The way forward for European Energy Efficient Product Policy

Between 23 and 26 June the EU annual Energy week was held in Brussels, an occasion to learn more on the EU applicable and future legislation and trends. EFESME took part in the session dedicated to the joint discussion on “The way forward for European Energy Efficient Product Policy”, which was held on 24^th June. Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for Energy, affirmed that the reduction of greenhouse emission is essential to ensure sustainability, but a real strategy for energy efficiency still need to be completed. In this framework, building energy consumption is a leading field for improvement, and a special attention has to be given to machinery and electrical devices. The Ecodesign and Ecolabelling Directive have been implemented in this perspective; but what product will be selected for the next round? According to Peter Liese MEP, the public perception in the Member States and the real impact on consumers shall be taken into account when analysing the product groups. The Ecodesign and Ecolabelling resulted in a reduction of energy consumption, but they also created additional burden and some confusion to the consumers. This is the reason why Mr. Liese proposed to adopt a more pragmatic approach based on a trade-off assessment between real energy saving and impact on consumers, trying to avoid to include new product when their saving capacity is limited compared to the new requirement for the consumer it would need. The concern on consumers was also shared by Stephen Russell, ANEC Secretary-General, who affirmed that “information must be the key to knowledge” to avoid a breach of consumer trust.