Environment Minister Elliot Morley explained how the Eco-Design for Energy Using Products Framework Directive will drive down emissions of carbon dioxide by encouraging better product design and by tackling problems such as excessive energy use during 'stand by' mode.
"Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide are needlessly produced every year by computers, digital set top boxes, chargers and many other products left on stand by mode," he said. "We know that products can be designed to be much more efficient and do less harm to the environment."
According to the European Commission, by 2010 about 180 million tonnes of carbon dioxide – the equivalent output of around 50 power stations – could be prevented with new and energy-efficient appliances in Europe – around half of the EU's commitment under Kyoto.
As well as saving energy, the Directive aims to encourage manufacturers to produce products which are designed to minimise their overall environmental impact, including the resources consumed in their production and disposal.
Although the focus of the Directive is on setting mandatory standards, a clear intention of the Directive is to encourage voluntary action by manufacturers to improve their products without the need for further regulatory action.
