PRESS RELEASE
[Brussels, June 1st] Member states yesterday voted in favour of strong ecological requirements for air-conditioners and fans, under the Ecodesign Directive.
The coolproducts coalition welcomed this vote saying that while many Europeans are bracing themselves for a hot and dry summer it was crucial the EU acted quickly on cooling appliances. Not doing so would have led to an energy increase comparable to the annual energy consumption of Sweden.
Coolproducts campaign coordinator and EEB policy officer Stephane Arditi gladly welcomed the member states’ vote: “It was crucial that European countries combated the increase in energy consumption from wasteful cooling equipment and we are delighted they have done so. They have taken a big step in a really positive direction.”
In addition, member states have for the first time integrated an innovative bonus scheme for low global warming refrigerants. Appliances using greener refrigerants such as hydrocarbons would be rewarded.
“This is a good step towards smarter and more inclusive ecodesign requirements,” added Arditi.
Member states also rejected an 8 watt standby allowance for small coolers. “This measure was unjustified. With such a vote, member states are helping set the ecodesign process back on track,” said Edouard Toulouse from ECOS, a coolproducts campaign expert.
Coolproducts campaigners hope this will set a good example for future votes under the Ecodesign Directive, including the upcoming vote on heating appliances later this year.
Contacts:
Stephane Arditi, EEB Products policy officer & coolproducts coordinator, +32 (0) 2289 10 97, Stephane.arditi@eeb.org
Simon Nazer, EEB Press Officer, +32 (0)496 43 84 69, press@eeb.org
PR AVAILABLE ON EEB WEBSITE: http://www.eeb.org/EEB/index.cfm/news-events/news/eu-takes-positive-steps-towards-greener-appliances/