International cooperation between the IEC and eCl@ss e. V.

Harmonization of standards a breakthrough for digital data exchange

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) the world’s foremost organization that prepares and publishes globally relevant International Standards for all electric and electronic devices and systems supports all forms of conformity assessment and administers four Conformity Assessment Systems that certify that components, equipment and systems, and eCl@ss e. V., the industry association providing the classification and description system eCl@ss, have signed a cooperation agreement which aims to facilitate the automatic transfer of shared content between the IEC Common Data Dictionaries (CDD) and eCl@ss dictionaries.

The cooperation between the IEC and eCl@ss e. V. centres on the requirements of international and digital information exchange based on globally implemented Standards of the IEC. In the framework of the project “d-m@p,” experts from the IEC and eCl@ss e. V. are developing a mapping system that makes product data characteristics and attributes reciprocally readable. As digitization proceeds, companies are increasingly faced with the challenge of electronic data exchange.

 

Under this Cooperation Agreement the content for mapping belongs to IEC 61987, lndustrial-process measurement and control – Data structures and elements in process equipment catalogues; IEC 61360, Standard data element types with associated classification scheme for electric components; and eCl@ss Segment 27: Electric engineering, automation, process control engineering.

 

For the benefit of eCl@ass and IEC CDD users, common content shall be identified and easily accessible in a harmonized form.

 

Markus Reigl, head of the central department of technical regulation and standardization at Siemens AG, explains: “Market-leading companies have recognized that normatively structured product data, unambiguously classified and accompanied by a comprehensive description of characteristics, is the lever by which to advance digitization in highly diverse applications in such areas as B2B, Industry 4.0, and smart buildings.”

 

“This agreement means that classifications and product descriptions will conform to both current IEC International Standards and eCl@ss properties. Mapping and long-term harmonization of content overlap will benefit end-users through reduced misunderstandings in interpretation and in the use of product properties,” said IEC Technical Officer Matei Cocimarov.

 

With over 40 000 groups and more than 17 000 characteristics, the eCl@ss standard provides companies with a means of product data communication that is internationally recognized and free of media discontinuity. Already, more than 3 300 companies worldwide are convinced of the advantages and are using the eCl@ss standard.

 

The cooperation with the IEC underscores the importance and steady further development of eCl@ss as an international and sector-independent standard for product data and classification.

International cooperation between the IEC and eCl@ss e. V.

Harmonization of standards a breakthrough for digital data exchange

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) the world’s foremost organization that prepares and publishes globally relevant International Standards for all electric and electronic devices and systems supports all forms of conformity assessment and administers four Conformity Assessment Systems that certify that components, equipment and systems, and eCl@ss e. V., the industry association providing the classification and description system eCl@ss, have signed a cooperation agreement which aims to facilitate the automatic transfer of shared content between the IEC Common Data Dictionaries (CDD) and eCl@ss dictionaries.

The cooperation between the IEC and eCl@ss e. V. centres on the requirements of international and digital information exchange based on globally implemented Standards of the IEC. In the framework of the project “d-m@p,” experts from the IEC and eCl@ss e. V. are developing a mapping system that makes product data characteristics and attributes reciprocally readable. As digitization proceeds, companies are increasingly faced with the challenge of electronic data exchange.

 

Under this Cooperation Agreement the content for mapping belongs to IEC 61987, lndustrial-process measurement and control – Data structures and elements in process equipment catalogues; IEC 61360, Standard data element types with associated classification scheme for electric components; and eCl@ss Segment 27: Electric engineering, automation, process control engineering.

 

For the benefit of eCl@ass and IEC CDD users, common content shall be identified and easily accessible in a harmonized form.

 

Markus Reigl, head of the central department of technical regulation and standardization at Siemens AG, explains: “Market-leading companies have recognized that normatively structured product data, unambiguously classified and accompanied by a comprehensive description of characteristics, is the lever by which to advance digitization in highly diverse applications in such areas as B2B, Industry 4.0, and smart buildings.”

 

“This agreement means that classifications and product descriptions will conform to both current IEC International Standards and eCl@ss properties. Mapping and long-term harmonization of content overlap will benefit end-users through reduced misunderstandings in interpretation and in the use of product properties,” said IEC Technical Officer Matei Cocimarov.

 

With over 40 000 groups and more than 17 000 characteristics, the eCl@ss standard provides companies with a means of product data communication that is internationally recognized and free of media discontinuity. Already, more than 3 300 companies worldwide are convinced of the advantages and are using the eCl@ss standard.

