Policy Updates

<p>BACS have been subject to a scoping study to evaluate if a full preparatory study would be necessary. The scoping study has been published and can be commented upon until 16 September 2018. Our Team has summarised all key aspects for members within this article.</p>

<p>Orgalime has informed its member associations and related associations such as Eurovent on important Brexit matters as outlined by the European Commission. The industry and all other actors should, irrespectively of the outcome of the negotiations (i.e. a ratified withdrawal deal or no deal), prepare for all possible consequences. </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 prepare for developments that can have an impact on them and their products.</p>

<p>During a Consultation Forum, the consultant of the European Commission has presented three designs for the future EU Energy Labels designs. These had been tested with 1.500 consumers throughout Europe. Until 27 July 2018, Eurovent is collecting the views of industry on the label design through a dedicated survey. The results will be presented timely to the European Commission.</p>

<p>Orgalime has prepared a practical guide to the understanding of the scope and obligations of the WEEE Directive. As of 15 August, an “open scope” applies unless products are explicitly excluded. Because WEEE must be transposed by the Member States some variations may apply depending on the country.</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 the recent Eurovent sector specific issues mentioned within GEN – 922.00, Gen – 928.00 and GEN – 929.00, our Team has summarised some of the key takeaways.</p>

<p>The European Commission is developing its ‘Circular Economy’ policy. In a first instance, it addresses consumer goods, but it will be extended to other goods with time. The revision of the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP) will start in 2019 and be modified to contain elements of the “Circular Economy”, including reparability. </p>

<p>The first trials regarding the uploading of data will start on 16 July. The first pilot covers lamps. The tentative dates for other subjects are: 18 July - Local Space Heaters, 6 August - Residential Air Handling Units and Professional Refrigeration, 20 August - Air Conditioning, Space and Water Heaters.</p>

<p>During the Consultation Forum, the European Commission provided an update on the current situation for all Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations. The layout of the possible new Energy Label designs was presented and requires comments by mid-August.</p>

<p>In each ClimaNovela edition throughout the summer, Eurovent Board and senior staff members are going to answer a question concerning the state of the European industry, technological evolutions, digitisation, the upcoming Eurovent Summit in Seville or other issues of relevance. Our second one goes to our Executive Director Morten Schmelzer: One of the key points on which Eurovent focuses its attention on is energy efficiency. Do you think that the objectives set by the European Union for 2030 are sufficient?</p>

<p>The European Commission has presented this draft for the 4-week feedback period that runs until 31 July. The text of the draft Regulation can be found on the “Better Regulation” website from the Commission that includes the possibility to comment.</p>

<p>The Commission has, based on information received by the Commission from the Member States, published in the overview of types of gas and the corresponding supply pressures in the Official Journal of the EU on 16 June 2018.</p>