EIA

Ecodesign Impact Accounting model

Fact Sheet

Source: Commission modelling inventory and knowledge management system (MIDAS)

Date of Report Generation: Thu Mar 06 2025

Dissemination: Public

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Overview

Acronym

EIA

Full title

Ecodesign Impact Accounting model

Main purpose

To model environmental and socio-economic impacts of environmental product policy options, as part of preparatory and impact assessment studies for ecodesign and energy labelling and similar end-use instruments.

Summary

The VHK stock-model, since 2013 better known as the EIA-model (Ecodesign Impact Accounting model), has been used by VHK in its current form since 2008 in 25 official Impact Assessments (IA) reports. These include the IA for the review of the Energy Labelling Framework Directive in 2015 and the IAs for 24 Ecodesign Commission Regulations, in 15 cases also covering Energy Labelling Commission Delegated Regulations for the same product group.

VHK has developed, optimised and used (proprietary) stock models for preparatory studies on energy labels under the 92/75/EC framework directive since the 1990s. Based on that experience, the model was further developed for application in preparatory studies and impact assessments under the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling framework legislation. As such, it uses inputs defined in the MEErP methodology (https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/sustainability/ecodesign_en), including those in the EcoReport tool.

The main focus of the model is on transparency to obtain stakeholder acceptance/involvement. The stock-model is extensive, i.e. covering many output-categories, but uses straightforward intuitive calculations implemented in Excel.

From 2013 the EIA tool is used to harmonise and aggregate all Ecodesign preparatory and impact assessment study results in a comprehensive Ecodesign Impact Accounting study, published in principle annually. This also marks the transfer of exclusive distribution rights for the tool to the European Commission. The deliverables of the study include a 40 Mb Excel file covering 50 product-groups with 300 subgroups ('BaseCases') for more than 30 outputs over a timeframe from 1990 to 2050 with a yearly timestep. The Commission then publishes the 300-page pdf of in- and outputs and the model description.

Apart from the use in Commission impact assessments, the EIA model is also employed for external scrutiny of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling programme, most recently by the European Court of Auditors, which --apart from relatively minor corrections-- found the EIA model adequate for that purpose. Outcomes of the EIA study are used for EC press releases on the achievements of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling programme.

Model categories

EnvironmentEnergy

Model keywords

stock modelsustainable consumptionecomodellingeco-designenergy label

Model homepage

https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/studies/ecodesign-impact-accounting-0

Ownership and Licence

Ownership

EU ownership (European Commission)

Ownership details

The model has been developed by Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV (‘VHK’) for the European Commission in its current form 2013. It has been implemented using Microsoft Excel.

Licence type

Non-Free Software licence

The license has one or more of the following restrictions: it prohibits creation of derivative works; it prohibits commercial use; it obliges to share the licensed or derivative works on the same conditions.

Details

Structure and approach

The EIA-tool models the technical potential and associated socio-economic impacts for EU policy options regarding resource efficiency improvement and emission abatement (including for greenhouse gases) for consumer- and professional products. The resulting EU-level scenarios typically cover a 1990 to 2050 time-horizon.

The main focus of the model is on transparency to obtain stakeholder involvement and acceptance as much as possible. The stock-model is extensive, i.e. covering many output-categories, but uses straightforward intuitive calculations and is easily accessible in Excel.

The EIA-tool follows the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP) for preparatory (review) studies in Ecodesign, which includes the data structure from the EcoReport tool [1] as well as calculation procedures for the assessment of environmental and socio-economic impacts etc.. It takes into account the relevant requirements of the European Commission’s Better Regulation impact assessment guidelines [2]. Generic (default) input parameters on historical and future rates are periodically updated and taken as much as possible from EU-related sources, such as (a) Eurostat for historical energy rates, conventions on calorific values per fuel, etc., (b) EEA (https://www.eea.europa.eu/ ) for air pollution conversion factors (NOx, SO2, PM, etc.), GWP-100 factors for electricity production (reworked), conversions following UNFCC, (c) the latest PRIMES reference scenario for energy price projections, and (d) Energy Efficiency Directive amendment (EU)2018/2002. OJ L 328, 21.12.2018. used for primary energy factor (2.1 instead of 2.5 at transition).

