GEN – 806.00. The outcome of the ‘Technical assistance study for the assessment of the feasibility of using a “points system” methodology in the implementation of Ecodesign Directive complex products and/or product systems’ may become a point systems methodology that could be applied to products (and systems) that are capable of carrying out different functions. It is now up to the European Commission to decide on subsequent steps. The Eurovent Team has compiled key takeaways for members.
Background
The origins of the study were discussions in meetings of the Ecodesign Consultation Forum in 2014. During these meetings, it was mentioned that the existing methodology (MEErP) could possibly be improved for products which are complex in the following ways:
- They may have more than one functional unit due to the variety of functions the product can perform
- The functional units may be inherently difficult to assess due to measurement or methodological difficulties
- They have varying degrees of heterogeneity that complicate their assessment against common metrics and measurement methods
Study
During the study, two stakeholder meetings took place. One to define complex products, the other to test the methodology via assessing its hypothetical application to machine tools and data storage devices.
The application of these two cases was subjected to delay because obstacles were encountered. These case studies were intended to explore to what extent it is viable to apply the proposed methodology to these products.
The results are not intended to constitute a proposal for a specific points system for these products or other products to be applied directly within Ecodesign regulatory requirements.
Heating, cooling and ventilation products that also have “complex” characteristics have not been addressed in the study.
It is now up to the Commission (DG GROW and DG Energy) to consider subsequent steps.
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