By Paul Davies

The launch of the Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019, covering the eco-design and energy labelling framework last month is another key milestone in the Commission’s plan to transition the EU to a more circular economy.

Key points to note from the Working Plan include:

  • The current state of play is that the Commission have adopted 28 Ecodesign Regulations, 16 Energy Labelling Delegated Regulations and three recognised Voluntary Agreements. A number of these regulations will be subject to review in 2019.
  • Going forward, the Commission shall publish a working plan outlining an indicative list of energy related product groups which will be considered priorities for the next three years.
  • Further measures to be adopted include: (i) an eco-design measure for heating and cooling products; (ii) an eco-design and energy-labelling measure on verification tolerances to improve product testing and reduce the scope for cheating; and (iii) a Recommendation for self-regulation to support industry in the pursuit of voluntary agreements as an alternative to regulation.