The EuE directive

The European commission has just published an initial draft text that harmonises requirements concerning the design of end use equipment. The intention is to shape one framework directive by merging two initiatives, the EEE directive (impact on the environment of electrical and electronic equipment) and the EER directive (energy efficiency requirements). The framework directive is called the EuE directive (end use equipment).

With regard to article 95, the new framework directive aims to ensure the free movement of end use equipment by integration of environmental aspects in the design & development of equipment and by setting eco design requirements.

The draft defines EuE as equipment which is dependant on energy input (electricity, fossil and renewable fuels) to work as intended and equipment for the generation, transfer and measurement of such energy. Presumption of conformity to the directive is through a CE mark as well as established EU schemes such as the Eco-Label.

The directive requires manufacturers to perform a conformity assessment of the EuE with the relevant requirements of applicable implementing measures. The implementing measures specified in the directive include Internal Design Control and an Environmental Management System. The implementation measures introduce eco-design requirements and specific eco-design requirements for selected environmental aspects which have a significant adverse effect on the environment.

The eco-design requirements require manufacturers to consider the entire life cycle of equipment and to assess the ecological profile of the equipment. This includes a life cycle analysis of equipment looking at;

1. Raw Materials
2. Acquisition
3. Manufacturing
4. Packaging, Transport and Distribution
5. Installation and Maintenance
6. Use
7. End of Life

At each phase of this manufacturers are required to assess consumption of materials and energy, emissions to air and water, pollution, expected waste and recycling / re-use.

The specific eco-design requirements may take the form of considering the reduced consumption of a given resource in the various stages of its life cycle, such as water or electricity. This requires a technical-economical analysis to be done to identify technical options for improving the environmental performance of the equipment. This analysis should lead to a reduction in the environmental impact of the equipment. In the case of energy consumption in use, the level of energy consumption should be set at the life cycle cost minimum to the final users (Least Life Cycle Cost or LLCC)

More information can be found on the Europa website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/eee/