Method for the ranking of potential requirements, based on expected impacts and costs

The aim of this report is to contribute to the development of the methodology for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products for the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Starting from the analysis of the Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP), used under the Ecodesign Directive (on energy-related products), and considering the extended scope of the ESPR, this report proposes indications for the identification of improved design options (DOs), as well as a methodology to assess, define and rank paths of DOs, taking into account their interactions. A more systemic definition of DO than the one provided in the MEErP is proposed, since it is recognised in literature that, to achieve optimal product sustainability, the focus should expand from the product to the system level (Schöggl et al., 2024). The identification of the DOs should be a multi-disciplinary activity, which considers technological, environmental and market-related aspects. The creation and validation of DO paths is supported by the use of Life-cycle Assessment. Moreover, the optimal design configuration for each path is identified by using life-cycle costing (LCC). Finally, the DOs are ranked applying societal LCC: factors for the monetisation of environmental externalities are proposed. Eventually the result should be complemented with considerations on social aspects and policy objectives.