Directive 2009/125/EC is the European directive regulating Energy Related Products (ERP).
The legislation corresponds to a series of rules imposed by the European Union that aim to reduce harmful emissions that affect the quality of the air we breathe.
The ErP Directive has a particular impact on the renovation or retrofitting of old generation installations, which are mainly responsible for pollution.
The Directive is designed to be completed in three phases: the first in 2015, the second in 2018, and the third, final phase on 26 September 2019.
ErP 2015: energy labelling
The first standard set in 2015 includedmandatory Energy Labelling to certify the efficiency and compliance with pollutant emission limits of heat generators. The labelling covers both the individual product and the entire system.
A basic requirement of the Ecodesign standard for boilers and heat generators is that the nominal heat output of the products is less than 400 kW.
With regard to heating systems, the directive has imposed a stop on the production of open chamber and type B boilers in favour of condensing boilers with a consequent installation ban.
ErP 2018: limitation of NOx emissions
On the other hand, 2018 was the year of the introduction of another constraint, that of the limit on NOx emissions. The new generator must therefore have nitrogen oxide emissions – expressed as nitrogen dioxide – of no more than 56 mg/kWh (gaseous fuels) or 120 mg/kWh (liquid fuels)
Erp 2019: more efficiency
On 26 September 2019, the ErP Regulations will come to an end with theelimination of the lower efficiency classes and the introduction of a new energy label classification, ranging from A++ to D for boilers and heat pumps.
Less pollution, more savings
The energy efficiency of installed products goes hand in hand with savings and convenience: making an economic effort to bring one’s system up to European standards guarantees cost-effectiveness in terms of consumption over time.