Improved labelling part of new EU energy-saving plans

The European commission has received a lukewarm reception to a package of measures aimed at improving the environmental performance of energy-related products.

Proposals include “eco-design” requirements for more products, such as windows, incentives for “highly performing” products and promoting international trade in environmentally friendly goods.

One of the key recommendations is for reinforced energy and environmental labelling.

Currently, the energy labelling directive obliges manufacturers and retailers to provide consumers with labels indicating the energy consumption of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and ovens.

Under the draft proposals, a wider range of products will in future be labelled according to their energy or environmental performance.

The commission says its various proposals could save nearly a third of the energy used in buildings, with resulting economic effects, by 2030, while better window insulation could contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by more than a fifth.

The package, largely aimed at increasing information available to consumers on the environmental performance of products, was outlined at a news conference by enterprise chief Günter Verheugen and commissioner for environment Stavros Dimas.

Verheugen said, “The EU has to set an example and prove that industry is capable of contributing vigorously to the fight against climate change.”

Dimas commented, “The time has come for us to change they type of products we buy and transform our methods of production.”

“That is why the commission is putting forward these proposals to encourage a switch to energy efficient and environmentally friendly products and production.”

Reaction to the plans was mixed, with Philippe de Buck, secretary general of BusinessEurope, saying, “Industry insists that impact assessments on the specific proposals for regulation be carried out to the highest standards.”

Guido Lena, director for sustainable development at the employers’ organisation UEAPME, voiced concern, saying, “Despite some timid and unsatisfactory references to SMEs, the plans are far from being in line with the reality in which European crafts and small businesses operate.

“The action plan dramatically underestimates the impact on smaller businesses.”

Meanwhile, Doreen Fedrigo, policy unit coordinator of the EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisation, said, “This package signals that the EU institutions are ready to start the real work. But more must be done to develop a clearer vision for sustainable industrial policy.”

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