Ecodesign: compliance and standards
Understand the legal responsibilities and standards that relate to the ecodesign of products, and how to ensure compliance with ecodesign directives.
Ecodesign is usually good business practice, but in some cases you may need to comply with certain legal requirements.
Ecodesign in packaging design
If you design or use packaging, you will have to comply with packaging and packaging waste management.
Ecodesign and electrical equipment obligations
If you manufacture, distribute or sell electrical equipment, you will have to meet a number of ecodesign requirements, including:
- the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations - see waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
- the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Regulations - see ROHS: restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
- energy-related products legislation - see energy labelling and ecodesign in manufacturing
Ecodesign in building and construction
The Building Regulations are increasingly focused on ensuring the sustainable design of buildings. You need to ensure any new builds or adaptations comply with the requirements for controlling environmental issues such as energy efficiency.
You must also follow measures that require businesses to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. These include air conditioning system inspections and Energy Performance Certificates.
If a construction project is valued at more than 拢300,000, you should have a site waste management plan. The plan should enable waste from construction sites to be managed more sustainably. See how to introduction to site waste management plans.
Sustainable design standards
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has produced the , a technical report on integrating environmental aspects into product design and development. You can also use a standard such as to gain certification for the way you manage your environmental impacts, including your product designs.