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EIA

Ecodesign Impact Accounting model

EnvironmentEnergystock modelsustainable consumptionecomodellingeco-designenergy label

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?

yes
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.

    Sensitivity analysis

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

    yes
    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.

      Have model results been published in peer-reviewed articles?

      no
      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.

      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.

      no

        Model validation

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

        yes
        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).

          Transparency

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

          This may include sources accessible upon subscription and/or payment

          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

          no
          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.

            Have model results been presented in publicly available reports?

            Note this excludes IA reports.

            yes

            Have output datasets been made publicly available?

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

            no
            Follows the same availability rules as IAs from the Commission

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

              For instance: Dashboard, interactive interfaces...

              no

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

                Note this excludes IA reports.

                yes
                Data and calculations are directly visible in the model.

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

                no

                  Is the model code open-source?

                  no

                  Can the code be accessed upon request?

                  yes