Green products

GReening business through the Enterprise Europe Network

Camillo FRANCO

European CommissionEnterprise and Industry

Products


1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)2. Green labels 2.1 Mandatory and voluntary labels (type I)2.2 Environmental product declaration (EPD) (type

III declarations)

3. Green Public Procurement (GPP)

Summary


• Energy consumption, raw materials inputs, emissions, etc of a specific product are analyzed, measured and quantified over the product’s life cycle from “cradle to grave”.

• A scientific approach is requested to define boundaries and rules (e.g. cut-off) for the study and for the assessments.

• A lot of data and information are required: product-specific and from the market

• Dedicated softwares and databanks are available

1 – LCA: what is it?



Single Stage or Unit Operation

Energy

Waste

Primary Product

Product Material Inputs (including reuse & recycle from another stage)

Reuse/Recycle

Reuse/Recycle

Useful Co-productFugitive & Untreated Waste

Process Materials, Reagents, Solvents & Catalysts (including reuse & recycle from another stage)

Example of a LCA schema (US-EPA, 1992)



LCA consists of four main activities:1. Goal definition (ISO 14040)

Objectives and scope of the LCA study are defined

2. Inventory Analysis (ISO 14044) Mass and energy balances

3. Impact Assessment (ISO 14044)Emissions and consumptions are translated into environmental effects

4. Improvement Assessment/Interpretation (ISO 14044)


SME’s objectives that can be identified for a LCA:

• To support public policies

• To inform public and clients about environmental performances of our products

• To address a correct USE of the product

• To identify environmental impacts of different steps of the product life; address the product design for new or improved products

• To compare two or more different products with the same functions

1 – LCA: why?


• ISO 14040:06: Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Principles and framework

• 14044:06: Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Requirements and guidelines o contribute to the improvement of environmental performances of SMEs in Europe

1 – LCA: legal and normative references


• Qualified consultancy is required to carry out the LCA study: 5.000 – 20.000 Euro + VAT, depending on the LCA objectives, boundaries, scope and from the capability of the client to support the consultant with data and information

• Consultancy may also be useful to communicate LCA results: it depends on what the client ask for (editing, communication strategy, prints, etc.)

1 – LCA: how much is it?


• SMEs interested in “greening” their products or services

• SMEs wishing to compare environmental performances of different products (their own products or not)

• SMEs wishing to communicate their environmental policies and results

• SMEs having to comply with tenders requirements

1 – LCA: who is interested in?


• ISO 14020 - Environmental labels and declarations - General principles

• ISO 14021 - Self Declared Environmental Claims, 1999 (Type II labels / declarations)

• ISO 14024 - Type I Environmental Labelling –Principles and Procedures, 1999

• ISO 14025 - Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and procedures

2 – Green labels – normative references


• Green Labels and Declarations (L§D) may be useful:

• To exchange reliable information about environmental performances of products

• To support the growth of the green market in the EU

2 – Green labels – why?


• L§D shall be reliable and verifiable; based on scientifically correct approach and studies

• L§D shall not create trading barriers • Procedures, methodologies, criteria shall be public• All life cycle aspects shall be considered• Interested parties shall be involved• Innovation shall be supported• Administrative procedures for L§D awarding shall

be restricted to a technical assessment of the compliance with awarding criteria

2 – Green labels – general principles


• Labels to be applied on products or on packaging to declare environmental performances or specific characteristics of the product

• Verified by a third party

2.1 – Green Labels / Type I Environmental Labelling: what is it?


• Mandatory labelling• EU Energy Labelling

• Voluntary labelling• EU Ecolabel• EU Energy Star programme

2.1 – Green Labels: what is it?


Energy Labelling

Is a way to show energy efficiency in household appliances, helping the consumer to choose more efficient equipment and save moneyThe label also shows other information related to the use of energy or other resources: e.g. water consumptionEnergy labels are mandatory for all appliances placed on the EU market and should always be clearly displayed on each appliance at the point of sale

2.1 – Energy Labels: what is it?


