The benefits of EcoDesign and the risk of rebound effects

EcoDesign is one of the key elements which are needed to direct a globalised economy towards a sustainable development. Therefore it is supported unanimously by industry, governments and environmental NGOs. In many areas EeoDesign has made substantial progress. However, there is a big risk. If the enhanced resource efficiency generated by EcoDesign leads to better economic performance and the reduced resource consumption needed to produce goods makes price-cuttings possible, consumption will increase and there might be no overall environmental benefit because growing consumption may exceed the benefits achieved by EcoDesign. This effect, the so-called Rebound-Effect is demonstrated in the area of information technology and the consequences for EcoDesign are outlined.