Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases
The aim of the F-gas regulation is to contain and prevent F-gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6) used in air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration systems etc. from escaping into the atmosphere, where they contribute to global warming. It foresees a number of measures directed at awareness raising, leak prevention and certification of installers and personnel. The F-gas regulation entered into force on 4 July 2006 and a number of measures applied from 4 July 2007.
WEEE Directive
This Directive regulates the prevention, reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) at end of life. It came into force on 13 August 2005.
RoHS Directive
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) is designed to reduce the impact of certain hazardous materials when manufacturing specific electrical equipment including household air conditioners. It came into force on 1 July 2006.
EPB Directive
The Energy Performance of Building Directive requires all EU member states to establish minimum energy performance standard for buildings. These standards pave the way for the issuance of energy performance certificates for buildings, based on their energy efficiency. It came into force on 4 January 2003.
Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources
This Directive sets targets for the Member States for the overall share of energy from renewable sources in the final consumption of energy and in transport. Besides geothermal energy, for the first time aero thermal and hydrothermal energy are recognized as renewable energy sources. Member States are required to promote heat pump technologies using these renewable energy technologies. It’s expected that the Directive will come into force in the 1st half of 2009.
EuP eco-design Directive for Energy-using Products
This Directive on the eco-design of Energy-using Products (EuP) defines conditions and criteria for setting requirements regarding environmentally relevant product characteristics, and allows them to be improved quickly and efficiently, fro the design stage onwards. This Directive will improve the environmental performance of EuPs (such as air conditioners), with a focus on energy efficiency. The general framework directive was adopted on 6 July 2005. Legal obligations for specific products will be determined by separate implementing measures.
REACH Regulation
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances) requires industrial actors to register chemical substances used in their products and production processes with the European Chemical Agency. This risk-managing regulation aims at protecting the environment and human health through the safe use, and better and earlier detection of intrinsic properties of chemical substances. It was approved on 13 December 2006 and entered into force on 1 June 2007.
EU Energy Label
EU legislation requires the Energy Label to be clearly displayed on a range of energy consuming products. The label allows consumers to make direct product comparisons concerning energy use as well as concerning features specific to the appliance in question. Air conditioners under 12 kW are included in the scope of the legislation and the relevant comparative data on the label includes an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst).
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Visit the energy label chapter (only for extranet users)
