December 2009

The European Union is at pains to ensure that designers and manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment take advantage of all the latest technological advances that might help to improve energy efficiency.

As part of the European Directive on the eco design of energy using products (Directive 2005/32/EC), a new Regulation came into force in January 2009 to limit the energy consumption of electrical and electronic equipment when in standby mode. The Regulation covers a wide range of products for use in domestic and office environments.

(Note that this is a European Regulation as distinct from a Directive. The latter has to be incorporated into law by each European State before it takes effect, whereas the former already applies across the whole of the EU.)

The regulation doesn't concern itself about where the products are manufactured. It is concerned only that they have been put on the market within the European Union.

Time to Prepare

Suppliers of such equipment were given twelve months to comply with the new energy standards from the date the Regulation was introduced. Consequently, any products put on the market on or after the 7th January 2010 are included.

From this date, all relevant equipment when connected to the mains power supply must not consume more than one watt of energy when:

It is in "off" mode and not providing any kind of functionality
It is in "stand-by" mode, without any form of display but from which it can be reactivated, either locally, remotely or by timer.

If, in addition to the above states, the equipment incorporates a display such as a clock that is operative in standby mode, then the maximum energy usage is increased to two watts.

These limits apply from January 2010 through to January 2013, by which time maximum allowable energy consumption whilst in off or standby mode will be reduced further to half the 2010 values.

Beyond that, a further review is scheduled for January 2015 when limits may be further reduced, depending on what technological advances there have been in the meantime.

As of January 2010, this regulation obviously affects anyone putting electrical and electronic equipment on the market in the EU. However, it also serves to remind everyone that the European Union is serious about its Eco-Design strategy that is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of energy consuming products throughout their entire lifecycle.

Contact EDP HS&E Consultants for all your health, safety and environment needs. We can check your current arrangements and advise you about any changes or improvements you need to make.

To discuss your requirements, without any obligation on your part, please gives us a call or complete the Enquiry Form on our website.