In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted the
groundbreaking Right to Repair directive, aimed at making product
repairs more accessible and appealing to consumers. This directive
mandates manufacturers to repair products at reasonable costs and
within reasonable timeframes, even after the legal guarantee period of
two years. Furthermore, goods repaired under warranty will receive an
additional one–year extension, totalling three years of legal
guarantee. This initiative is crucial for reducing the premature
disposal of consumer goods, which contributes significantly to CO2
emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation across the EU.
Retailers and distributors can assist manufacturers by offering repair
services, providing spare parts and tools, and facilitating customer
support and temporary replacement services.
Sustainability Rating for EU Data Centres
The EU has introduced a comprehensive scheme for
rating the sustainability of data centres, as part of the recast
Energy Efficiency Directive. From September 2024, data centre
operators must report key performance indicators (KPIs) to a European
database. These KPIs include energy and water consumption, waste heat
reuse, and refrigerant use, among others. Annual reports are due by 15
May each year, starting in 2025. This scheme aims to increase
transparency in energy and water usage and promote the use of
renewable energy and waste heat reuse. With data centres accounting
for significant energy consumption in the EU, this initiative is
crucial for achieving the new binding target of reducing EU energy
consumption by 11.7% by 2030.
CSDDD: Strengthening Corporate Responsibility
The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
Directive (CSDDD), adopted on 24 May 2024, mandates large companies to
identify and mitigate adverse impacts on human rights and the
environment across their operations and supply chains. The directive
initially applies to companies with over 5,000 employees and revenues
greater than €1.5 billion by 2027, extending to smaller companies by
2029. Companies must implement due diligence processes to address
issues such as child labour, pollution, and deforestation, and adopt
transition plans aligning with the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. IT
distributors and resellers must assess their compliance with CSDDD,
strengthen supplier relationships, and engage stakeholders in
developing sustainability plans. This directive reinforces the EU’s
commitment to human rights and environmental sustainability, urging
companies to take proactive steps in safeguarding our planet.
By embracing these initiatives, businesses across
the EU can significantly contribute to a more sustainable and
responsible future. Let’s work together to build a greener, more
equitable world.
To learn more about CONTEXT’s
initiatives and insights , visit
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