 

The cooperation with the IEC underscores the importance and steady further development of eCl@ss as an international and sector-independent standard for product data and classification.

       制定、实施和维护一个安全管理体系(SMS)需要付出很大的努力。本手册的发布能为探险旅游供应商提供帮助。手册给出了简单的分步指导，与ISO 21101探险旅游安全管理的要求一致。

       无论是徒步旅行、潜水、漂流、峡谷探险、蹦极还是其他刺激的户外活动，保证参与者的安全是首要任务。但作为一个探险旅游运营商，你怎么能确保不会有意外的风险或者忽视或遗漏的重要步骤？ISO 21101旨在提供一套系统的安全方法来保护参与者的安全。标准中的SMS适用于世界各地的大小企业。

ISO 21101有助于：

.提高安全绩效

.满足参与者和工作人员的安全预期

.提供安全实例

.支持符合适用的法律要求

一、ISO 21101对比不设标准

       玛丽.贝斯.库克和加斯.格力是该手册的联名作者，他们强烈地赞同SMS到位的重要性：“根据ISO 21101制定的SMS的好处很多，例如供应商能够展示非常正面的安全形象，改善整体服务交付。有效的SMS不仅能有效地保证参与者的安全，还能产生更多的正面反馈，产生更好的销量和利益，使得员工更积极参与，改善商业伙伴、供应商、管理者和其他利益相关方的关系。”

二、方便使用的手册

       因为大部分探险旅游供应商都是中小型企业（SMEs），新的手册ISO 21101 探险旅游安全管理体系——中小型企业实用指南，向这些企业提供简单的分步指导，来帮助其发展和运营并最终提高企业发展水平。

      “无论这些探险旅游供应商在世界的哪个地方经营发展，它们都要对人的安全负责。探险旅游活动有风险，供应商必须管控这些风险，否则其后果可能是毁灭性的。”玛丽.贝斯和加斯说。“但多亏了这本便于使用的手册，探险旅游供应商现在有了清晰实用的建议，可以指导他们如何在最大程度上保证参与者的安全。这本手册的特别之处在于它是写给中小企业的企业家或管理者的，他们是运营层面的工作人员，在管理时会遇到很大的战略风险。因为我们写这本手册的时候心里想的是中小型企业，我们相信它可以对全球的探险旅游领域产生影响。”

 

 

New ISO handbook for adventure tourism safety

Developing, implementing and maintaining a safety management system (SMS) requires a big effort. To assist adventure tourism providers in this task, a new handbook has been published. It gives simple step-by-step guidance and is completely aligned with the requirements of ISO 21101 for adventure tourism safety management.

Whether it be trekking, scuba diving, rafting, canyoning, bungy jumping or any other exciting outdoor activity, keeping participants safe is a priority. But as an adventure tourism operator, how can you ensure that no box is left unticked and that your business does not neglect or miss out any important steps? ISO 21101 has been designed to provide a systematic approach to safety. The SMS outlined in the standard can be used by small and large companies alike, operating anywhere in the world.

ISO 21101 helps:

• Enhance safety performance

• Meet expectations for participant and staff safety

• Demonstrate safe practice

• Support compliance with applicable legal requirements

  ISO 21101 vs no standard

Preview the handbook

Mary Beth Cook and Garth Gulley, co-authors of the handbook, are eloquent about the importance of having a safety management system in place: “The benefits of having an SMS that conforms to ISO 21101 include demonstrating a strong reputation as a safe provider and improving overall service delivery. Not only will an effective SMS help keep your participants safe, it can result in more positive feedback, more bookings, revenue growth, better staff engagement, and improved relations with business partners, suppliers, regulators and other interested parties.”

Easy-to-use handbook

Because a great majority of adventure tourism providers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the new handbook, ISO 21101, Adventure tourism – Safety management systems – A practical guide for SMEs, offers simple step-by-step guidance to help all types of operators develop, implement and continually improve their SMS.

“All adventure tourism providers, no matter where they operate in the world, are responsible for people’s safety. Adventure tourism activities involve risks and providers have to manage those risks. The consequences of not doing so can be catastrophic,” Mary Beth and Garth say. “But thanks to this new easy-to-use handbook, adventure tourism operators now have clear, practical advice on how to maximize the chances of keeping participants safe… every time. What makes this handbook especially useful is that it is written for the small-to-medium business owner or manager, the person working at an operational level but with big strategic risks to manage. Because we wrote this handbook with SMEs in mind, we are confident it can really make an impact in the global adventure tourism sector.”

