The winter is finally over and Europeans are enjoying the first signs of this year’s long–awaited Spring. Those whose boiler didn’t work very well during this past, severe winter may be deciding it is time to replace it with a new one. In fact, around half a million new boilers will be installed in Europe in the next six months, and these new machines will be in place for the next 10 or even 15 years. How much energy they consume is therefore directly relevant for the EU 2020 climate and energy targets.
So it was with a bit of dismay that we learned that the vote on Ecodesign and Energy labelling measures for boilers have been postponed again by six months. Initially started in 2008, the discussions on these measures are still not over. They were expected to come to a conclusion before summer 2010, but this new delay adds more to our frustration.
The new tentative date for the vote is January 2011. These measures are absolutely crucial pieces of the EU Ecodesign policy as they could deliver up to 130 million tons of CO2 savings annually by 2020, and each year lost is a missed opportunity to reach that level.
Similarly, the votes on water heaters, air-conditioners, computers and monitors have also been delayed from June to September 2010. These product groups together have also a striking potential to save 110 million tons of yearly CO2 emissions by 2020.
The delays will be a disappointment for the signatories of the Coolproducts Manifesto ("Warm Homes, Cool Products") – 36 organisation from European civil society, 14 signatories from business and other organisations, and several MEPs. Also waiting for some action are the individuals from across Europe who have signed a petition - currently more than 144,000 - for more ambitious Ecodesign and energy efficiency measures for products sold at EU level.
For a detailed calendar of when product by product decisions will be taken under the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling directives check our press page regularly.