Ecodesign: new EU regulations to save the climate and to promote the circular economy
In a continued effort to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint and to make energy bills cheaper for European consumers, the Commission has adopted new eco-design measures for products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and televisions.
Improving the ecodesign of products contributes to implementing the ‘Energy efficiency first’ principle of the EU’s Energy Union priority. For the first time the measures include requirements for reparability and recyclability, contributing to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability and waste handling of appliances.
European Commission Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness Jyrki Katainen said:
“Whether it is by fostering reparability or improving water consumption, intelligent eco-design makes us use our resources more efficiently, bringing clear economic and environmental benefits. Figures speak for themselves: these measures can save European households on average €150 per year and contribute to energy savings equal to annual energy consumption of Denmark by 2030. It is with concrete steps such as these that Europe as a whole is embracing the circular economy to the benefit of citizens, our environment and European businesses.”