The handbook is available for purchase from your national ISO member or through the ISO Store.

​

​

 

ISO standards lead action for COP22

​

The 22nd Conference of Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from 7 to 18 November 2016.

 

Companies, organizations, investors and governments at the local and national levels have committed to implementing the Paris Climate Agreement, concluded in December 2015. To expedite its application and create a virtuous circle for climate-related action, public- and private-sector collaboration, guided by new International Standards and driven by innovation, will be essential.

 

Innovative solutions for all with ISO standards

 

Many ISO standards related to climate change help to reduce global energy consumption and increase the use of clean and renewable energy sources.

 

A number of companies, organizations and local authorities are already working to develop solutions based on International Standards. In fact, the 2015 ISO Survey reported around 12 000 certificates issued to ISO 50001 on energy management systems and more than 300 000 certificates to ISO 14001 on environmental management systems, across all sectors worldwide.

 

ISO offers a set of International Standards which have become the international benchmark in terms of managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and helping organizations to report their GHG emissions or reductions in order to comply with applicable national regulatory requirements, participate in the carbon emissions trading market or demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

 

These standards are essential tools to help organizations mitigate their impact on the environment, such as the three-part ISO 14064 series on the quantification, reporting and verification of GHG emissions.

 

In addition, the future ISO 14080, which is currently under development, will give organizations involved in climate action a framework for the development of consistent, comparable and improved methodologies that provide guidance for effective mitigation and adaptation activities, and also improve access to, and availability of, climate finance and other resources.

 

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution will also impact positively on population health. For example, in many countries, food is still cooked using solid fuels (wood, coal, etc.) on inadequate cookstoves that emit toxic fumes, leading to serious respiratory disorders, especially in women and young children. Use of this type of stove also impacts local natural resources, such as forests, and contributes to climate change on a regional and global scale.

 

In light of these observations, technical committee ISO/TC 285, Clean cookstoves and clean cooking solutions, has begun work on a set of guidelines for the evaluation of cookstove performance.

 

“Standards play a significant role in the development of concrete actions and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. They are applicable to all organizations, from large groups to SMEs, to local authorities, in developed and developing countries, and are a source of opportunity for the smallest and weakest countries. They constitute solutions for implementing actions effectively,” states Kevin McKinley, Acting Secretary-General of ISO.

 

ISO, CDP and Climate-KIC joint side events

 

Various side events are organized alongside COP22, to foster wider discussion and present practical tools.

 

On 12 November, ISO and its partners, CDP Worldwide and Climate-KIC, will hold a side event on the theme “Unlocking ambition: How non-party stakeholders are contributing to the low-carbon transition”.

 

The speakers, Mr Michael Thomas Baumann for ISO, Ms Shirin Reuvers for CDP Worldwide and Ms Andrea Karpati for the Association Climate-KIC, will present their initiatives and share best practices.

 

Joint side event : 12 November 11:30 to 13:00 in Observer Room 8 (Arabian Room)

 

A “mini side event” will also be held on 11 November. It will bring together speakers from the entire climate finance community to discuss best practices and the recent initiatives taken to harmonize such practices in climate finance standards.

 

These representatives from several high-profile organizations, including the UNFCCC Secretariat, the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, UNEP FI, CDP and ISO, strongly support the proposed new ISO standard for climate finance.

 

Mini side event: 11 November 11:00 to 12:00 in the Climate Change Hall

 

Laurence Tubiana, who was appointed “Climate Champion” following the Paris Climate Agreement, will also speak at these two side events.

 

Standards: vital tools for Morocco

 

Presented by the Kingdom of Morocco as “a conference for action, innovation and sharing of solutions”, COP22 must help implement the decisions adopted by all parties at the Paris Climate Agreement to combat climate change, by defining their commitments for 2020 and beyond. African countries have contributed little to climate change, but they are suffering the consequences.

 

Abderrahim Taibi, Director of IMANOR, the Moroccan Standards Institute and ISO member for the country, explains: “IMANOR is conscious of the importance of standards to economic development, and the solutions they offer in terms of mitigating the effects of technological development on the climate and the environment in a broad sense – particularly in Africa, which does not have the tools to protect it from the negative effects of this evolution. As Morocco’s representative in the International Standards community, IMANOR encourages its counterparts in African countries to seize the opportunities offered by these international meetings. This demonstrates how standards can be used to advance sustainable development and how their consensual and inclusive nature can ensure that the characteristics specific to Africa are taken into account in the conventions and agreements arising from these international meetings.” 