Directive 2010/30/EU of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related productsThe Directive covers any good having an impact on energy consumption during use. These products do not consume energy but "have a significant direct or indirect impact" on energy savings. Examples are window glazing and outer doors. The Energy Labelling Directive is what is known as a 'framework directive‘; it does not specify any limit or performance levels. It provides a legislative framework into which other directives can define performance levels On September 28th 2010 the Commisssion has proposed the Regulations for TV’s, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.

2.1 – Energy Labels: legal and normative references

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:153:SOM:EN:HTML



Label Information

Example for washing machines

supplier’s name or trade mark

model identifier

energy efficiency class

weighted annual energy consumption (kWh per year)weighted annual water

consumption (litres per year)

rated capacity (kg)

spin-drying efficiency class

airborne acoustical noise emissions, during the washing and spinning phases (in dB )


Refrigerators and freezersFor the calculation of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) of a household refrigerating appliance model, the annual energy consumption of the household refrigerating appliance is compared to its standard annual energy consumption.

The standard annual energy consumption takes into consideration the equivalent volume of the household refrigerating appliance, the presence of a chill compartment and other values depending on the appliance category ( for example: 0, 1, 2, 3 star compartments)

This is the scheme proposed by the Commission to apply until 30 June 2014

A+++ A++ A+ A B C D E F G

EEI<22 22 ≤ EEI < 33

33 ≤ EEI < 44

44≤ EEI <55 55≤ EEI <75 75≤ EEI

<9595≤ EEI <110

110≤ EEI <125 125≤ EEI <150 EEI ≥150

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/labelling/energy_labelling_en.htm


Label proposed for household refrigerating appliances classified in energy efficiency classes A+++ to C

label for proposed household refrigerating appliances classified in energy efficiency classes D to G


Washing machines

For the calculation of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) of a household washing machine model, the weighted annual energy consumption of a household washing machine for the standard 60°C cotton programme at full and partial load and for the standard 40°C cotton programme at partial load is compared to its standard annual energy consumption.

The annual energy consumption takes into consideration the weighted energy consumption, the weighted power in ‘off-mode’, weighted power in the ‘left-on mode’, weighted programme time and the total number of standard washing cycles per year.

“off-mode” means a condition where the household washing machine is switched off using appliance controls or switches accessible to and intended for operation by the end-user during normal use to attain the lowest power consumption that may persist for an indefinite time while the household washing machine is connected to a power source and used in accordance with the supplier’s instructions; where there is no control or switch accessible to the end-user, ‘off-mode’ means the condition reached after the household washing machine reverts to a steady-state power consumption onits own;“left-on mode” means the lowest power consumption mode that may persist for an indefinite time after completion of the programme without any further intervention by the end-user besides unloading of the household washing machine;


Washing machines

label proposed for household washing machines

A+++ A++ A+ A B C D

EEI <46

46 ≤ EEI < 52

52 ≤ EEI < 59

59≤ EEI <68

68≤ EEI <77

77≤ EEI <87 EEI ≥87




Dishwashers

For the calculation of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) of a household dishwasher model, the annual energy consumption of the household dishwasher is compared to its standard annual energy consumption.The annual energy consumption takes into consideration the energy consumption for the standard cycle, the power in ‘off-mode’ for the standard cleaning cycle, the power in the ‘left-on mode’ for the standard cleaning cycle, the programme time for the standard cleaning cycle and the total number of standard cleaning cycles per year.“cycle” means a complete cleaning, rinsing, and drying process, as defined for the selected programme.“programme” means a series of operations that are pre-defined and are declared as suitable by the supplier for specified levels of soil or type of load, or both, and together form a complete cycle


Dishwashers

A+++ A++ A+ A B C D

EEI<5050 ≤ EEI < 56

56 ≤ EEI < 63

63≤ EEI <71

71≤ EEI <80

80≤ EEI <90 EEI ≥90


label proposed for household dishwashers



Televisions

The Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) is defined as in Commission Regulation (EC) No 642/2009, and mainly depends on the measured on-mode power consumption of a television and its screen area.

