In a continued effort to reduce Europe's carbon footprint and reduce energy bills for European consumers, the Commission adopted new eco-design measures for products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and televisions. Improving the eco-design of products contributes to implementing the ‘energy efficiency first' principle of the EU's Energy Union priority. For the first time, the measures include requirements for reparability and recyclability, contributing to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability and waste-handling of appliances.

European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete said: “Together with smarter energy labels, our eco-design measures can save European consumers a lot of money, as well as help the EU reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-design is therefore a key element in the fight against climate change and a direct contribution to meeting the goals set in the Paris Agreement. As we move towards our long-term goal of a fully decarbonised EU by 2050, our energy efficiency and eco-design strategy will become ever more important.”

The Commission estimates that these measures, together with the energy labels adopted on 11 March, will deliver 167 TWh of total energy savings per year by 2030. This is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of Denmark and corresponds to a reduction of over 46 million tonnes of CO2. These measures can save European households on average €150 per year.

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Press release

EU4Energy Programme