Topic 3 Green Design

Eco-Labelling

Labelling for Environmental Protection

• Protect and improve the environment

• Integrate the environment with other policies across Government and in international arena

• "Green labels” – labels providing information about the environmental aspects of products or services – are becoming increasingly popular.

Examples of Labelling in the EU

Examples of Labelling in Hong Kong

http://www.clp-powerwise.com.hk/eng/tips/applicances.html

ECO Labelling

• The overall objective of an eco labelling policy on the environment and business is to contribute to sustainable development

• http://www.eco-labels.org/home.cfm

ECO Labelling in EU

• With in the EU each country has its own eco-label

• In 1992 the flower symbol was introduced as the European Eco-label

• Examine the presentation at:• http://ec.europa.eu/environment/

ecolabel/pdf/gpp/ecolabel_gpp.pdf

• Check out the link below for more info on EU eco-labelling

ECO Labelling Approaches & Objectives

• Eco-labelling schemes are voluntary, market-based schemes used by manufacturers or retailers to help consumers identify products that have a reduced environmental impact

• Although all eco-labelling schemes aim to empower consumers to make choices about environmentally sustainable consumption, some have been developed in the light of particular national circumstances and environmental concerns which may not apply elsewhere

• These differences are reflected in different approaches to eco-labelling from one country to another

ECO Labelling Approaches & Objectives

• European Union• examines five stages of a product in its LCA:• pre-production, production, packaging and distribution,

use, disposal• At each stage, a number of environmental effects are

considered, including: waste; noise; air contamination; water contamination; ecosystem effects; energy consumption; natural resource consumption; and soil pollution

• Apart from the impact of noise, most other criteria draw heavily on chemistry and the expertise of chemists in these fields.

• The EU eco-label has been in operation since 1992 and aims to provide a single, authoritative and widely recognised guide to consumers on products which are less harmful to the environment than their alternatives.

ECO Labelling Approaches & Objectives

• Australia• The Australian "Good Environmental Choice", launched

in November 2001, provides an environmental mark of recognition for a wide range of products to the community

• The objectives of the Australian Environmental Labelling Association are to:

• Provide market incentives for suppliers to reduce the environmental impacts of products sold in Australia;

• Provide a clear, credible and independent guide to consumers wishing to take account of environmental

• factors in their purchasing decisions;• Encourage consumers to purchase products which have

lower environmental impacts;• Recognise genuine moves by companies to reduce the

adverse environmental impacts of their products• Aim ultimately to improve the quality of the environment

and to encourage the sustainable management of resources

ECO Labelling Approaches & Objectives

• United States• Established in 1989, Green Seal is an independent,

non-profit organisation aimed at achieving a healthier and cleaner environment

• By providing an authoritative environmental label to assist consumer choice, Green Seal aims to reduce air and water pollution, the amount of energy wasted and natural resources used, and to slow down ozone depletion

• Delivers sound, actionable advice to manufacturers, purchasers, and individuals who want to make a positive impact on the environment and quality of life

• Helps government agencies and other institutions meet their goals and fulfil green procurement policies

ECO Labeling

• In 2007 the European Commission has adopted a decision to extend the validity of the existing ecological criteria for six product groups under the Community Eco-label Award Scheme.

tissue paper, televisions, textile products, refrigerators, detergents for dishwashers and washing machines.

Labelling

• Write a definition for Eco labellingEco Labels: are labels used by manufacturers of products claiming to be environmentally acceptable, specifying to the consumer the exact nature of their ecological soundness, eg ‘contains no animal products'.

Labelling

• Write a definition of Energy labellingEnergy Efficiency Labels: are informative labels affixed to manufactured products that indicate a product’s energy performance and provide consumers with the information necessary to make an informed purchase-decision.

Eco Labelling & Energy Labelling

Eco Labels• Timberland Shoes• Flights EU

Energy Labels3. Washing Machine

EU4. Refrigerator AUS5. Dishwasher USA

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Energy Labelling • By law, the European Community Energy Label

must be displayed on all new household products of the following types displayed for sale, hire or hire-purchase:• Refrigerators, freezers and fridgefreezer combinations• Washing machines• Electric tumble dryers• Combined washer-dryers• Dishwashers• Lamps• Electric ovens• Air conditioners

• Mail Order catalogues, Internet advertisements and manufacturers’ literature must contain similar information. You should expect to be provided with this information wherever you buy or hire these products.