Scope
This document describes a methodology for reducing the overall environmental impact through
product design and development that is tailored to mechanical products as defined in 3.1.
This methodology is particularly well suited to the redesign of an existing product; it can also be
applied for the design of a new product provided the necessary assumptions regarding a (virtual)
reference product are taken.
It addresses companies which have decided to integrate an ecodesign approach to optimize
environmental impacts and sustainability within the product life cycle, in relation to the other
product aspects, such as functionality, quality, costs, circularity, etc.
It also helps to meet some requirements of EN ISO 14001:2015 on the integration of
environmental aspects in the design of products.
NOTE 1 This document targets persons who are directly involved in the design and
development of mechanical products, as well as managers responsible for defining corporate
policies, and decision-makers. The proposed methodology is intended to kick-start ecodesign
initiatives within companies as part of a continuous improvement approach.
This document also includes a template that companies can use as part of the communication
on their environmental approach.
This document is neither intended nor suitable to compare products (even similar) of different
suppliers.
This document is neither intended nor suitable for product certification purposes.
NOTE 2 An example for the implementation of the methodology is given in Annex D; the
background of the algorithm used for this methodology is explained in Annex E.
Purpose
- Creating a link between EN 16524 and the circular economy: closing the loop by positioning the
ecodesign of mechanical products in relation to the current understanding of the circular
economy approach.
- Taking into account existing standard integrating the circular economy approach to ensure
consistency and (e.g. EN 4555x, EN 45560, ISO 590xx, terminology standards such as IEC
60050-193, etc.) and reinforceing the notion of trade-off and choice of ecodesign solutions,
particularly in relation to these standards.
- Reinforceing the aspect of effective implementation of an ecodesigned solution (in the steps,
action plan and follow-up).
- Reviewing the technical/strategic/economic and environmental scoring of the selected
guidelines.
- Updating and improving the environmental questionnaire, and proposing a new format with an
Excel file.
- Reviewing the annexes (including Annex F with the relation to EN 15804).
- Comments from the formal vote shall also be taken into account.
Further details on the proposal for revision is given in the enclosed document.
Comment on proposal
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