research 
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Reports
Research reports, studies and articles by VHK
Impact Assessment studies
VHK has also performed many Impact Assessments and provided technical assistance for other Impact Assessment studies. You can view a number of these on our dedicated Ecodesign Impact Assessment page.
This page contains a public library of works consisting of research reports and articles by VHK. These reports can be downloaded for free. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
All respective content is copyrighted by Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV with all rights thereto reserved. Any material you use must be credited to Van Holsteijn en Kemna BV. All trademarks are copyrighted by their respective owners.
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Current projectsFinished studies and articles
Current projects
Review study on the Ecodesign and Energy Regulations on ventilation units 
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Grow
Rreview study on the Ecodesign and Energy Regulations on Ventilation Units. Specifically, the existing Regulations EU 1253/2014 (Ecodesign requirements for ventilation units) and EU 1254/2014 (energy labelling of residential ventilation units) are being reviewed. The study includes an update of the Preparatory Studies.
Finished studies and articles
2020
ICT Impact Assessment study
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Viegand Maagøe
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This impact study on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the Commission Services concerns EU27 commercial and energy consumption data for ten ICT categories systems for the period 2010-2025 and preparing selected topics for EU policy options, amongst others to be used in the context of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2020-2024, which partially runs in parallel to this project.
2019
Review study of ecodesign and energy labelling for space heating boilers and combination heaters
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, BRG Building Solutions
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
A review study of the regulation on ecodesign and labelling requirements for space heaters and combination heaters. The study covered the review of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 813/2013 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 811/2013.
- Boilers, Review study Task 1 - Policies & Standards, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 2 - Market analysis, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 3 - Space and water heating demand & usage, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 4 - Technical analysis, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 5 - Environment & Economics, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 6 - Options, Final report
- Boilers, Review study Task 7 - Scenarios, Final report
Review study of ecodesign and energy labelling for water heaters and tanks
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, BRG Building Solutions
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
A review study of the regulation on ecodesign and labelling requirements for water heaters and tanks. The study covered the review of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 814/2013 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 812/2013.
- Water heaters, Review study Task 1 - Policies & Standards, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 2 - Market analysis, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 3 - Water heating demand & usage, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 4 - Technical analysis, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 5 - Environment & Economics, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 6 - Options, Final report
- Water heaters, Review study Task 7 - Scenarios, Final report
Quantification of food waste per product group along the food supply chain in the European Union: a mass flow analysis
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, European Commission-Joint Research Centre
published in Elsevier Journal of Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Volume 149, October 2019, Pages 479-488
A systematized food waste accounting at macro scale level was developed for Europe. The accounting follows Mass Flow Analysis concepts, ensuring closed mass balance. Disaggregated values per food supply chain stages and per food groups are presented. Hotspots and food groups with higher share of food waste were identified. The stage contributing the most to food waste varies depending on the food group.
2018
Review study pumps
Viegand Maagøe, Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
A study on pumps for the preparation of further and/or more advanced ecodesign and/or energy labelling requirements. The study will review and build upon Commission Regulation (EU) No 547/2012 and the preparatory studies on "Lot 28 waste water pumps" and "Lot 29 other pumps".
- Ecodesign pump review - Final report
- Ecodesign pump review - Final report. Annex 13. Single EEI value for all pumps in scope
2017
Minimizing food waste by improving storage conditions in household refrigeration
F. van Holsteijn, R. Kemna
published in Elsevier Journal of Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Volume 128, January 2018, Pages 25-31
Current household food storage conditions are suboptimal for many fresh products. Multiple temperature compartments in refrigerators can extend the shelf life of food. Optimized refrigerator design can be a useful tool to reduce food waste. Existing legislation on energy labelling of refrigeration appliances requires revision.
Rethinking the Function of the Fridge
F. van Holsteijn
published in Renewable Matter magazine 16, May-June 2017 (available with permission of ReteAmbiente s.r.l.)
Every year European households bin 84 million tonnes of food. Better food preservation can help cut waste and reduce at the same time energy consumption and envirionmental impact. Smart fridges can help exchange information with consumers on the best way to preserve food.
Optimal food storage conditions in refrigeration appliances
R. Kemna, F. van Holsteijn, VHK in collaboration with Oakdene Hollins
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
Preparatory/review study on Commission Regulation (EC) No. 643/2009 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 1060/2010 – complementary research on Optimal food storage conditions in refrigeration appliances.
2016
Preparatory study Ecodesign preparatory study on Compressors (LOT 31) oil free and low pressure
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This study aims to provide the European Commission with a technical, environmental and economical analysis of compressors driven by electric motors, as required under Article 15 of the Directive 2009/125/EC on Ecodesign.
