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Last update: 28.07.2010

The ecodesign Process

The Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) aims at setting up ecodesign requirements for energy-using and energy-related products. The framework directive is complemented by Implementing Measures, either adopted by the Commission, with the assistance of a Regulatory Committee as defined under the Ecodesign Directive, or by voluntary agreements from the industry. These Implementing Measures will set the product ecodesign requirements and may be generic (aiming at improvement of overall environmental performance) and/or specific (e.g. in form of limit values for selected environmental aspects).

Following the publication of the Directive in July 2005 (recasted in 2009), the European Commission has contracted 35 ‘preparatory studies’, systematically providing scientific background information on individual product groups or horizontal matters. Further studies are expected to be carried out within the forthcoming years. These studies are part of the overall ‘ecodesign process’ and will recommend ways to improve the environmental performance of the products by assessing the environmental aspects over the entire life cycle of the relevant energy-using and energy-related product.

Each study is divided into eight tasks:

  1. Definition
  2. Economic and market analysis
  3. Consumer behaviour
  4. Technical analysis of existing products
  5. Definition of base-case
  6. Technical analysis – Best Available Technology
  7. Improvement potential
  8. Policy, impact and sensitivity analysis.

During the studies, stakeholders have the possibility to comment on draft reports and to give input at stakeholder workshops organised by the contractors. Members of the project consortium participate in the interim and final stakeholder workshops.

Based on the outcomes of the preparatory studies, the European Commission proposes draft 'Implementing Measures’ on possible ecodesign requirements, which are discussed with stakeholders in a Consultation Forum meeting before undergoing a further impact assessment and being voted on by the EU-member states in the Regulatory Committee.
Supported by the project consortium, the European consumer organisations ANEC and BEUC prepare position papers on the draft Implementing Measures.