ökodesignVerordnung

The ökodesignVerordnung, often translated as the Ecodesign Regulation, is a set of European Union directives aimed at improving the environmental performance of energy-related products throughout their lifecycle. It establishes minimum environmental performance requirements for a wide range of goods sold within the EU, from household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to industrial equipment. The primary goal is to reduce the environmental impact associated with the use phase of these products, which often accounts for the largest portion of their overall environmental footprint. This includes requirements related to energy efficiency, water consumption, and the use of hazardous substances.

These regulations are implemented through specific product group regulations, each addressing particular types of products. For instance, there are regulations for lighting, vacuum cleaners, and servers, among others. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring their products comply with these requirements before they can be placed on the EU market. Compliance is typically demonstrated through self-assessment, but for certain product groups, third-party conformity assessment may be required. The ökodesignVerordnung is a key instrument of the EU's circular economy strategy, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns by encouraging the design of more durable, repairable, and recyclable products.