Eco-design would save £900m

British businesses could save £900 million by incorporating eco-design into their products, a government department said today.

Defra announced the potential savings as it launched a consultation today on the best ways to implement minimum energy standards and energy labelling for high street products such as washing machines, televisions, and fridges.

“[Energy] standards can save our economy so much money and can save millions of tonnes of CO2 from going into the atmosphere,” said Dan Norris, environment minister.

Defra’s consulation aims will pave the way for UK businesses to comply with the European Union (EU) Framework Directive for the Eco-design of Energy Using Products (EuP).

The EU estimates that complying with its framework will reduce Europe’s energy use by 10%.

Defra, the department for the environment, food and rural affairs, aims to make the UK a “healthy environment” in which to live.