Considerations on COM(2012)108 - Conclusion of the Agreement with the Government of the USA on the coordination of energy-efficiency labelling programmes for office equipment - Main contents
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dossier | COM(2012)108 - Conclusion of the Agreement with the Government of the USA on the coordination of energy-efficiency labelling programmes for ... |
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document | COM(2012)108 |
date | November 13, 2012 |
(2) | In line with the authorisation of the Council, the Energy Working Group of the Council was consulted and assisted the Commission in the negotiations. |
(3) | The negotiations have been concluded and the Agreement was initialled on 29 November 2011. |
(4) | The appropriate internal Union procedures should be established to ensure the proper functioning of the Agreement. |
(5) | Office equipment will account for a growing share of energy consumption in the future as new applications and functionalities appear. In order to meet the Union objective of saving 20 % of its energy consumption compared to projections for 2020, as endorsed at the Spring 2007 European Council, the energy performance of office equipment has to be further optimised. |
(6) | Since office equipment is a fast evolving market, it is essential to frequently reassess the potential for maximising energy savings and environmental benefits by stimulating the supply of, and demand for, energy-efficient products. It is therefore necessary to empower the Commission, assisted by a Union advisory board composed of national representatives and of all interested parties, to regularly reassess and upgrade the Common Specifications of office equipment set out in the Agreement. |
(7) | Given that manufacturers participating in the EU Energy Star programme are mostly small and medium-sized enterprises, product registration in the Union should continue to be unburdensome and based on self-certification. This should be coupled with stronger enforcement of the EU Energy Star programme by the Commission in cooperation with Member States. |
(8) | The Technical Commission established by the Agreement should be responsible for reviewing the implementation of the Agreement. |
(9) | Pursuant to the Agreement, the United States of America and the Union are each to designate a management entity responsible for implementation of the Agreement. To that effect the Union should designate the Commission as a management entity, |