NEWS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF JEAN LAMBERT

Better design reduces EU energy needs and costs to consumers

14 April 2005

The European Parliament today gave its broad support to new laws that will improve the environmental performance of new energy-consuming products. The directive on eco-design requirements for energy-using products will define a stringent framework under which the European Commission has to come forward with minimum requirements for the environmental quality of household appliances, office equipment, consumer electronics and industrial process engines.

The European climate change program has identified improving the energy consumption of appliances and office equipment as one of the best and cheapest ways for Europe to fulfil its Kyoto requirements to reduce carbon emissions. Speaking after the vote today, Jean Lambert said:

"Due to weak policies over the last decade the EU has lost its world leadership on efficient energy-using products to countries like Japan. We hope that this directive will boost innovation in the European appliances industry and create an example of how thorough environmental legislation can pave the way for a sound economy."

"We have had to fight hard against the Commission and Council to make a meaningful directive. Almost all of the directive's relevant provisions such as a clear priority for energy efficiency, a stake-holders forum with NGOs representatives, a criteria list to check the relevance of voluntary agreements and a work-plan based on the European climate change program were imposed by the Parliament."

"Governments have to mean what they say on tackling climate change. We have to reduce our use of energy, so energy efficient products are crucial. However, we also have to use the 'off' button instead of 'stand-by' to make them even more efficient."

PRESS CONTACT ALEX ROWE 020 7 407 6280 / alexrowe@greenmeps.org.uk

[ENDS]