 

He further adds: “This is also an opportunity for IMANOR to confirm its willingness to make available to African standards bodies, and their public and private partners, all the expertise it has acquired on sustainable development standards in the context of cooperation projects led by ISO for countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. I refer, in particular, to projects relating to corporate social responsibility and to energy, water and the environment. The pooling of knowledge and experience related to standardization in the field of sustainable development should enable African countries to act and react rather more quickly than they do today.”

 

IMANOR will be present at COP22 with a stand located in the pavilion of the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which oversees the Institute. Films and slides on sustainability standards will be shown throughout the event. The IMANOR stand will also feature two presentations on Moroccan and international standardization in the area of sustainable development as well as on standards ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 26000. IMANOR will also be attending as a panellist at a side event in the Blue Zone, organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), on the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for Africa. The objective is to identify difficulties and opportunities in order to coordinate CSR actions among African enterprises and institutions.

 

At the Marrakesh conference, governments will work on defining measures to be put in place with a view to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and accelerating the transition to a green economy. To achieve this long-term goal, alongside the non-governmental players (private sector, financial institutions, etc.), they will need tools such as International Standards to support their strategies and actions.

 

注释：

CEN研讨会协议(CWAs)）是在开放研讨会环境下起草的提出的基于协商一致的标准。这种协议制定及时并且灵活，从研讨会发起到协议发布平均时间周期约为12个月。CWAs不具有欧洲标准地位，国家标准化团体没有义务在国家采用。

CWA 16979:2016是由CEN‘训犬专业能力’研讨会（CEN/WS 078）制定。该文件对训犬专业人员在主要业务运营/培训、工作表现、援助与体育等领域的知识和技能提出了最低参考标准和基本能力要求。

所有CEN的研讨会协议（CWAs）和其他CEN可交付成果可通过CEN成员、附属机构、以及合作标准化机构获得。

 

New CEN publication defines skills and competences required by professional dog trainers and instructors

Brussels, 22 January 2016 – CEN has published a document that sets out minimum requirements in terms of the knowledge, skills and competences required by professional dog trainers and instructors. The CEN Workshop Agreement on 'Dog training professionals – Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) was developed by experts from several different European countries who are members of the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078). 

 

Across Europe, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people are working as dog trainers, instructors and operators. However, a study on the situation of the European canine sector found that this sector is characterized by multiple organizations and associations with different approaches in terms of dealing with professional qualifications for dog trainers, instructors and operators. This context highlights the need for a common and harmonized approach regarding the cross-border recognition and acceptance of such qualifications.

 

The new CEN Workshop Agreement on 'Dog training professionals – Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) provides minimum reference criteria and essential competence requirements in terms of knowledge and skills for a dog training professional working in the main operational/training, behavioural, assistance and sports areas. This document represents the result of work carried out in 2015 by members of the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078), including experts from several different European countries (such as Belgium, Germany, Italy and Portugal) representing various private and public organizations active in the canine sector, from assistance dogs to rescue dogs.

 

CWA 16979:2016 sets out minimum competence requirements for dog training professionals, with particular attention to aspects relating to professional behaviour and ethics. Starting from the main tasks a dog training professional should be able to perform, the document defines the relevant skills and knowledge requirements. It also addresses the need for regular updating and continuous improvement of professional competences, by means of a 'lifelong learning' approach.

 

The CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078) was chaired by Cinzia Marconi (President of FCC – FormatoreCinofiloCertificato) from Italy. Referring to CWA 16979:2016, Mrs Marconi said: "This consensus-based document will contribute to improving the quality of dog training professionals' activities, leading to better services for consumers. It will also bring benefits in relation to the protection and welfare of dogs, which is especially relevant in terms of ethical principles that should always be taken into careful consideration."

 

Stakeholders have responded positively to the publication of CWA 16979:2016. "Finally great guidelines and possibly in the near future a very much needed quality label for dog training professionals, for the benefit of so many ‘best friends’ and all humans," said Caroline Thienpont,  Founder and Head Trainer of HACHIKO – a not-for-profit organization in Belgium, which educates assistance dogs for people with motor disabilities or suffering from epilepsy.

