Policy Updates

<p>The INTAS project has started in March 2016. It should provide policy options that could support European Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) when checking compliance with Ecodesign requirements for large industrial products, specifically transformers and fans. The project is coming to an end with an event on 12 February.</p>

<p>The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2018/884 introduces a "Smart Readiness Indicator". The SRI will measure the buildings' capacity to use new technologies and electronic systems to adapt to the needs of the consumer, optimise its operation and interact with the grid. The European Commission has asked a consortium to develop the SRI. A first report was published in 2018. The second study should prepare for the adoption of a delegated act by the end of 2019. </p>

<p>At the end of 2017, the European Commission issued a standardisation request with the objective to have a European standardisation deliverable on the use of flammable refrigerants, in particular those classified as A3, in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment by November 2020/February 2021.</p>

<p>The initial draft by the Commission provided for a possible active role for organisations representing businesses. The text that is now discussed in the trialogue meetings (Commission, Council and Parliament) is merely referring to raising awareness and providing advice and guidance in relation to EU harmonisation legislation in the framework of a cooperation between market surveillance authorities and organisations representing businesses. </p>

<p>As announced in GEN – 973.00, these revised directives have been published in the Official Journal on 21 December 2018. The entry into force of theses texts was on 24 December 2018.</p>

<p>In addition to the previous communication about the ACCEPTANCE environment, on 14 December the Commission announced that the first version of EPREL has been made available in the PRODUCTION environment. This environment is secured, and it is the one that suppliers must use to register their models from 1 January 2019.</p>

<p>In cooperation with Orgalime, the Eurovent Team regularly provides you with an in-depth overview on all European legislative developments of relevance for the HVACR sector. The Bulletin provides for a hands-on compendium allowing the industry to assess the status quo and expected future developments. In addition to recent sector specific issues, our Team has summarised some of the key takeaways within this article. </p>

<p>On 11 December, the Commission made a new prototype version of EPREL available in the ACCEPTANCE environment. This is the last version before “Production” and it is the version that suppliers will have on 14 December 2018. The European Commission apologises for the inconvenience but thinks that it is necessary to give suppliers some days (!) to adapt their systems, if necessary, before Production.</p>

<p>The Commission service is developing explanatory documents to support Member States in the transposition of Directive 2018/844/EU amending the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU into national law. These drafts reflect comments submitted by Member States to the Commission. It is not yet known when these would be published.</p>

<p>On a monthly basis, the Eurovent Team compiles a global overview of the latest developments concerning new standardisation activities and technical regulations of relevance for the HVACR industry. Our Notifications allow members to be prepared for developments that can have an impact on them and their products.</p>

<p>The second Ad-Hoc Working Group (AHWG2) meeting has resulted in a Technical Background Report with third draft criteria proposals on 29 November 2018. Comments can be made until 11 January 2019.</p>

<p>Publication of all three revised directives in the Official Journal is scheduled on 21 December. The 2030 targets set out in the revised Energy Efficiency Directive are 32,5%. The revised Renewable Energy Sources Directive has a binding collective target of 32% of energy that shall come from renewable energy sources.</p>