Standardization for Ecodesign and Energy Labelling: CEN and CENELEC to hold a conference at the EUSEW 2019
Date
05 Jun 2019
Sections
Sustainable Dev.
On 20TH June, as part of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), CEN and CENELEC together with the Coolproducts campaign are hosting a special session dedicated to the role of Standardization in support of Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations.
Ecodesign and Energy Labelling have proven to be highly effective methods to reduce emissions, while widely benefiting consumers and the European industry. European Standards (ENs) have supported since the start the implementation of EU legislation for a circular economy, by providing methods to measure and assess whether products comply with regulatory requirements.
Indeed, Ecodesign and Energy Labelling policies supported by European Standards help business and consumers by enabling them to make a better and more rational use of energy by choosing more efficient products. To concretely develop the transition to the circular economy requires putting the consumer at the centre of a strong product policy. In this context, what is the role for Ecodesign, Energy Labelling and the underpinning standards with regards to the challenges that this transition poses? How can standards best support the regulatory framework, while empowering consumers themselves as part of the transition?
The conference “Ecodesign and Energy Labels: setting standards for consumers”, organized by CEN, CENELEC and the Coolproducts campaign, will be dedicated to these and many other topics. The event, which will take place on 20th June at the Charlemagne Palace in Brussels as part of the Policy Conference of the European Sustainable Energy Week 2019 (EUSEW 2019), will put together a wide array of speakers from the standardization community, consumers and the industry to explore the challenges ahead for the relation between Ecodesign and Energy Labels policies and standards.
In particular, the discussions will revolve around three main topics:
1. The need for test methods in standards to provide consumers and users of household appliances with relevant information on the energy performance of these products and other performance parameters;
2. the ways to address material efficiency aspects, such as product durability and reparability;
3. the possible future policy developments with regards to the decision and implementation process, the scope of products and the environmental dimensions to be covered.
Discussions will outline the efforts currently undertaken to address these issues, what are the needs in terms of revised or new standards and the characteristics those need to obtain in order to be fit for purpose in the new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling realities, and serve the purpose of providing meaningful information to consumers.
Catherine Vigneron, Customer Service Specialist Energy and Living at CEN and CENELEC, will be among the panellists and comments: “European Standards are a flexible tool to improve safety and performances, raise levels of energy efficiency, and protect consumers, workers and the environment.”
On the same day, CEN and CENELEC, through their Sector Forum Energy Management (SFEM), will also be involved in the panel “Sustainable Finance for Energy Efficiency, experience from markets across Europe”. The event will provide an opportunity to discuss innovative financing approaches, clean energy policy and related standards. More information can be found on the event’s website.
The European Sustainable Energy Week is a month-long series of activities to build a secure energy future for Europe, organised by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) in close cooperation with Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission. It brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives to save energy and move towards renewables for clean, secure and efficient power. Details can be found on the event’s official website.
More information about the “Ecodesign and Energy Labels” event, including on timing and speakers, can be found on the dedicated webpage. Registration is free and open until the 12th of June.
CEN and CENELEC
CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) are recognized by the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as European Standardization Organizations responsible for developing standards at European level. These standards set out specifications and procedures in relation to a wide range of materials, processes, products and services. The members of CEN and CENELEC are the National Standardization Bodies and National Electrotechnical Committees of 34 European countries. European Standards (ENs) and other standardization deliverables adopted by CEN and CENELEC, are accepted and recognized in all of these countries. European Standards (ENs) contribute to enhancing safety, improving quality, facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening the European Single Market. They are developed through a process of collaboration among experts nominated by business and industry, research institutes, consumer and environmental organizations, trade unions and other stakeholders. CEN and CENELEC work to promote the international alignment of standards in the framework of technical cooperation agreements with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
CEN website: www.cen.eu
CEN-CENELEC website: www.cencenelec.eu