Addressing resource efficiency through the Ecodesign Directive: A review of opportunities and barriers.

TY - RPRT

T1 - Addressing resource efficiency through the Ecodesign Directive

T2 - A review of opportunities and barriers.

AU - Dalhammar, Carl Johan

AU - Machacek, Erika

AU - Bundgaard, Anja

AU - Overgaard Zacho, Kristina

AU - Remmen, Arne

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - The European Union has initiated a number of initiatives to improve resource efficiency in Europe. The Ecodesign Directive is one of the policy instruments that could aid the transition towards a more resource efficient economy. So far, the Directive has mainly been applied to set requirements related to energy efficiency, but there is potential for setting legal standards that increase product durability and promote the future re-use and recycling of components and materials. This paper examines the potential benefits and disadvantages in applying the Directive for this purpose, and analyzes the potential to apply certain types of legal standards. There is a need for continuous development of indicators and methods in order to allow for a broader range of legal standards in the future. The study provides some short and long term recommendations on the way forward.

AB - The European Union has initiated a number of initiatives to improve resource efficiency in Europe. The Ecodesign Directive is one of the policy instruments that could aid the transition towards a more resource efficient economy. So far, the Directive has mainly been applied to set requirements related to energy efficiency, but there is potential for setting legal standards that increase product durability and promote the future re-use and recycling of components and materials. This paper examines the potential benefits and disadvantages in applying the Directive for this purpose, and analyzes the potential to apply certain types of legal standards. There is a need for continuous development of indicators and methods in order to allow for a broader range of legal standards in the future. The study provides some short and long term recommendations on the way forward.

U2 - 10.6027/TN2014-511

DO - 10.6027/TN2014-511

M3 - Report

T3 - TemaNord

BT - Addressing resource efficiency through the Ecodesign Directive

PB - Nordic Council of Ministers

CY - Copenhagen

ER -