Amid a climate crisis, everyone wants to do their part. It is encouraging that consumers look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Producers are aware of this phenomenon and strive to create messages that cater to climate-conscious consumers. As a result, supermarket shelves are teeming with the broadest array of climate claims. But, can […]
Post Type Archives: News & Events
NGOs call for a phase-out of SF6, the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, ‘as soon as possible’
Despite its potency, the use of SF6 continues increasing virtually unabated. Emissions from leakages occur during the installation, maintenance, dismantling, replacement, and operation of electrical switchgear, circuit breakers and transformers. Demand for SF6 in medium- and high-voltage switchgear is on the rise, driven by increasing electricity demand and the urgently-needed switch to decentralised renewable energy […]
Three reasons why including nuclear energy in the EU Taxonomy is against the circular economy transition
As ECOS has long argued, nuclear energy significantly harms the transition to a circular economy. At the same time, we cannot decarbonise the economy using CO2, which means that fossil gas cannot be labelled as sustainable, either. We are not alone in this view. Former top EU officials, MEPs, environmental groups, expert groups, youth groups, […]
Setting a truly circular recycling system – joint pledge
Promoters of chemical ‘recycling’ define these new technologies as an enabling factor for a circular plastic economy. However, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the overall lifecycle impact of chemical recycling on the environment. To achieve a truly circular economy for plastic, we should emphasise prevention, reduction, and reuse solutions that save energy […]
Spotlight on Plastic Fishing Gear – ECOS factsheet
Marine plastic litter is a major global problem. Thanks to its strength, longevity and low cost, plastic has replaced natural materials in many sectors, and the global fishing industry is no exception. Small-scale nets, traps and buoys were traditionally made from natural plant fibres as well as materials such as cork. Nowadays, chemically treated plastics […]
REPowerEU – EU Commission hints at 2029 as date to end sales of fossil fuel boilers: ‘great win for people and the planet’
Today’s communication gives prominence to energy saving measures, highlighting that ecodesign will be vital in achieving Fit for 55 goals Commission announces it will set ‘stricter ecodesign limits for heating systems at EU level, implying 2029 as an end date for “stand-alone” fossil fuel boilers being placed on the market and parallel rescaling of […]
New international standard raises limits on natural refrigerants for household heating and cooling equipment
IEC 60335-2-40 is an international standard that contains safety requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers intended for household or similar use. A new version of the standard, which contains changes that help pave the way for sustainable and future-proof refrigeration technology, was recently up for vote. Together with our partners, ECOS has been […]
Watch it again: Carbon Neutral* – Can legislation put an end to greenwashing?
If a banana shipped from the other side of the world was labelled carbon neutral, would you believe it? Data suggests that you probably shouldn’t. Of the net-zero pledges of 25 companies evaluated in the 2021 Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor report, only one was deemed as having ‘reasonable integrity’. Similarly, a recent ECOS report suggests […]
Ministers for environment, not for industry, should be in the driving seat for new ecodesign regulation, warn environmental NGOs
The Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS), the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), and Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) urge the Council of the European Union to appoint the Environment Council as the responsible formation in charge of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). NGOs worry that the Competitiveness Council, composed of EU national ministers for […]