Special review study on water heaters
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
A special study for Commission Regulation (EU) 814/2013 Article 7 (2) to assess the appropriateness of setting separate ecodesign requirements for different types of water heaters for review by the Ecodesign Consultation Forum.
Special review study on durability tests - According to Article 7(2) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 666/2013 with regard to ecodesign requirements for vacuum cleaners
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This special review study follows Article 7(2) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 666/2013 on Ecodesign requirements for vacuum cleaners, which specifies that the durability requirements on hose (at least 40 000 oscillations) and motors (at least 500 hours at half-loaded receptacle) shall be reviewed.
Special Report Material Inputs for Production Pertaining to the study on ecodesign impact accounting
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This report is an addition to the main Ecodesign Impact Accounting (EIA) of March 2016. It calculates the material consumption for the production of the 2010 sales and the 'installed stock'.
Ecodesign Impact Accounting Status Report
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
The Ecodesign Impact Accounting is continued in this study 4 (EIA II) for a period of three years starting from December 2015. This report is a first interim report of the EIA II study and takes into account the information available on 1 January 2016.
MONICAIR 
MONICAIR consortium
Monicair is a pre-competitive research project for and with the Dutch ventilation industry, supported by the Netherlands government. It has monitored indoor air quality, related energy use and many physical and behavioural parameters in 60 dwellings over a whole calender year. The project, the largest of its kind, evaluated the performance of more than 10 different types of mechanical ventilation systems and came up with surprising results. See also website: www.monicair.nl
Preparatory review study of the existing Ecodesign and Energy Label regulations for household refrigeration appliances
VHK and ARMINES in collaboration with Viegand & Maagøe and Wuppertal Institute
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
Preparatory study in response of the review clauses (Art. 7) of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 643/2009 with regard to ecodesign requirements for household refrigeration appliances and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 1060/2010 with regard to energy labelling of household refrigeration appliances
2015
Preparatory Study on Light Sources for Ecodesign and/or Energy Labelling Requirements (Lot 8/9/19)
VITO, Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Viegand & Maagøe, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy GmbH, ARMINES
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This study, assigned by the European Commission, prepares for a comprehensive review of the four existing ecodesign and energy labelling regulations for Light Sources ('Lot 8/9/19') in the European Union 1. It aims at setting more ambitious targets, removing flaws and possibly unifying the existing regulations into one or two improved pieces of legislation.
Ecodesign of Window Products, Lot 32
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, ift Rosenheim, VITO
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
Preparatory study under Working Plan 2012-2014 (established according to article 16(1) of the Ecodesign Directive).
Ecodesign Fan Review study of Commission Regulation (EU) No 327/2011
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This study provides background information to the Commission in relation to the revision of Commission Regulation 327/2011 with regard to ecodesign requirements for fans driven by motors with an electric input power between 125 W and 500 kW.
Lunchtime debate - Ensuring a non-toxic circular economy
René Kemna, 2015
A presentation at the European Parliament about ensuring a non-toxic circular economy.
2014
Exploratory analysis of
Resource efficiency requirements in Ecodesign: Review of practical and legal implications
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milieu, DGMI (Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment - Directorate-General for Environment and International Affairs)
This study for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment explores the potential role of material resource efficiency, except energy efficiency during use, in the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive.
Average EU building heat load for HVAC equipment
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
This study assesses the energy consumption of space heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. This equipment is the largest contributor to the total EU energy consumption.
Technical assistance to Lot 21 Chillers
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
"Omnibus" Review Study on Cold Appliances, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Washer-Driers, Lighting, Set-top Boxes and Pumps
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, VITO, Viegand & Maagøe, Wuppertal Institute for Climate
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
An exploratory study to provide a prioritisation and indication of extensiveness of review activities related to measures that currently exist for eight product groups: Domestic Washing Machines, Domestic Dishwashers, Domestic Washer-Driers, Domestic Cold Appliances, Lighting products (non-directional, tertiary and 'special purpose'), Set-top Boxes.
Ecodesign Preparatory Study on Electric motor systems / Compressors (Lot 31)
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
2012
Technical Background Study in Support of Environmental Product Policy for Hydronic Central Heating Generators
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for Institute for Prospective Technological Studies
Final Report of the technical background study for IPTS (Institute for Prospective Technology Studies in Seville, Spain) in order to support Directorate General Environment (DG ENV) in the development of Ecolabel and Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria for the specific product group "hydronic central heating generators".
