The project has started in 2014 and completion is expected by the end of 2016.

The overall process of preparation, implementation and follow-up of ecodesign measures and energy/resources labelling has three main phases:

• Phase 1: Preparatory Phase, which develops the background data analysis to a stage where policy makers are enabled to propose a mix of policy instruments and technical requirements for the product group in question.
• Phase 2: Implementation Phase, which deals with the implementation of the chosen policy instruments for the product group and the development of technical requirements.
• Phase 3: Standardisation Phase, which addresses the standardisation procedures following the implementation phase.

Phase 1 essentially implies the compilation of data for a preparatory study, which summarises environmental, economic and technical information of the product group. The study addresses the following tasks, in accordance with the Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP) developed by the European Commission:

• Task 1 – Scope
• Task 2 – Markets
• Task 3 – Users
• Task 4 – Technologies
• Task 5 – Environment and Economics
• Task 6 – Design options
• Task 7 – Scenarios

Stakeholder involvement is a crucial part of this study, for data collection and joint analysis. Stakeholder contact is organised through a structured technical working group process. Two Technical Working Group meetings are foreseen during 2015/2016.

1st technical working group meeting:

- 23 June 2015, in Seville.

2nd technical working group meeting:

- 17 November 2015, in Brussels.

These meetings will be held back-to back with the meetings on the revision of the ecodesign and energy label of washing machines and washer-dryers (to be held 24 June 2015, and 18 November 2015).

Based on the outcome of the preparatory study, revised ecodesign and energy/resource label requirements will be proposed and discussed with Member States in the ecodesign Consultation Forum meeting. Phase 2 involves the preparation of working documents for this meeting, typically including:

• draft ecodesign requirements and benchmarks
• draft energy/resources label requirements
• draft transitional methods (if applicable)
• draft explanatory notes (based on the preparatory study, and describing how the information from the preparatory study leads to the three elements above).

Finally, Phase 2 includes also the preparation of an Impact Assessment of the proposals.

Phase 3 on standardisation is not part of the JRC Directorate B support activity.

Registered stakeholders will be informed about the publication of draft reports, the availability of questionnaires and upcoming meetings. More info can be found here.