European Ecodesign

Ecodesign makes it possible to limit the environmental impact of products. It takes into account all the fases in the life cycle, from raw material extraction to the moment the product is discarded and re-used as raw materials for new products. Ecodesign may have the effect of reducing energy consumption.

For which products?

Through the European Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, the Commission may set requirements for the ecologic design of energy-related products. Based on product studies they establish rules for different productgroups. Specific environmental criteria are determined per product category. These are specific products that are sold for more than 200,000 units per year in the EU, and therefore have a major impact on the environment.

Two of the implementing measures for ecodesigns falling under the product groups are:

• Local space heaters
• Water heaters

The eco-design requirements for local space heaters are covered by Regulation (EU). 813/2013.

The eco-design requirements for water heaters covered by Regulation (EU). 814/2013.

Measurements; harmonised European standards

In order to comply and verify compliance with the eco-design requirements, measurements must be made on the basis of harmonised European standards or other reliable, accurate and reproducible methods.

Because no harmonised standards exist for space and water heaters within the framework of the Ecodesign, the European Commission has published so-called transition measurement and calculation methods. The aim is eventually to replace these transition measurements by harmonised standards.