 

Barbara Schöning, who is member of ESVCE (European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology) and GTVMT (German Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology), said: "CWA 16979 is the first European level document that deals with dog training professionals’ knowledge, skills and competences. It defines requirements that all dog trainers should aim to meet in their education and daily work, and sets a benchmark of what is required in order to train dogs effectively and in way that guarantees their welfare. Furthermore, it identifies which knowledge and skills should be taught to dog owners, thereby ensuring dogs’ long term welfare."

Notes

CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) are consensus-based specifications, drawn up in an open 'Workshop' environment. The development of a CWA is fast and flexible, with an average time frame of around 12 months from the launch of the Workshop to the publication of the agreement. A CWA does not have the status of a European Standard and National Standardization Bodies are not obliged to adopt it at national level.

The CEN Workshop Agreement 'Dog training professionals — Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) was developed by the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078). This document provides minimum reference criteria and essential competences requirements in terms of knowledge and skills for a dog training professional working in the main operational/training, behavioural, assistance and sports areas.

All CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) and other CEN deliverables can be obtained via CEN’s National Members, Affiliates, and Partner Standardization Bodies (see the CEN website).

 

 

 

 

 

 

注释：

CEN研讨会协议(CWAs)）是在开放研讨会环境下起草的提出的基于协商一致的标准。这种协议制定及时并且灵活，从研讨会发起到协议发布平均时间周期约为12个月。CWAs不具有欧洲标准地位，国家标准化团体没有义务在国家采用。

CWA 16979:2016是由CEN‘训犬专业能力’研讨会（CEN/WS 078）制定。该文件对训犬专业人员在主要业务运营/培训、工作表现、援助与体育等领域的知识和技能提出了最低参考标准和基本能力要求。

所有CEN的研讨会协议（CWAs）和其他CEN可交付成果可通过CEN成员、附属机构、以及合作标准化机构获得。

 

New CEN publication defines skills and competences required by professional dog trainers and instructors

Brussels, 22 January 2016 – CEN has published a document that sets out minimum requirements in terms of the knowledge, skills and competences required by professional dog trainers and instructors. The CEN Workshop Agreement on 'Dog training professionals – Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) was developed by experts from several different European countries who are members of the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078). 

 

Across Europe, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people are working as dog trainers, instructors and operators. However, a study on the situation of the European canine sector found that this sector is characterized by multiple organizations and associations with different approaches in terms of dealing with professional qualifications for dog trainers, instructors and operators. This context highlights the need for a common and harmonized approach regarding the cross-border recognition and acceptance of such qualifications.

 

The new CEN Workshop Agreement on 'Dog training professionals – Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) provides minimum reference criteria and essential competence requirements in terms of knowledge and skills for a dog training professional working in the main operational/training, behavioural, assistance and sports areas. This document represents the result of work carried out in 2015 by members of the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078), including experts from several different European countries (such as Belgium, Germany, Italy and Portugal) representing various private and public organizations active in the canine sector, from assistance dogs to rescue dogs.

 

CWA 16979:2016 sets out minimum competence requirements for dog training professionals, with particular attention to aspects relating to professional behaviour and ethics. Starting from the main tasks a dog training professional should be able to perform, the document defines the relevant skills and knowledge requirements. It also addresses the need for regular updating and continuous improvement of professional competences, by means of a 'lifelong learning' approach.

 

The CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078) was chaired by Cinzia Marconi (President of FCC – FormatoreCinofiloCertificato) from Italy. Referring to CWA 16979:2016, Mrs Marconi said: "This consensus-based document will contribute to improving the quality of dog training professionals' activities, leading to better services for consumers. It will also bring benefits in relation to the protection and welfare of dogs, which is especially relevant in terms of ethical principles that should always be taken into careful consideration."

 

Stakeholders have responded positively to the publication of CWA 16979:2016. "Finally great guidelines and possibly in the near future a very much needed quality label for dog training professionals, for the benefit of so many ‘best friends’ and all humans," said Caroline Thienpont,  Founder and Head Trainer of HACHIKO – a not-for-profit organization in Belgium, which educates assistance dogs for people with motor disabilities or suffering from epilepsy.

 

Barbara Schöning, who is member of ESVCE (European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology) and GTVMT (German Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology), said: "CWA 16979 is the first European level document that deals with dog training professionals’ knowledge, skills and competences. It defines requirements that all dog trainers should aim to meet in their education and daily work, and sets a benchmark of what is required in order to train dogs effectively and in way that guarantees their welfare. Furthermore, it identifies which knowledge and skills should be taught to dog owners, thereby ensuring dogs’ long term welfare."

