Climate Action Network Europe / Energy Efficiency in the European Union

Directive for Eco-design requirements for energy-using products (EuP)
This Directive is trying to tap this enormous potential by increasing the energy efficiency of products such as hairdryers, shavers, washing machines and laptops. The directive applies to a vast range of products, including heating and water heating equipment, electric motor systems, lighting in both the domestic and tertiary sectors, domestic appliances, office equipment in the domestic and tertiary sectors, consumer electronics and HVAC (heating ventilating air conditioning) systems which are responsible for about 40% of EU's CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Next step
Since it is a framework directive, the legislation will acquire flesh on its bones only when followed by implementing measures laying down precise eco-design rules. These are to be adopted by the Commission, which in turn is to be assisted by a regulatory committee. Self-regulatory measures by industry will be given priority, with this approach it is crucial that the Commission closely follow the transposition and implementation of the directive. The Commission launched an invitation for tender on the preparatory studies on 7 July 2005. The tender is subdivided into 14 categories of products. The preparatory study shall provide the necessary information to prepare for the next phases (carried out by the Commission), which are the impact assessment, the consulatation of the Eco-Design Forum and a possible draft implementing measure.

Directive for Eco-design requirements for energy-using products & latest legislative developments:

Directive on the Promotion of End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services:
A part of the energy savings can effectively be realized through energy services and other end-use efficiency measures. The Commission in late 2003 came with proposal for a Directive on the promotion of end-use efficiency and energy services to enhance the cost-effective and efficient end-use of energy in Member States. Upon adoption, it provides the targets, mechanisms, incentives and institutional, financial and legal frameworks to remove existing market barriers and imperfections for the efficient end use of energy. Unfortunately the Commission's proposal as well as the report from the Parliaments rapporteur is short of the ambition to really tap into the great potential of energy efficiency.

Next step
When energy ministers met 27 - 28 June 2005, they reached an agreement that goes against several of the central tenants of both the original proposal fro; the Commission as well as the view of the Parliament: such as the need for mandatory targets and specific targets for the public sector. With the three different institutions so far apart, the proposal will now return back to Parliament for a second reading.