Ecodesign Preparatory Study ENTR Lot 6 - Ventilation and Air conditioning
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry
A preparatory study on Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems in the context of the Ecodesign Directive. This study was being carried out for the European Commission (Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry). See also the website ecohvac.eu
Study on Amended Working Plan under the Ecodesign Directive
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry
This study provides the European Commission and the stakeholders of the Consulation Forum with background information and analysis in order to establish the (second) Working Plan. The Working Plan sets out an indicative list of product groups which are considered priorities for the adoption of implementing measures under the Ecodesign Directive.
The study started mid November 2010 and was finalised in December 2011 and was carried out for the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) by VHK. See also the website ecodesign-wp2.eu
2011
Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products 
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry
This study provides the European Commission with an update and an extension of the existing methodology of MEEuP to arrive at a Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP), to be used in future preparatory studies for measures under the recast of the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC.
The study is being carried out for the European Commission, under the framework contract TREN/R1/350-2008 Lot 3, Specific Contract No. SI2.581529, by COWI Belgium in collaboration with VHK in charge of operations.
2010
Energy analysis for Quooker
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for Peteri BV
An energy analysis of two products produced by Peteri BV: The Quooker PRO3-VAQ for boiling water and the Quooker COMBI for both boiling water and hot water. The analysis is split into two parts: The first part describes the performance of both Quookers when compared to other products producing boiling water. The second part focuses on the performance of the Quooker Combi as a water heater in the light of upcoming minimum energy efficiency requirements and energy labelling of dedicated water heaters.
2008
Elektrische apparatuur in Nederlandse Huishoudens 1980-2020
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for SenterNovem
Sinds 2005 kunnen vele energieverbruikende apparaten onderworpen worden aan Europese regelgeving betreffende hun minimale energie efficiency (Ecodesign Directive 2005/32/EC, herzien als 2009/125/EC). Om de effecten van deze regelgeving, en de samenhangende bestaande regeling op gebied van Energy Labelling (Energie-etikettering), te beschrijven, is in deze studie het verbruik van huishoudelijke elektrische apparaten berekend tot aan het jaar 2020 op basis van verwacht bezit, gebruik binnen huishoudens en de energie efficiency van apparaten volgens diverse scenario's. Het Hoofdrapport geeft de algemene conclusies en uitkomsten weer. De studie is in 2008 uitgevoerd in opdracht van SenterNovem (tegenwoordig RVO Nederland).
2007
Preparatory Study on Eco-design of Water Heaters
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Transport and Energy (DG TREN)
A report on the legislation, standards and voluntary measures regarding water heaters. Its scope is to identify whether appropriate primary performance and product definitions exist as well as appropriate test standards that could be used for Specific Measures following Annex II of the 2005/32/EC directive as well as Article 14 on Consumer Information.
Preparatory Study on Eco-design of Central Heating Boilers
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Transport and Energy (DG TREN)
A report on the legislation, standards and voluntary measures regarding central heating boilers (incl. combi-boilers). Its scope is to identify whether appropriate primary performance and product definitions exist as well as appropriate test standards that could be used for Specific Measures following Annex II of the 2005/32/EC directive as well as Article 14 on Consumer Information.
2005
Methodology Study Eco-design of Energy-using Products
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry, Unit G/3
The aim of the Methodology study for Ecodesign of Energy-using Products (MEEUP) is to contribute to the creation of a methodology allowing to evaluate whether and to which extent various energy-using products fulfil certain criteria that make them eligible for implementing measures under the Ecodesign of EuP Directive 2005/32/EC.
2003
Second ECCP Progress Report: Can we meet our Kyoto targets?
VHK Contribution: Annex I and several paragraphs. VHK acted as a consultant to the European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment, in the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) during the 2001-2003 period.
for European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment
2002
Heat from Renewable Energy Sources, The RES-H initiative and related directives
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for European Commission, Climate Change Unit, Directorate-General for the Environment
This report gives a short update of the current status of RES-H in the EU, identifies barriers to deployment and sketches the saving potential. This work is part of the general VHK 2002 consultancy contract for the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP).
Future Electronics documents
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for Ademe, France
Assessing the energy efficiency of IT-equipment in the residential sector is of paramount importance, not only because it is a product segment of rapid growth, but also because a thorough analysis will lay the basis for innovative developments.
2001
Dematerialisation (2001, English)
Dematerialisatie (2001, Nederlands)
Van Holsteijn en Kemna
for Dutch Ministry of VROM (Environment)
The notion of reducing the consumption of 'tonnes of material' speaks volumes to everyone's imagination. However, the concept also raises questions.
