Last week we were explaining the objectives of the EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) as they are known in the UK or "Certificado de Eficiencia Energética" as they are known here in Spain.
It uses a rating scale, ranging from "A" (the buildings more efficient) to "G" (less efficient). A house with the best rating possible tend to benefit the environment and the economy of their tenants or user. This article offers several tips for consumers to improve their homes to obtain the best possible energy rating.
More than 60% of the Spanish buildings have been built assuming a low standard of energy efficiency up to 2007 when the new Building Regulation came into effect.
Obviously is not every ones cup of tea to start carrying out reforms just to obtain a better EPC but if a reform of a dwelling need to be done simply because the existing property need to be enlarge or new windows installed it could be the right time to make an additional investment and improve the need to consume less energy by thermal insulate the new walls or by installing a better quality new windows.
Better environment and economic advantages.
Any citizens that improve thermal insulation at home achieve a better environment and obtain economic advantages.
80% of Spanish households need to improve their insulation, according to data from the Spanish National Centre for Renewable Energies (Cener). To incorporate good insulation or renewing and inefficient air conditioning systems should not be seen as an expense, but rather as investment which will achieve great environmental, economic, and social benefits as well as will provide you with a better EPC certificate which will allow you to sell or rent your property in better conditions.
The energy rehabilitation of buildings is one of the measures that would help in obtaining economic rewards in the medium and long term. However, people who suffer from it are the ones that have less income and cannot afford the necessary investment. To do so, a state energy rehabilitation program, supported by the autonomous communities, could spur households with energy poverty to take the plunge. To rehabilitate the 2.1 million homes with this problem in Spain (2012 data) would require 2.150 million Euros annually.
Energy rehabilitation is not an expenditure, but a good investment. Seven of every ten Euros paid in energy in the home goes to heating and cooling. Most is lost because much energy escapes by defects in housing or lack of insulation. The best measure passed to improve the insulation of facades and roofs in the community of neighbours: if done collectively it does not have to be expensive. The benefits will be noticed from the minute after the reform is done and it will increase the value of the dwellings.
The European Union believes that the building is responsible for 40% of the energy consumption of its member states. Energy production is based on coal or oil, which generate carbon dioxide (CO2), the main gas implicated in climate change, as well as the issuance of various substances and gases harmful to the environment and health. Also another part of electricity comes from nuclear plants, whose radioactive waste or the possibility of an accident can cause a serious environmental impact.
The rehabs of dwellings would mean a decrease in energy consumption and, therefore, their consequences for the environment. In terms of climate change, the conservation organization WWF noted in a report by 2012 that deep energy rehabilitation of 400,000 homes a year would prevent the issuance of eight million tonnes of CO2.
Improving the comfort and quality of life.
The results of good energy rehabilitation not only would be noted in the users' pockets but also in the environment. Good insulation or a good system for heating or cooling which keep the temperature stable and adequate year-round improves the quality of life of the residents of a home. Excessive cold or heat can lead to various diseases, especially to people like the elderly or children.
It will revalue the price of the property.
After a good rehabilitation, homeownership will have raised its energy efficiency. Therefore, its owner can update the same energy certificate. A building with a good rating (the maximum is category A) becomes more competitive in the market for sale or rent. Potential buyers or tenants will know that it has lower power consumption and better conditions of comfort than other properties with a lower classification.