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Energy Efficiency
Studies - Eco-design - Invitation to tenders
The first step in considering whether and which eco-design requirements should be set for a particular product is a preparatory study recommending ways to improve the environmental performance of the product. The preparatory study shall provide the necessary information to prepare for the next phases (carried out by the Commission) which are the impact assessment, the consultation of the Ecodesign Forum and a possible draft implementing measure.
The Commission launched an invitation to tender for the preparatory studies on 7 July 2005.
The tender was subdivided into 14 lots corresponding to families of EuPs.
The contractors carrying out the preparatory studies will reference the "Eco-design of EuP methodology" Study (commissioned by DG Enterprise) for which the final report was completed in December 2005 (Methodology Final Report 
[2 MB] , Product Cases Report [6 MB] , Project Report [7 MB] , Tool for EcoReport Calculations 
[2 MB] ).
The contractors are required to maintain updated project websites through which they communicate with interested stakeholders. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the contractors on their own initiative, should they consider it useful. Work is now ongoing in all 14 lots.
List of issues to be studied and links to the relevant websites [13 KB]
Complete list of the selected contractors and of their contact information [11 KB] All available translations.
The following table gives an indicative planning of the adoption process of possible implementing measures for the different product groups. The table is approximative, and subject to change as the planning is adjusted to the real advancement of preparatory work.
Planning for the adoption of ecodesign implementing measures [14 KB]
The Commission also launched an additional study on Simple Converter Boxes for digital television (Simple STBs, www.ecostb.com).
Second round of preparatory studies
The Commission launched 5 preparatory studies in 2007 on the following product groups:
- solid fuel small combustion installations (in particular for heating)
- laundry dryers
- vacuum cleaners
- complex set top boxes (with conditional access and/or functions that are always on)
- domestic lighting
All these studies are currently ongoing.
In addition, two consultants will assist consumers and environmental NGOs to ensure their proper stakeholder representation in the preparatory process leading to legislation under the directive.