1999
Gasconcepten voor de zichtjaren 2000, 2010, 2020:
Een toekomstvisie op energiebesparingsmogelijkheden in de woningbouw, gebaseerd op gastoepassingen
R.C.A. van Holsteijn, M.P.W. Tak and W.L.K. Li
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Delft februari 1999
Concepts for implementation of gasfired appliances and their energy savings, projected for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020.
Language: Dutch
Revision European Eco-label criteria for refrigerators
R.B.J. Kemna
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Delft june 1999
Policy report for European Commission DG XI. Contains LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), technical, commercial and economical background information. Reasons for the "A plus" and other criteria.
Energy related issues of Consumer Electronics
P.J.S. Siderius
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Delft May 1999
Publication for Novem and the GEA/VIA group. Summarizes results from technical studies of VHK and others in this field over the past 3 years. Featuring TV, VCR, IRD and other decoders, set-top boxes, standby losses and energy use in on-mode.
1998
Analysis of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Potential for TV's in on-mode
B.P.F. Huenges Wajer and P.J.S. Siderius
Novem, Sittard November 1998
1995
Background reports on Efficient Washing Machines, Dishwashers and Driers
Group for Efficient Appliances (GEA), Working Group - Club EnR
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, 1995
Technical and economical analysis for the EU Energy Label for the Group for Efficient Appliances. A classic with 140 pages of technical details of energy saving design options and their economical implications.
De koop van energie efficiënt witgoed
ERM, juli/augustus 1995, p16-19
R.B.J. Kemna
article, 3 pages
Language: Dutch
Energy-efficiency stimuleren in winkel
ERM, maart 1995, p 28-31
R.B.J. Kemna
article, 3 pages
Language: Dutch
Technische kenmerken van zuinige witgoedapparaten
ERM, september 1995, p 28-31
R.B.J. Kemna
article, 3 pages
Language: Dutch
Stille stroomvreters knagen aan elektriciteitsrekening
ERM, oktober 1995, p 26-27
R.B.J. Kemna
article, 2 pages
Language: Dutch
1994
E-scenario
Novem, Netherlands
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, 1994
Brochure (project summary of Novem project) regarding a scenario for 80% electricity saving in the Dutch households through fuel-switch from electricity to gas.
Language: Dutch, English
1993
Eco-design for halfmasks
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, 1993
From "Eco-design: acht voorbeelden van milieuberichte produktontwikkeling". A case-study of environmentally friendly design.
Language: Dutch
1992
Oefenproject; 'milieumaten voor de CV-ketel Nefit turbo 21'
R.B.J. Kemna and J.E. Behage
Nefit BV, Deventer juni 1992
Language: Dutch
Milieubewust ontwerpen
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, 1992
Column in Milieumagazine. Review of environmentally friendly design practice for cars, coffins, lighting, wet appliances and steel products. Beautiful illustrations by Joep Bertrams.
Language: Dutch
1991
Electricity Consumption for Lighting in the Dutch Home, Development of an Accounting Method
in: Right Light Bright Light, Proceedings of the bi-annual European Conference for Energy-Efficiency in Lighting organised by IAEEL (www.iaeel.org), Stockholm, 1991
B. Huenges Wajer (NOVEM) and R.B.J. Kemna (VHK)
ION papers - Articles for the Dutch design magazine Industrieel Ontwerpen Nederland
R.B.J. Kemna and R.C.A. van Holsteijn
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, Delft juni 1991
Language: Dutch
1984
Articles in "Vorm & Industrie in Nederland, 2: meubelen"
Van Holsteijn en Kemna, 1984
Articles written by R. van Holsteijn and R. Kemna for a promotional project for good design in small and medium enterprises.
Language: Dutch
1981
Energy conscious design (English)
Energiebewust ontwerpen (Nederlands)
R.B.J. Kemna, 1981
Syllabus University of Technology Delft on energy-conscious product design (energy analysis of materials and their application) First published in 1981 and now in its 6th (unrevised) print. Today's absolute energy values may be 10-15% lower, but the message is still valid.
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Important Notice
The information and views set out in this website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Commission or any of the other clients of VHK. VHK does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this website. VHK may not be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. The data in this website and in other associated deliverables have been retrieved and analysed to the best of the author’s ability and knowledge. However, many forward looking statements are implicitly or explicitly presented and neither the contractor nor the author personally assume any liability for damages, material or immaterial, that may arise from the use of this information. All content that are not in the public domain are copyright © Van Holsteijn en Kemna B.V. (VHK).
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