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This study is an exploratory analysis to provide a prioritisation and indication of extensiveness of review activities related to measures that currently exist for eight product groups: Domestic Washing Machines, Domestic Dishwashers, Domestic Washer-Driers, Domestic Cold Appliances, Lighting products (non-directional, tertiary and "special purpose"), Set-top Boxes. For water pumps only a review of tolerances was required.
The analysis focused on possible energy savings as basis for prioritisation, but - following the request of the European Commission made during the kick-off meeting - also considers resource efficiency aspects insofar feasible within the constraints of the study. The conclusion of this exploratory study is that for all product groups considered (except pumps) a revision of existing regulations (or introduction of new regulations) is the preferred policy option.
The analysis shows that these product groups are expected to (continue to) meet eligibility criteria for the introduction of ecodesign and/or energy labelling measures, with simple set top boxes as sole exemption as its market and environmental significance is in rapid decline (sales are expected to be marginal by 2020).
The objective of the concept paper is to propose an operational definition for what transformational change means in the context of NAMAs, taking into consideration ongoing discussions among NAMA experts, and to give an overview of theoretical approaches to sustainability transitions and transformational change, exploring their possible applicability to NAMAs. The theoretical approaches are the basis to propose hypotheses for the dynamics, indicators and success factors that foster transformational change, which is necessary to assess whether a NAMA intervention has been or can be transformational to achieve low carbon and sustainable development goals. This paper will serve as the basis for further exploration of a framework to assess the potential for transformational impacts of NAMAs.
Based on a description of the starting position and the aim of the research project "Further development of a concept for monitoring and reporting of the International Climate Initiative (ICI)", this final report summarises the results generated in this endeavour. It also describes the key activities which were conducted to work out the results. In two years time, the project aimed to develop a scientifically sound and at the same time practical monitoring and reporting concept which should deliver information about the impacts of the ICI. It started from an initial analysis of the current ICI approach and of the monitoring and reporting approaches applied in other climate finance instruments.
How urban transport projects are appraised : current practice in the EU ; a common practice reader
(2014)
The year 2015 has special importance for the transformation towards sustainable development. New Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are then supposed to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The aim is to offer a new orientation for political action in the coming decades. The WBGU recommends orienting the new catalogue of goals towards the key message of the 1992 Earth Summit: that development and environmental protection must be considered together and do not contradict each other. The SDGs should not be reduced to poverty eradication, but must address all dimensions of sustainable development. In particular, global environmental change must be incorporated, otherwise even poverty eradication will become impossible. Up to now, too little attention has been paid to this link in the ongoing discourse on SDGs. Although many reports mention the concept of planetary guard rails or planetary boundaries, they do not back this up with specific targets. The WBGU presents recommendations on how guard rails for global environmental problems should be incorporated in the SDG catalogue and operationalized by means of corresponding targets.
In this manual, the consortium wants to share the key lessons we have learnt throughout this three-year project and, by doing so, to contribute to the scaling-up of low carbon city development in emerging economies, especially in China. This manual targets organisations from the scientific and civil society sectors that are involved in international low carbon city projects, especially those with a focus on Chinese cities, as well as local govern-ments that are eager to develop a comprehensive low carbon strategy.
This report details current and potential recycling of critical metals in Waste from Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The term "critical metals" is used instead of "rare metals" because the concept incorporates not only supply but also demand. The EU needs access to these metals and recycling can be an important part of the supply-strategy.
The study shows that the current recycling of critical metals in WEEE is very low, but that the potential amount could be increased threefold within 2015. Improving of the recycling of critical metals requires a variety of initiatives tackling different week point in the overall process: better collection, better pre-processing and end-processing, limiting the export of WEEE or used products out of the EU and better design of the EEE-products.
This study shows that data on sales volumes, WEEE composition and the composition of critical metals in EEE is currently insufficient for detailed analysis and monitoring, and addressing this should be a priority. Further, more detailed information on components used in EEE product groups would enable recyclers to identify and access the most materially important components. Dialog between recyclers, smelters and manufacturers could also facilitate product design that supports the recycling process.