The Energy-related Products Directive (ErP)

In 2009, the European Commission updated the eco-design requirements for energy related products.  The Energy-related Products Directive (ErP) is the European Commission Directive required for products sold and exported to the EU.  The Energy-related Products Directive recasts the 2005 Energy-using Products Directive (EuP).  To read the full directive, click here.

As quoted by the EC Website, energy related products (the use of which has an impact on energy consumption) account for a large proportion of energy consumption and include:

• Energy-using Products (EuPs), which use, generate, transfer or measure energy (e.g. electricity, gas, fossil fuel), including consumer goods such as boilers, water heaters, computers, televisions, and industrial products such as transformers, industrial fans and industrial furnaces.
• other Energy related Products (ErPs) which do not necessarily use energy but have an impact on energy and can therefore contribute to saving energy, such as windows, insulation material or bathroom devices (e.g. shower heads, taps).

By October 2011, the EC will be rolling out a working plan including  eco-design requirements for specific energy related products through 2014.  Under these requirements, manufacturers must conduct a life cycle assessment on products to establish an ecological profile.  Findings must then be reported to the EC for products to continue to carry the CE mark.    Manufacturers must show an active interest in redesigning their products to lower the impacts associated with production.  Manufacturers must also appropriately label products so that consumers can review product impacts.

In the meantime, the EC has set forth minimum requirements for several energy using product categories, previously identified as priority targets for cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions under the EuP Directive.  Categories currently regulated include:

• heating and water heating equipment
• electric motor systems
• domestic appliances
• office equipment in both the domestic and tertiary sectors
• battery charges and external power supplies
• consumer electronics
• HVAC systems
• lighting products in both the domestic and tertiary sectors

Standby losses are also to be considered.

How UL can help

While the Directive doesn't immediately require third-party certification, it does require that the manufacturer demonstrate conformity assessment.  One such way to demonstrate conformity is to carry an ecolabel which "fulfil[s] equivalent conditions to the Community Ecolabel [the EU EcoFlower] pursuant to Regulation No 1980/2000.  Products which have been awarded other such ecolabels shall be presumed to comply with the ecodesign requirements of the applicable measure."

ErP offers you one more way to show your customers that you are serious about sustainability.   By aligning your brand with in  a meaningful way to this initiative to reduce the impacts to the environment, you will connect with consumers who make buying decisions based on these labels.  UL offers several programs to assist with evaluating a products' environmental impact. The Energy Efficiency Certification program tests and certifies products for their compliance to various energy efficiency requirements, including EuP. Sustainable Product Certification is available for consumer electronics which fall under IEEE 1680 and will soon be available for emerging international life-cycle based standards for lighting. The Environmental Claims Validation program validates claims made by manufacturers about their products, adding an additional layer of assurance for the consumer.

For more information, please contact us via email at EEC@us.ul.com and a representative will contact you.