Mike Lawrence, chairman of the FETA Board, explains why the Ecodesign Directive is an important piece of legislation across the EU member states. 

The EC carries out a preliminary study of an area of the energy using market and, if it appears suitable for regulation, it defines a “Lot” into which the product or products fit. 

The emphasis of the Directive is energy but it can cover other aspects as well. 

FETA is a member of other pan European trade associations including EPEE (the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment) which is active in representing the sector on Ecodesign and other EU Directives and Regulations and acts as a conduit for UK industry matters to and from the European Commission. 

There are currently a total of more than 40 ‘Lots’ in force or in progress at present and at least 9 of these have a bearing on products in the HVACR sector and, consequently, directly affect FETA members.  Recent particularly vigorous activity has occurred on the Lots covering Fans (Lots 10 and 11) and that covering Display Cases (Lot 12).

FETA believes that Ecodesign is an area which needs to be approached proactively, and, through its members, will continue to ensure that the sector is well represented.

On 25 February 2015 the EU adopted an ambitious Energy Union Package, which includes within it, a review of the Ecodesign Directive. FETA will work with the applicable UK government departments and other European partner organisations, including EPEE, with a view to ensuring that the Energy Package is delivered in a way that makes it as beneficial as possible whilst encouraging innovation and avoiding negative consequences of poorly constructed legislation.