At the same time, city councils, provincial councils, and social organizations are implementing measures to reduce energy consumption in lighting, buildings, and homes. Replacing existing lights with LED technology, providing subsidies for renewable energy installations, and offering training on energy bills are some of the most common approaches. The shared goal is to spend less and reduce emissions.
The CAE (Economic Activity Certificates) want to reward long-term savings, not just those of one year.
The Spanish Association of Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers (Afelma) has presented its proposals at the public hearing on the amendment to Royal Decree 36/2023. The organization believes that the Energy Saving Certificate system should consider not only the amount saved in a given year, but also the lifespan of the measure and the persistence of its effects. In the renovation of building envelopes, passive solutions structurally reduce energy demand. For interventions in opaque sections, a minimum lifespan of 30 years is proposed.
Afelma emphasizes that insulating materials maintain their performance for decades, in many cases exceeding 50 years. Therefore, it argues that the recognition of accumulated savings should reflect this longevity and not be based solely on a single annual snapshot. According to the association, this approach is already being implemented in other European countries. It's not just about insulating, but about accurately accounting for the benefits that insulation provides.
Another point raised is the need for a stable framework beyond 2030. Instead of setting absolute dates for registering or settling certificates, Afelma proposes linking these deadlines to the validity of the National System of Energy Efficiency Obligations. This predictability is especially useful for major renovations, which require studies, technical plans, agreements with homeowners' associations, financing, and permits. Without a clear timeline, many projects never get off the ground.
The association also calls for more standardized verification procedures, tailored to the scale of each project. For repetitive or less complex measures, it advocates for simplified processes and adapted sampling, without compromising guarantees regarding implementation and the reliability of the savings. Furthermore, it requests easier aggregation of projects across different autonomous communities and the joint processing of standardized actions that correspond to the same entry in the Catalog. Less administrative fragmentation and lower transaction costs.
Regarding the new energy-saving auctions , Afelma welcomes their implementation. It requests that their design respect technological neutrality, take into account passive and structural measures, and consider social criteria. It also proposes replacing the general incompatibility with other aid with the principle of no double funding. In this way, the auction incentives could complement other subsidies for the uncovered portion of the investment. This measure is considered key for extensive renovations and vulnerable households.
LEDs, renewables and local aid to reduce consumption
At the municipal level, LED lighting conversion has become one of the most common measures to reduce electricity bills. An example of this is the ordinance on protection against light pollution and energy efficiency, initially approved by a local council, which adapts its requirements to Andalusian, Spanish, and European standards. The ordinance adjusts lighting to sunrise and sunset and notes that all public lighting has already been replaced, resulting in energy savings of 70%. This efficiency also helps to protect the night sky.
In the province of Córdoba, the Energy Agency has subsidized projects focused on energy saving and efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction. The aid is primarily directed toward local entities, but also includes programs for businesses, cooperatives, and residential care homes for the elderly. In the Alto Guadalquivir region, initiatives worth €289.052 have been supported, mobilizing an investment of €429.776. The subsidies aim to reduce consumption and expenses.
Among the funded projects are LED lighting upgrades in streets and squares, photovoltaic installations at town halls, schools, and municipal buildings, building envelope improvements, and the replacement of windows and boilers. In Villa del RÃo, the projects visited total €40.000: €30.000 for lighting and €10.000 for the Senior Citizens' Center. The renovations also extend to public buildings, community centers, and sports facilities.
Training to understand your energy bill and avoid energy poverty
The Naturgy Foundation has trained more than 5.000 people in Galicia since launching its Energy School in 2017. The initiative targets families experiencing energy poverty and the social workers who support them. In total, more than 500 sessions have been held in 180 Galician municipalities. 79% of the participants were from households experiencing energy poverty.
The workshops teach participants how to interpret electricity and gas bills, review contract terms, and adopt real energy-saving habits . They also explain what the social energy tariff is, who is eligible, and how to apply. Follow-up with a group of participants shows an average savings of €467 per year and an increase in access to the social energy tariff from 12% to 55%. This training translates into direct financial relief.
The Energy School works primarily with local councils and has already trained over 45.500 people in energy efficiency and energy law. This year, the "Adding Energies for Valencia" Plan has allowed for a doubling of training opportunities in the Valencian Community, with 89 workshops aimed mostly at families in municipalities affected by the DANA storm and other areas. It has also offered courses for vocational training teachers, unemployed individuals, and women in vulnerable situations. The project combines energy savings, inclusion, and improved employability.
Smart buildings: controlling spending without sacrificing comfort
Energy efficiency is a fundamental aspect of smart buildings. These complexes can autonomously monitor and control systems such as heating, ventilation, and lighting. Thanks to the Internet of Things and automation, they collect real-time data and adjust their operation to the actual needs of each moment. The technology allows for the detection and immediate correction of inefficiencies.
Furthermore, the incorporation of renewable energy sources and innovative building materials raises efficiency standards. Proper design, good insulation, and smart management allow buildings to consume fewer resources and offer better conditions for their occupants. The future of construction lies in spending less and operating more efficiently.
The set of measures surrounding energy savings combines regulatory reforms, economic incentives, actions in lighting and building construction, and support for consumers. Energy Efficiency Councils (CAE) are calling for rules that reward the duration of savings and provide security beyond 2030; municipalities and provincial councils are promoting LED lighting, photovoltaics, and building renovations; and social programs teach people how to use energy and apply for subsidies. The challenge is to fit all the pieces together without leaving vulnerable households behind.
