About: Eco-design
New energy labels: the energy transition starts at home
As of 1 March, consumers will find new, revamped labels on dishwashers, washing machines, fridges and televisions. But to reach our climate ambitions, the European Commission must introduce A-G dedicated energy labels for all products responsible for high energy consumption, write Mélissa Zill and Jean-Pierre Schweitzer.
Circular economy erected as ‘number one priority’ of European Green Deal
The circular economy, including new waste and recycling laws, will represent "half" of the EU's effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and will be erected as "the number one priority" of the upcoming European Green Deal, officials have said.
Climate action needs better products
The EU has recently paved the way for longer-lasting products. Now we must enshrine this ambition into our future European Green Deal, write Jean-Pierre Schweitzer and Melissa Zill.
Some order in the multiple definitions of refrigeration
People are often confused by the multiple definitions of refrigeration, published in different sources, which are mutually overlapping but never identical. Some order was recently achieved and it is also needed at EU level, writes Kostadin Fikiin.
As EU tries to make household appliances more efficient, consumers remain to be convinced
European legislation has made appliances like washing machines and dishwashers even more water and energy efficient than washing clothes and dishes by hand. The next step is to connect these appliances to the web and allow them to act independently.
Circular economy must remain a priority for Europe beyond the 2019 elections
The Circular Economy Package and Plastics Strategy have set a high-level framework to improve the resource efficiency of the European economy. But to be effective, this framework must remain a policy priority for the next European Commission and Parliament, writes Nick Molho.
France to implement a new environmental tax?
The Amorce association, an association of local authorities and businesses in the fields of waste, energy and heating networks, revealed the tax measures which will be included in the French national roadmap on circular economy (FREC).
Durand: The debate on programmed obsolescence is not happening in the EU
France is breaking new ground with preliminary investigations into programmed obsolescence by Apple and Epson. But at a European level, the debate on product life-cycles is not taking place, Pascal Durand said in an interview with EURACTIV France.
Policymakers set eyes on next wave of EU lighting laws
Almost ten years after the European Union banned incandescent light bulbs, policymakers are turning their attention to less immediate aspects of lighting – ranging from productivity gains in the workplace and classrooms to human well-being and even emotional health.
Make or break time: Will the Commission make Europe a true industrial and climate leader?
The European Commission’s new Industrial Policy Strategy is a good start to provide the framework for Europe’s businesses to secure their position as a leading economy in the future, but the hard work is only just beginning, warns Seppo Parvi.
Brexit-fuelled energy efficiency myths
Despite negative reports in the British press, EU regulations that cut the amount of energy wasted by household appliances are overwhelmingly popular throughout the UK, writes Dr Jonathan Marshall.
Let’s design out waste for a real Circular Economy
The European Commission must wholeheartedly commit to building a Circular Economy if it is to deliver the benefits for the environment, businesses and the economy that EU citizens expect, writes Simon Wilson.