The concept of energy efficiency in buildings is incomplete or wrong for most citizens.
This is because the messages that reach them are being transmitted in a confused way.
For this reason, a large part of the population associates it directly with issues such as geothermal energy or solar panels.
And these, although it is true that they are to a certain extent related, must comply with an order of priorities and in no case should they go first.
When talking about energy efficiency in buildings, the first thing that must be achieved is that the construction practically does not need energy to maintain its comfort and health conditions, which is defined as a Building with Almost Zero Energy Consumption (ECCN).
This concept, which can be very ambiguous, is embodied in the Passivhaus standard, a procedure that, in addition to efficiency, provides conditions of high interior comfort, both in terms of air quality and acoustic insulation and constant temperature throughout the entire anus.
For new construction buildings, the current regulations are demanding, but there is still ample room for improvement.
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Once you have a building with little need for energy, it is when it makes sense to equip it with efficient energy generation facilities that reduce consumption, optimizing energy use to the maximum to maintain comfort and health conditions.
Finally, only when the building practically does not demand energy, is when renewable energies should be implemented.
In this way, they might even be able to cover the total energy needs of the building with a positive balance, generating more energy than it needs.
Implementing any of these three interventions in another order is not successful.
This is the case of the Local Treasury Regulatory Law of RD 2/2004, of March 5, which aims to serve as a legal and financial framework for local Administrations.
In an unwise way, this law has been prioritizing renewable energies in buildings over the reduction of energy demand.
The rule allows municipalities to regulate a discount of up to 80% in taxes such as the IBI (Real Estate Tax) or the ICIO (Construction, Installation and Works Tax) if solar panels are installed, even in buildings without thermal insulation and with poor quality windows.
Nevertheless,
Only when the building practically does not demand energy, is when renewable energies should be implemented
On the other hand, several municipal administrations have shown their willingness to favor IBI and ICIO bonuses for those buildings that contribute decisively to the fight against climate change.
But contradicting common sense, articles 74 and 103 of the aforementioned law do not allow favoring such bonuses.
The Passivhaus Building Platform (PEP) defends that it is necessary to modify this Law and proposes that municipalities can discount up to 95% of the full IBI and ICIO quota to those who, in addition to accrediting the achievement of an A energy rating, accredit Obtaining an independent international energy certification or sustainability seal.
It is about rewarding the construction or rehabilitation of buildings with standards that go beyond the minimum requirements and allow progress at a faster pace towards the goal of net zero emissions in the coming years.
In this sense, the role of the Administration is essential to be able to promote a paradigm shift in our building stock, which is aimed at satisfying the existing deficiencies in terms of environmental protection, preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change. climate.
For example, from Europe an unprecedented amount of funds is announced to subsidize the energy rehabilitation of buildings.
The Administration wants to encourage this type of intervention: some laws have been modified that facilitate rehabilitation, such as the reduction of up to 60% in personal income tax on subsidies obtained for rehabilitation.
Wouldn't it be a good incentive to also propose an IBI exemption for properties that achieve this type of certification?
Bruno Gutiérrez Cuevas
is president of the Passivhaus Building Platform.