A+++ A++ A+ A B C D E F F

EEI<0,100,10 ≤

EEI < 0,16

0,16 ≤ EEI <

0,23

0,23≤ EEI

<0,30

0,30≤ EEI

<0,42

0,42≤ EEI

<0,60

0,60≤ EEI

<0,80

0,80≤ EEI

<0,90

0,90≤ EEI

<1,00

EEI ≥1,00

This is the scheme proposed by the Commission



Label proposed for televisions classified in energy efficiency classes A+++

Label proposed for televisions classified in energy efficiency classes A++

Label proposed for televisions classified in energy efficiency classes A+

Label proposed for televisions classified in energy efficiency classes A, B, C, D, E, F, G

Televisions


Directives and regulations summary• Directive 2010/30/EU of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of

the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products Implementing rules• Commission Directive 2003/66/EC of 3 July 2003 amending Directive 94/2/EC implementing Council Directive

92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household electric refrigerators, freezers and their combinations• Commission Directive 2002/40/EC of 8 May 2002 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to

energy labelling of household electric ovens• Commission Directive 2002/31/EC of 22 March 2002 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to

energy labelling of household air-conditioners• Commission Directive 1999/9/EC of 26 February 1999 amending Directive 97/17/EC implementing Council

Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household dishwashers • Commission Directive 98/11/EC of 27 January 1998 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to

energy labelling of household lamps • Commission Directive 96/89/EC of 17 December 1996 amending Directive 95/12/EC implementing Council

Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household washing machines Commission Directive 96/60/EC of 19 September 1996 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household combined washer-driers

• Commission Directive 95/13/EC of 23 May 1995 implementing Council Directive 92/75/EEC with regard to energy labelling of household electric tumble driers

Energy Labelling

Commisssion’s proposed Regulations for TV’s, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.


http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32003L0066:EN:NOT




• The European Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme, established in 1992 to encourage market products kinder to the environment.

• The flower logo allows consumers - including public and private purchasers - to identify them easilyTo get the logo environmental criteria have to be complied

• A complete LCA study supports to establish the criteria

• The flower logo helps manufacturers, retailers and service providers to gain recognition for good standards, while helping purchasers to make reliable choices.

2.1 – Ecolabel: what is it?



the most significant environmental impacts, in particular the impact on climate change

the impact on nature and biodiversity energy and resource consumption generation of waste emissions to all environmental media pollution through physical effects use and release of hazardous substances

In determining Ecolabels criteria, the following are considered:



Example


Reg (EC) No 66/2010

This voluntary Regulation lays down rules for the establishment and application of the voluntary EU Ecolabel scheme.

ISO 14024:99

2.1 – Ecolabel: normative references


Who does what?

Source: THE EUROPEAN ECO-LABEL Better by Nature


Who does what?

Source: THE EUROPEAN ECO-LABEL Better by Nature


http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ecolabelled_products/product_categories_en.htm

By 19 February 2011, the EUEB and the Commission shall agree on a working plan including a strategy and a non-exhaustive list of product groups.


2.1 – Who is interested in it?

SMEs interested in improveing their green market

SMEs wishing to communicate their environmentla policies and results / or specific products

SMEs asked to comply to public tenders requirements including “ecolebelled” products (e.g. cleaning services)


2.1 – What is it?

Do it yourself - Paints and varnishes

Furniture - Wodden furniture Floor coverings – wodden coverings Floor coverings – Textile coverings Floor coverings – Hard floor

coverings Buildings (under development)

Product groups with available awarding criteria Relevant examples for buildings products


2.1 – Ecolabel: how much is it?

Costs for consultancy (if required): 2.000 – 4.000 Euro +VAT

Costs for testing (if required): to be quantified

With regard to the "Cost of testing and verification " (Annex V) the new Regulation states: « In drawing up the assessment and regulation requirements, the objective of keeping costs to a strict minimum must be observed. This is particularly important in order to facilitate the participation of SMEs in the Community Eco-Label (...) »


2.1 – Ecolabel: how much is it?

Application and annual fees• Application: fee of 300 and 1300 Euros• For SMEs this application fee is reduced by

25%. • Annual: fee of 500 and 25.000 Euros per

product group per applicant• For SMEs this annual fee is reduced by 25%. • A further reduction of 15% for the annual fee of

companies that have an EMAS registration and/or an EN ISO 14.000 certification


• The ENERGY STAR is a voluntary appliance specific label, identifying to consumers appliances (office equipment) that meet certain standards regarding energy efficiency.

2.1 – Green Labels: what is the Energy Star programme?

