The European Commission is reviewing its regulations for domestic cooking appliances, some of the most polluting products in our homes. Responsible for poor indoor air quality, public health risks, and carbon emissions, home cooking appliances that use gas must be eradicated – for our health and for our planet. The EU could make this happen using ecodesign. Here’s how.
The first EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for mobile phones and tablets will make electronic products longer-lasting and more repairable. This landmark decision heralds a new era of sustainability for electronic products.
In a landmark decision that will help to shape the products we consume for many years, the European Parliament has chosen to accelerate the development of sustainable products in Europe. Extending ecodesign principles is a must – for producers, consumers, and the environment. We hope to see the Parliament’s ambition carried over into the final text of the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation).
From the bottom of your drawers to the mountains of e-waste pilling up around the world, evidence of the ephemeral lifecycle of our ICT and electronic products is everywhere. ECOS and its partners are fighting for EU legislation and international standards to end this disaster through rules applying to the design of these products, from your smartphone to your printer. We count some successes, but there is a long way to go before the world’s e-waste is reduced.
The proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) [1] is unprecedented – aiming to make all products sustainable by default. In today’s vote, the European Parliament has demonstrated willingness to go even further, giving a clear signal that Europeans demand sustainable products. The existing Ecodesign Directive has already successfully reduced the emissions and improved the circularity of many products since its entry into force in 2009. This update will extend those proven victories and sustainability requirements to many more sectors – driving forward implementation of the European Green Deal.
ECOS, alongside the Coolproducts campaign and the EEB, has published a new position paper: Comments on the Regulations about Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Requirements for Space and Water Heaters. We suggest some modifications to strengthen the environmental impact of these rules.
Member States and other stakeholders meet today to debate ecodesign rules for ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers. Raising energy efficiency requirements for heating appliances could effectively phase out fossil fuel operated boilers, since they are significantly less efficient than other solutions, like electric heat pumps. If the EU wants to respect its legal commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and mitigate the current energy crisis, the moment to act is now.
Phase out of ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers via EU product policy: a chance to make renewable heating the norm, decrease Europe’s energy dependence, and mitigate energy crises. Read our joint letter to national energy and environment ministries, and EU Member State representatives of the Ecodesign Consultation Forum.
2023 is a decisive year for the future of ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers in Europe. The European Commission and EU Member States have a unique opportunity to phase out sales of these highly polluting appliances using ecodesign rules. The moment to act on domestic heating and secure Europe’s climate neutral future has arrived.
Implementing policy and standards at all stages of a product life cycle can exert high impacts on the resource-saving potential of products and promote circular economy and resource efficiency. This is why Environmental Design and Labelling are effective tools for improving the energy efficiency of products.
ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
