Energy Savings Gap in Spain. A case study: Policy assessment for energy efficiency in residential buildings

Abstract

Energy efficiency is one of the most cost effective ways to enhance security of energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Europe’s Energy Efficiency Plan, the biggest energy savings potential in the EU lies in the building sector. However, the many barriers to energy efficiency have prevented the implementation of the existing potential. This paper evaluates the existing policy instruments aimed at energy efficiency in residential buildings in Spain using policy theory reconstruction. The results show that the current policy package is not enough to yield the existing potential in this sector. There is an absence of binding targets for energy efficiency, a lack of focus on existing residential buildings and a need for further coordination and cooperation among the different public agencies involved and among the national and regional levels. In addition, considering the current economic context and the collapse of the Spanish construction sector, energy refurbishments in residential buildings present a great opportunity for employment creation and may contribute to economic recovery in Spain.