European Commission (EC)

Eurovent offers the Legislation Database as one of the many features of the restricted section of its website. It collects all EU legislation of relevance for the HVACR industry in one place, including not only the regulatory texts, but also preparatory studies, impact assessments, review studies, references to harmonised standards, and European Commission guidelines and FAQ documents. 

The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2018/884 introduces a ‘Smart Readiness Indicator’ (SRI). 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. 

On behalf of the European Commission (DG CLIMA), Öko-Recherche is working on a series of analysis evaluating the implementation of the F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 since 2015. This includes, among others, monitoring of the refrigerant prices. The Q1/2019 report has been recently shared with Eurovent.

The Eurovent Association has developed a plain and concise Position Paper recommending the European Commission to introduce limits on the particulate matter concentration in the supply air of ventilation systems and to develop a comprehensive approach to PM in indoor air itself. The Position Paper reflects the industry’s support for regulatory requirements that level the playing field and foster recognition of the importance of adequate ventilation for the health and well-being of building occupants.

The Commission has sent out the invitations and supporting documents for the Consultation Forum meetings that were originally planned for July. They will now take place just after the summer holidays: 9 September (Air conditioners and comfort fans) and 10 September (Local space heaters including the combined labelling with air conditioners).

In cooperation with Orgalim, 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.

The JTC study on repairability of initially three consumer products; laptops, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines, is deemed enough to support continuation along these lines and would be complemented with investigations into durability, upgradability, recycling, and other aspects of the circular economy. In first instance, consumer products (for example smart phones) would be further investigated. However, with time these developments are likely to extend to other products. Industry should timely take note of the standards that are developed to deal with repairability.

Pre-charged equipment exported outside the European Union is included in the quota system set up by F-Gas Regulation 2014/517. A consequence is that the quota available in Europe is reduced by those exported. The Commissioner Cañete had reiterated in April that the exemption in article 15 applies to bulk gases only. This has been reconfirmed on 20 June in the answer to the question asked by the Member of Parliament (MEP) Tamburrano on 21 March.

The EEPLIANT project, involving 20 Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs), has received 6.800.000 EUR funding for the 3rd phase, of which 1.500.000 EUR for testing. Six additional products will be investigated, including air conditioners and comfort fans, ventilation units, water and local space heaters. 

This Regulation applies to all products subject to EU harmonised Regulations, e.g. Ecodesign implementing Regulations and provides for an enforcement of market surveillance activities, including the set-up of the UPCN. Within the Regulation, Article 9 opens the possibility for Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and organisations representing economic operators (for example Eurovent) to agree to carry out joint activities in view of promoting compliance, identifying non-compliance and raising awareness about EU harmonised legislation.