Ecodesign
Find out what the Ecodesign Directive means to manufacturers and consumers.
Setting standards to drive energy efficiency
The Ecodesign Directive currently covers more than 20 product groups with more in the pipeline. The main aim of this legislation is to improve the energy efficiency of energy-related products on the market by setting higher energy efficiency standards. This should encourage consumers to be more responsible about their energy use. In turn, less energy efficient products are forced off the market.
How ecodesign benefits consumers
- Improves product information for consumers
- Allows for better informed purchase decisions – including comparisons of performance across products (e.g. drying efficiency)
- Increases the need for products to be useful during operation
- Energy savings result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Water use savings from efficient washing machines and dishwashers
- Noise reduction in products such as dishwashers
- Higher equality of how functions such as drying efficiency and noise reduction are performed
Impact on products and manufacturers
Products covered by Ecodesign regulations
Ecodesign requirements must not lower the functionality of products, only enhance energy efficiency. Details of the products covered by the regulations can be found on the European commission website.
Part of the CE mark
For products that are covered by Ecodesign, meeting the requirements of the Directive forms part of the conformity assessment process which culminates in the CE mark being affixed.
Check that your product has passed the Ecodesign by checking for the CE mark.
SEAI's Ecodesign role
Most products covered by the regulations and sold on the EU market comply with the regulations. However, a small but significant number do not comply. Our role encompasses two key areas:
Market surveillance
SEAI’s responsibility in that regard is to organise market surveillance activities that seek to ensure that non-compliant products are identified, checked and removed from the market or brought into compliance.
Advice and signposting
SEAI also assists market operators who are bringing a product onto the market or putting it into service to comply with the Regulations through providing advice and signposting to other sources of advice.
Publications
The Market Surveillance Unit regularly undertakes campaigns on product categories available on the Irish market. The results of these campaigns are contained within the Summary Reports listed below.
Summary Reports
Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Compliance Assessment - Televisions