Product-specific inputs are taken typically from Ecodesign preparatory studies and/or for aggregated studies, like the periodical overall Ecodesign impact accounting, from the IA reports. The model is periodically updated following the results of new preparatory, review and IA studies. The calculation model updates usually are the result of product specific peculiarities involving double counting, double impacts, lifetime peaks/lows, etc. that require an adjustment for that product. The latest model description can be found on the Commission website. [3]

For some product groups, model variants exist to handle product-specific analysis needs. Typically these variants contain additions to derive the input required by the main methodology, i.e. to derive average loads or efficiencies from detailed distributions, to correctly manage the shift in sales from less to more efficient base cases, to relate product sales to the stock of buildings and dwellings, to include more complex lifetime-distributions in the stock calculations, to simulate the effect of hydrogen as a fuel instead of natural gas, to simulate more detailed price-efficiency relationships (e.g. LEDs), to add energy effects of related products (variable speed drives, lighting control gears, PFHRDs), etc.. In this sense, in particular the Model for European Light Sources Analysis (MELISA) is a further detailed variant of the EIA-model, even if the main analysis methodology remains the same.

References

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/sustainability/ecodesign_en

[2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/better-regulation-guidelines-impact-assessment.pdf and https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/better-regulation-guidelines-evaluation-fitness-checks.pdf

[3] Wierda, L., Kemna, R. et al. (VHK), Ecodesign Impact Accounting, VHK for EC DG ENER C.3, 2013-2018. https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/studies/ecodesign-impact-accounting-0

Input and parametrization

Generic parameters: historical energy prices, future energy price escalation (growth rate corrected for inflation), electricity to primary energy conversion coefficient (CC=1/PEF), global warming potential for energy sources (GWP-100); rates (€/unit) for consumables (water, paper/filters/ detergents/toner/electrodes/etc. as appropriate) and average maintenance/repair costs (€/yr.). Energy rates diversified per usage sector (residential, tertiary, industry, other).

Business-sector-specific parameters: typical revenue-split OEM/industry/ wholesale/ retail/ installer/ VAT, average revenue per direct job.

For each new product analysed, the Inputs are given for the EU (currently the EU27-2020) and the period 1990-2050:

Definition of product and product-subtypes (‘Base Cases’);
Unit sales per Base Case, EU 1990-2050;
Acquisition costs (in fixed euros, i.e. inflation-corrected for the reference year);
Service life of the product (average lifetime or lifetime array where needed);
Unit load, average user demand for product output;
Unit environmental impact (energy efficiency, GHG, NOx, CO, PM emissions) of average new products sold per year over the 1990-2050 period;
Annual unit consumable consumption (e.g. water, paper) and maintenance costs;
Improvement environmental impact and associated costs, given as arrays of values for inter- and extrapolation, at least for Base Case (BC), Least Life Cycle Cost (LLCC), Best Available Technology (BAT) products;
Learning curve effect (percentage acquisition cost reduction per year after implementing policy option, up to previous level).

Main output

Scenarios: the BAU (‘Business-As-Usual’) and ECO scenario;
Derived variables and constants: Stock (volume installed), environmental impacts of stock (energy, emissions), installation, maintenance, auxiliary inputs, end-of-life unit costs;
Consumer expenditure: Total acquisition and running costs;
Business revenue: Total turnover for industry, wholesale, retail, installation sectors;
Social parameters: Direct employment (number of jobs)

Spatial & Temporal extent

The output has the following spatial-temporal resolution and extent:

Parameter	Description
Spatial extent / country coverage	EU Member states 27
Spatial extent / country coverage
Spatial resolution	World-regions (supranational)Entity
Spatial resolution
Temporal extent	Long-term (more than 15 years)
Temporal extent	Up to 2050
Temporal resolution	Years
Temporal resolution

Quality & Transparency

Quality

Model uncertainties

Models are by definition affected by uncertainties (in input data, input parameters, scenario definitions, etc.). Have the model uncertainties been quantified? Are uncertainties accounted for in your simulations?

