
- chargers and external power sources.
Main product groups for which eco-design requirements are currently being prepared:
- heating and water heating equipment;
- ventilation and air conditioning systems;
- water circulation pumps;
- electric motors;
- domestic appliances;
- office equipment used in homes and in the service sector; and
- consumer electronics.