• It was orginally set up by the US EPA in 1992. In 2001 the European Union signed an Agreement with US EPA to introduce the ENERGY STAR in Europe as well (for office equipment) – agreement updated 2006

• This allows potential partners in the European Union to sign up through the European Commission, who is responsible for the EU ENERGY STAR Programme


REGULATION (EC) No 106/2008

Energy-efficiency labelling programme for office equipment

For further information see

www.eu-energystar.org

TOOLS EU ENERGY STAR Database

http://www.eu-energystar.org/en/database.htm Energy calculators:

http://www.eu-energystar.org/en/en_calculator.shtml

2.1 – Green Labels: what is the Energy Star programme?


• Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a document allowing to communicate objective and reliable information regarding environmental life- cycle performances of products / services and to compare them

• No criteria to prefer a product to others are expressed

• Products are classified in omogeneous cathegories to allow comparisons among products of the same cathegory (with the same functions)

2.2 – EPD: what is it?



LCA – Life Cycle AnalysisEPD – Environmental Product DeclarationProvides general information on the product, its environmental performances and relevant additional informationPCR – Product Category RulesEstablishes rules to prepare the EPD: the boundaries of the LCA, information to be presented, etc.; published for each product cathegory with participation of interested parties

Acronyms


2.2 – EPD: what is it?How to prepare an “EPD”?

Is a “PCR” available?

LCA based on PCR

No

Yes

LCA PCR

EPD

LCA based on PCR

EPD


2.2 – EPD: normative references

• EPD program has been developed by the Sweden Monistry of the Environment / Environdec, based on the ISO 14025:06 standard

• www.environdec.com• The EPD scheme has

been adopted in several ISO countries




kg CO2 emessa

0

2

4

6

8

10

Vino liquoroso Vino Rosso 1 Vino Rosso 2


Example of information describing the product

Example of information comparing CO2 emissions of

different products


2.2 – EPD: how much is it?

• The LCA study and the EPD preparation requires quite a significant technical and scientific experience.The company can ask for LCA and the EPD third party certification

Consultancy costs: 5.000 – 25.000 Euro + VATCertification costs: 1.500 – 3.000 Euro + VAT


2.2 – EPD: who is interested in it?

SMEs interested in improving their green market

SMEs wishing to communicate their environmentla policies and results / or specific products


• “A process whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to goods, services and works with the same primary function that would otherwise be procured”

• GPP is a voluntary instrument, which means that individual Member States and public authorities can determine the extent to which they implement it.

• Green purchasing is also about influencing the market: public authorities can provide industry with real incentives for developing green products.

3 – Green Public Procurement: what is it?


• Green Public Procurement (GPP) is defined in the Communication (COM (2008) 400) “Public procurement for a better environment”

• Public authorities are major consumers in Europe: they spend approximately 2 trillion euros annually, equivalent to some 17% of the EU’s gross domestic product

3 – Green Public Procurement: normative references


• Directive 2004/18/EC covers public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts.

• Directive 2004/17/EC covers the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors

• 2004 Directives contain specific reference to the possibility of including environmental considerations in the contract award process

• More detailed provisions permit:• the inclusion of environmental requirements in technical

specifications • applying award criteria based on environmental characteristics

3- GPP: legal references


• To allow public authorities to buy products / services / work with reduced environmental impact

• To drive the market to develop cleaner technologies and products

• To involve people in a more sustainable market and to increase their wareness

3 – Green Public Procurement: why?


• Public Authorities• SMEs partecipating to GPP tenders

3 – Green Public Procurement: who is interested in it?


• Question of the SME:• My company imports chees from Russia in

UE countries; I would like to get the UE Ecolabel for it. What shall I do?

• My company imports wodden parquets from China in UE countries; I would like to get the UE Ecolabel for it. What shall I do?

Game 1: Ecolabel


• Question of the SME:• The Municipality of XXXX told me that my

company should be certified according to ISO 14001 and to use ecolabelled product to participate to the cleaning services tender next month. Is this possibile? What shall I do?

Game 2: GPP


• Applicable laws and standards• Scope of laws and standards: who is

involved?• Technical aspects • Times• Benefits• Costs

How to reply?