response: yes
details: Models are by definition tainted with uncertainties (in input data, input parameters, scenario definitions, etc.). Have the model uncertainties been quantified? Are uncertainties accounted for in your simulations? [If not, why? (e.g. too demanding, don't know how to do it, other reasons).] As much as is possible to a limited extent. Most uncertainty is typically not in the model but in the input data. At the low aggregation level of commercial, economic and environmental data for consumer- and professional products the uncertainty is often high, and the model is typically used to reach consensus amongst stakeholders of what are acceptable data.
url

Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis helps identifying the uncertain inputs mostly responsible for the uncertainty in the model responses. Has the model undergone sensitivity analysis?

response: yes
details: As mentioned, sensitivity analyses with the model are used in preparatory studies and impact assessments to reach consensus. In the final reporting, sensitivity analysis may also be presented to give policy makers an impression of the uncertainty.
url

Have model results been published in peer-reviewed articles?

response: no
details: The model has been used by the European Court of Auditors to evaluate the Ecodesign and Energy Label programme and, apart from minor modifications to which the EC agreed and which have now been incorporated, found adequate for the purpose. Apart from that, the stock model is scrutinised by stakeholders (industry, NGOs, Member States, EU institutions) every time it is used in impact assessments. As such it has been used in the review of the Ecodesign and Energy Label Framework Directives in 2015 and 24 product-specific IA and preceding preparatory studies by VHK over the past 15 years, relating to 24 Ecodesign Commission Regulations and on 15 occasions combined with Energy Label. Annually the outcomes of all Ecodesign studies are aggregated in the Ecodesign Impact Accounting studies, using the EIA-tool for harmonisation of the calculation procedure. Outcomes of these aggregated studies with the model have been used in EC press releases and internal communications to communicate the impact of Ecodesign and Energy Label.
url: European Court of Auditors Report

Has the model formally undergone scientific review by a panel of international experts?

Please note that this does not refer to the cases when model results were validated by stakeholders.

response: no
details
url

Model validation

Has model validation been done? Have model predictions been confronted with observed data (ex-post)?

response: yes
details: Yes, model validation by industry, experts, stakeholders has been done, see above. In the context of the review of regulations a comparison between the projected saving from the first IA versus what actually happened ex-post is a mandatory part of the analysis (following REFIT in Better Regulation Toolbox).
url

Transparency

To what extent do input data come from publicly available sources?

This may include sources accessible upon subscription and/or payment

response: Entirely based on publicly available sources

Is the full model database as such available to external users?

Whether or not it implies a specific procedure or a fee

response: no
details: Data are directly visible in the model. The Commission publishes the annual EIA updates on its website in the form of a status report (with model description), a background overview report with product information, and sometimes a special report e.g. on material resources use. All these documents can be downloaded by the general public. The main product-specific data sources are preparatory studies, usually with their own public project website, run by the contractor, where intermediate and final results (data inputs in the model) are given. The final reports of these studies stay available on the Commission website for the general public.
url

Have model results been presented in publicly available reports?

Note this excludes IA reports.

response: yes
details
documents: For details please refer to the 'peer review for model validation' documents in the bibliographic references

Have output datasets been made publicly available?

Note this could also imply a specific procedure or a fee.

response: no
details: Follows the same availability rules as IAs from the Commission
url

Is there any user friendly interface presenting model results that is accessible to the public?

For instance: Dashboard, interactive interfaces...

response: no
details
url

Has the model been documented in a publicly available dedicated report or a manual?

Note this excludes IA reports.

response: yes
details: Data and calculations are directly visible in the model.

Is there a dedicated public website where information about the model is provided?

response: no
details
url

Is the model code open-source?

response: no
details

Can the code be accessed upon request?

response: yes
details

The model’s policy relevance and intended role in the policy cycle

The model is designed to contribute to the following policy areas

Business and industry
Consumers
Energy
Environment

The model is designed to contribute to the following phases of the policy cycle

Evaluation – such as ex-post evaluation
Formulation – such as ex-ante Impact Assessments

The model’s potential

The model is designed for use in policy formulation, specifically for economic and technical characterisation of policy options, and for impact assessments. The model can also be used (after a review study) for post evaluation of the impacts of policies.

Impact types that can be assessed with the models include:

Environmental impacts

Energy efficiency (energy use per unit of performance)
Energy consumption
GHG emissions
Other air pollution (NOx)

Economic impacts Sales (units, price)

Stock (units)
Acquisition costs
Running costs
Consumer expenditure
Revenues market actors

Social impacts

Employment (jobs)

Previous use of the model in ex-ante impact assessments of the European Commission

Use of the model in ex-ante impact assessments since July 2017.

