Overview
IEC TS 63058:2021 provides essential guidance for manufacturers of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, as well as their assemblies, in evaluating and improving the environmental impact of these products. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this technical specification addresses the entire lifecycle of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - from design and manufacturing to end-of-life management. It is also intended to standardize how environmental information is communicated throughout the supply chain, thereby supporting environmentally conscious design (ECD) and enabling effective stakeholder communication.
As environmental regulations become more stringent and demand for sustainable solutions rises, implementing the principles set out in IEC TS 63058 can help organizations reduce their ecological footprint and demonstrate compliance with international best practices.
Key Topics
- Environmentally Conscious Design (ECD): Guidance on integrating environmental considerations into product design and development, in line with IEC 62430 standards.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Product Specific Rules (PSR) for conducting LCAs, allowing manufacturers to assess environmental impact across all life cycle stages.
- Material Declaration: Specifications for material and regulated substance reporting, referencing IEC 62474 to ensure consistency and transparency.
- End-of-Life Information: Procedures for providing information on recyclability, recoverability, and proper end-of-life treatment of products.
- Environmental Impact Communication: Common standards for communicating environmental data across the supply chain, supporting both internal management and external reporting.
- Compliance and Reference Framework: Alignment with ISO 14001 environmental management systems, and ISO 14040/14044 for LCA methodology.
Applications
IEC TS 63058:2021 is a valuable resource for:
- Manufacturers of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear aiming to minimize environmental impact and meet global regulatory requirements.
- Product developers and designers seeking to incorporate sustainable materials, reduce hazardous substances, and improve energy efficiency during use and production.
- Supply chain managers who need a common reference framework for exchanging environmental information with suppliers, contractors, and customers.
- Compliance officers responsible for meeting regional regulations and participating in environmental declaration programs (e.g., Type II and Type III declarations).
- Procurement professionals applying Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria and requiring standardized documentation of product environmental attributes.
- Recyclers and waste managers who benefit from clear end-of-life information that supports material recovery and recycling initiatives.
Related Standards
Companies implementing IEC TS 63058:2021 may reference and apply the following standards for comprehensive environmental management and compliance:
- IEC 62430 - Principles and guidance for environmentally conscious design (ECD).
- IEC 62474 - Material declaration for the electrotechnical industry.
- IEC TR 62635 - Guidelines for end-of-life information and recyclability rate calculation.
- ISO 14001 - Environmental management systems.
- ISO 14021/14025 - Environmental labels and declarations (Type II and III).
- ISO 14040/14044 - Life cycle assessment standards.
- EN 50693 - Product category rules for LCA of electrical and electronic products and systems.
Practical Value
Implementing IEC TS 63058:2021 supports:
- Improved product sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Credible communication of environmental attributes to stakeholders.
- Compliance with regional and international environmental regulations.
- Streamlined documentation to facilitate market access and tender qualifications.
- Reduction of hazardous substances and responsible end-of-life management for electrical equipment.
This standard offers a foundation for advancing environmental responsibility in the electrotechnical sector, helping businesses create more sustainable, market-preferred products.