EcoDesign EuP to Affect UK Heating Industry Structure

Written by Tal Potishman

Tuesday, 09 September 2008

by TalPotishman

In August 2007 the Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive was put forward by the government. The directive provides an initial indication on the EcoDesign requirements for energy using systems and products. This information is very important for any company manufacturing or distributing heating equipment and central heating components in the UK, as it will become a pre-requisite for obtaining and retaining the CE mark. Without the CE mark it would be practically impossible to sell the products in the EU market.

It is proven to be difficult to evaluate to full scope of requirements the new directive will force upon the industry in the UK, as there little information available at the moment. UK manufacturers of boilers and other central heating components are approaching the government to release more information to allow them enough time to set up the right procedures and prepare accordingly in order to minimise disturbance to manufacturing and supply of essential heating components, which may ultimately impact the end consumer.

Available information on the EuP directive points towards a new requirement for packaging and labelling. It is expected that boilers, central heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) will have to be pre-packaged and labelled separately. This is expected to put pressure on logistics and distribution systems of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and merchants of plumbing and heating equipment.

It is envisaged that such requirement might force some strategic alliances between small players. Small manufacturers of boilers, central heating controllers and other components may find it easier to partner up with their competitors, suppliers or even customers up and down the supply chain, in order to better cope with the new requirements.

Professionals within the heating components manufacturing industry highlight their concerns that as things stand, there is little time to prepare for the new requirements, especially since there is still limited information about the new directive. There are also calls to clarify the exact stage within the supply chain at which the new labelling will be required.

Currently it is believed that the directive will calculate the heating system?s performance based on a ?full system? approach, rather than based on the original heat source, as is the case now. The system?s calculated energy efficiency will then be rated and labelled on each component using a rating scale of A to G. Simultaneously, a new standard for minimum acceptable performance for water and space heating will come into effect. Under the new standard any product scoring below band D will not be accepted as of January 2011. Most components below band A will not be accepted from 2013 when the legislation becomes mandatory.

The directive has many positive factors working for it, benefiting the customers, the manufacturers and the supply chain as a whole. It is, however, critical to ensure that the implementation is effective and all aspects of the directive are thought through rigorously. Engaging with the various players along the heating systems manufacturing and supply chain is key to wide acceptance and rapid roll out. It is in everybody?s interest to ensure that the labelling is clear and helpful for the benefit of the end customers.

Article Author:

Tal Potishman is editor of Heating Central, which provides information about UK boilers, plumbers, central heating and solar thermal heating. He focuses on helping save costs and the environment by advising on high-efficiency heating systems.

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