Methodology

The Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) establishes a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products with the aim of ensuring the free movement of such products within the internal market.

In order to prepare draft implementing measures for these products the European Commission shall make a series of analyses and assessments, which are being called Preparatory Studies. The methodology of these studies is described in the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP). It was originally published in 2005 and reviewed in 2011, and has been used in more than 40 preparatory studies for Ecodesign of ErP. 

The MEErP Methodology consists of 7 Tasks, whereas Task 1 to 4 have a clear focus on data retrieval and initial analysis and Task 5 to 7 have a clear focus on modeling. It is prescribed that Task 1 to 4 can be performed in parallel and Task 5 to 7 sequential. Please find a short overview of the tasks and their contents in the following Figure.

MEErP Methodology structure
MEErP Methodology structure

BAT = Best Available Technology,
BNAT = Best Not (yet) Available Technology,
LCA = Life Cycle Assessment,
LCC = Life Cycle Cost

More information on the Tasks is provided in the report on the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP): Part 1 and Part 2 (Kemna R., 2011).