Notes

CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) are consensus-based specifications, drawn up in an open 'Workshop' environment. The development of a CWA is fast and flexible, with an average time frame of around 12 months from the launch of the Workshop to the publication of the agreement. A CWA does not have the status of a European Standard and National Standardization Bodies are not obliged to adopt it at national level.

The CEN Workshop Agreement 'Dog training professionals — Knowledge, skills and competence requirements' (CWA 16979:2016) was developed by the CEN Workshop 'Competences for dog training professionals' (CEN/WS 078). This document provides minimum reference criteria and essential competences requirements in terms of knowledge and skills for a dog training professional working in the main operational/training, behavioural, assistance and sports areas.

All CEN Workshop Agreements (CWAs) and other CEN deliverables can be obtained via CEN’s National Members, Affiliates, and Partner Standardization Bodies (see the CEN website).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

energyefficiency – Products living longer thanks to energy efficiency

As consumers, thinking about our products end of life can be difficult. So far, standardization work related to energy efficiency has mainly focused on the energy efficiency of products during their use phase. The end of life of products was forgotten… but changes are taking place. The need to tackle this issue has since been recognized with the emergence of the circular economy.

The energy performance of products concerns us all with more light being shined on it thanks to European Union efforts to put in place drivers so that our economy shifts from a linear to a circular one. And standards play an important role given the support they bring to European regulation.

Durability, recyclability and reparability

In 2015 the European Commission expressed the wish to extend the energy efficiency approach from the use phase of products to their end of life and to regulate aspects such as durability, recyclability and reparability. The term ‘material efficiency’ encompasses the concept.

Today, EU Ecodesign Regulations are more likely to include material efficiency requirements in addition to regular use phase requirements, and to set thresholds that in the future will be applied during the development of new standards.

Looking ahead to a circular economy

So that manufacturers can check compliances with these future requirements on a level-playing field, harmonized references are needed. The European Commission has requested CEN and CENELEC to pave the way.

The Circular Economy Package released in December 2015 mentions the European Commission’s intention to ‘request to European standardisation organizations to develop standards on material efficiency for setting future Ecodesign requirements on durability, reparability and recyclability of products.’
This has led to the standardization request on ecodesign related to material efficiency, M/543, which was accepted by CEN and CENELEC.

In the past CEN and CENELEC have supported the development of dozens of European Standards by providing ad hoc methods for measuring the energy performance of various products in response to standardization requests issued by the European Commission, thereby supporting the implementation of Directive 2009/125/EC on ecodesign of energy-related products.

 

 

energyefficiency – Products living longer thanks to energy efficiency

As consumers, thinking about our products end of life can be difficult. So far, standardization work related to energy efficiency has mainly focused on the energy efficiency of products during their use phase. The end of life of products was forgotten… but changes are taking place. The need to tackle this issue has since been recognized with the emergence of the circular economy.

The energy performance of products concerns us all with more light being shined on it thanks to European Union efforts to put in place drivers so that our economy shifts from a linear to a circular one. And standards play an important role given the support they bring to European regulation.

Durability, recyclability and reparability

In 2015 the European Commission expressed the wish to extend the energy efficiency approach from the use phase of products to their end of life and to regulate aspects such as durability, recyclability and reparability. The term ‘material efficiency’ encompasses the concept.

Today, EU Ecodesign Regulations are more likely to include material efficiency requirements in addition to regular use phase requirements, and to set thresholds that in the future will be applied during the development of new standards.

Looking ahead to a circular economy

So that manufacturers can check compliances with these future requirements on a level-playing field, harmonized references are needed. The European Commission has requested CEN and CENELEC to pave the way.

The Circular Economy Package released in December 2015 mentions the European Commission’s intention to ‘request to European standardisation organizations to develop standards on material efficiency for setting future Ecodesign requirements on durability, reparability and recyclability of products.’
This has led to the standardization request on ecodesign related to material efficiency, M/543, which was accepted by CEN and CENELEC.

In the past CEN and CENELEC have supported the development of dozens of European Standards by providing ad hoc methods for measuring the energy performance of various products in response to standardization requests issued by the European Commission, thereby supporting the implementation of Directive 2009/125/EC on ecodesign of energy-related products.