Ecodesign
Legislation
On 1 January 2008, the amendment to Act No.406/2000 Coll. came into effect in the Czech Republic that integrated the Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a framework for the setting eco-design requirements for energy-using products into the Czech legislation. This amendment means that all products striving to get the declaration of conformity and CE marking must be designed under the principles of ecodesign.
What is Eco-design?
The word ECO-DESIGN is of English origin and means the integration of environmental considerations at the design and development phases of the product. In other words, the product has lower negative impact on the environment. Eco-design can be defi ned as a systematic process of product design and development.
A process that besides classic properties such as functionality, efficiency, safety, and technical feasibility puts a great emphasise on accomplishing a minimum negative environmental impact of the product throughout its lifecycle.
Main principles of Eco-design
Promotion of safe products and services
- Mainly such products and services must be promoted that are safe to human health and have the least negatiative environmental impact.
Protection of biosphere
- Such solutions must be searched for that minimise the risk of release of any potential atmosphere, water or soil contaminant
Sustainable use of natural resources
- Emphasis must be put on sustainable use of renewable natural resources, vegetation protection or protection of original nature.
Reduction of waste and increased recycling
- Every product design must pay attention to durability, repairability, and potential recycling of products in order to minimise the generation of waste.
Wise energy use
- Environmentally safe energy sources must be chosen and energy saving measures applied whenever possible.
Risk lowering
- Environmental and health risks to employees and customers must be minimised by suitable means.
Information transfer
- Information should be transferred between the individual eco-designer teams, which would help in selection of the most suitable materials and processes.
Economic benefits
- Market expansion
- Increased utility value for the customer, along with the price of product
- Lower cost of production
- Lower cost of operation
- More effective production systems
- Increased interest of consumers
Marketing benefits
- Integration of customer needs and requirements into the product development
- Development of innovative environmental-friendly products
- Strengthening of a corporate image of environmentally-concerned company
- Provision of information to the customers about the product and its environmental impacts