2019
SWD/2019/0354 final

Impact assessment accompanying the document Commission Regulation (EU) .../...laying down: ecodesign requirements for electronic displays pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) 642/2009 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) …/... supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of electronic displays and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1062/2010

Lead by: ENER
Run by: VHK Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV
Contribution role: baseline and assessment of policy options
Contribution details: The model helped to assess the following impacts:
Cost/availability of essential inputs (raw materials, machinery, labour, energy, ..)
Market & marketing
Opening/closing down of business
Investment flows & trade in services
Cost of doing business
Stimulation of research and development
Markets for Innovation
Budgetary consequences for public authorities
Prices, quality, availability or choice of consumer goods and services
Safety or sustainability of consumer goods and services
EU foreign policy and EU development policy
Economic growth and employment
Impact on jobs
Impact on jobs in specific sectors, professions, regions or countries
Households income and at risk of poverty rates
Health and safety of individuals/populations
Health risks due to substances harmful to the natural environment
Health due to changes waste disposal
Emission of greenhouse gases
Emission of ozone-depleting substances
Emissions of acidifying, eutrophying, photochemical or harmful air pollutants
Availability or quality of Fresh- or ground water
Waste production, treatment, disposal or recycling
Use of non-renewable resources
Sustainable production and consumption
Relative prices of environmental friendly and unfriendly products
Energy intensity of the economy

2019
SWD/2019/0343 final

Impact assessment accompanying the document Commission Regulation (EU) …/… laying down: ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable speed drives pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 640/2009

Lead by: ENER
Run by: VHK Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV
Contribution role: baseline and assessment of policy options
Contribution details: The model helped to assess the following impacts:
Cost/availability of essential inputs (raw materials, machinery, labour, energy, ..)
Market & marketing
Opening/closing down of business
Investment flows & trade in services
Cost of doing business
Stimulation of research and development
Markets for Innovation
Budgetary consequences for public authorities
Prices, quality, availability or choice of consumer goods and services
Safety or sustainability of consumer goods and services
EU foreign policy and EU development policy
Economic growth and employment
Impact on jobs
Impact on jobs in specific sectors, professions, regions or countries
Households income and at risk of poverty rates
Health and safety of individuals/populations
Health risks due to substances harmful to the natural environment
Health due to changes waste disposal
Emission of greenhouse gases
Emission of ozone-depleting substances
Emissions of acidifying, eutrophying, photochemical or harmful air pollutants
Availability or quality of Fresh- or ground water
Waste production, treatment, disposal or recycling
Use of non-renewable resources
Sustainable production and consumption
Relative prices of environmental friendly and unfriendly products
Energy intensity of the economy

2019
SWD/2019/0341 final

Impact assessment accompanying the document Commission Regulation (EU) .../... : laying down ecodesign requirements for refrigerating appliances pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 643/2009 and COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) .../... supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of refrigerating appliances and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1060/2010

Lead by: ENER
Run by: VHK Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV
Contribution role: baseline and assessment of policy options
Contribution details: The model helped to assess the following impacts:
Cost/availability of essential inputs (raw materials, machinery, labour, energy, ..)
Market & marketing
Opening/closing down of business
Investment flows & trade in services
Cost of doing business
Stimulation of research and development
Markets for Innovation
Budgetary consequences for public authorities
Prices, quality, availability or choice of consumer goods and services
Safety or sustainability of consumer goods and services
EU foreign policy and EU development policy
Economic growth and employment
Impact on jobs
Impact on jobs in specific sectors, professions, regions or countries
Households income and at risk of poverty rates
Health and safety of individuals/populations
Health risks due to substances harmful to the natural environment
Health due to changes waste disposal
Emission of greenhouse gases
Emission of ozone-depleting substances
Emissions of acidifying, eutrophying, photochemical or harmful air pollutants
Availability or quality of Fresh- or ground water
Waste production, treatment, disposal or recycling
Use of non-renewable resources
Sustainable production and consumption
Relative prices of environmental friendly and unfriendly products
Energy intensity of the economy

EIA