Integrated Product Policy
Integrated Product Policy
Summary
A key component of the EU's policy on sustainable consumption and production, the Green Paper on Integrated Product Policy was adopted in 2001 as part of the Sustainable Development Strategy.
All products cause environmental degradation in some way, whether from their manufacturing, use or disposal. Integrated Product Policy (IPP) seeks to minimise these by looking at all phases of a products' life-cycle and taking action where it is most effective[1]. The first phase identified the products consumed in the EU with the greatest environmental impact across their lifecycle. Completed in 2006, the study identified housing as one of the three areas together responsible for 70-80% of environmental impact of private consumption. Phase 2 (the IMPRO project) will attempt to identify opportunities to reduce the impact of these three areas. The results are expected in Mid-2008.
Implications
Following the completion of Phase 2, the EC will seek to address policy measures for the products deemed to have the greatest potential for environmental improvement. It is expected that housing will be included in this list so it can be predicted that policy will be put in place to ensure more efficient construction and maintenance of housing in terms of minimising waste during construction and ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance of the building.
Overlaps
Overlaps with the EU Thematic on Waste Prevention and Recycling
Opportunities
Opportunities exist for house builders to design and construct homes that are more efficient in terms of the materials and methods used in construction and also in their performance. Whilst meeting the demands of forthcoming policy, it will also reduce costs of builds by reducing the volume of waste produced but also increase the desirability of the homes to buyers. This will link in with the new energy performance of buildings directive (currently only transposed in England & Wales in the UK)[2].
Guidance
The European Commission's website provides information on what has been done concerning the Integrated Product Policy as well as giving insight into where it is going in the future. This information can be accessed at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ipp/
Further information and guidance is available from the following sources:
[1] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ipp/integratedpp.htm
[2] http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/