ACEA - ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

IEC Guide 109:2012 is intended for standards writers and gives guidance on how to consider aspects relating to the impact on the environment of electrotechnical products when preparing standards for such products.

Describes concepts relating to the integration of environmental aspects into electrotechnical product design and development. It is intended for use by all those involved in the design and development of products, regardless of organization type, size, location and complexity, and for all types of electrical and electronic equipment, whether new or modified. It is written for those directly involved in the process of product development and for those responsible for the policy and decision-making process within the organization

One important aspect of product-related environmental protection is environmentally safe product recycling or disposal. This is possible only with the knowledge of the substances contained and the potential hazards to health and to the environment that they represent. Therefore, the manufacturer should know which environmentally relevant substances are contained in his products. Additionally, he should know the distribution and the concentrations of these substances. He should be able to give the required information to those who need it.[
]This guideline is written to assist companies which have to develop materials declaration questionnaires for products, for instance as part of purchase specifications. It intends to increase the harmonization and the comparability of the various questionnaires.

By illustrating how environmental aspects can be included in electrotechnical product standards, this Guide helps IEC TCs to fulfil the IEC Environmental Policy, which  states in part: 'IEC recognizes the growing importance of preserving the environment and the role electrotechnical standardization has to play to foster sustainable development. Therefore it is the responsibility of IEC staff and technical committees, members and experts, to contribute actively to the evolving standards framework for the benefit of the environment. ... With respect to product-related standards, IEC technical committees must assess and continuously improve new and existing standards in view of reducing adverse environmental impacts over the whole life cycle of products. ...' The Guide aims at encouraging standards which preserve the natural environment while allowing designers to reach the best practical compromise among design constraints such as safety, cost, technology or function.