Abstract
Faced with implementing policies that seek to improve the energy efficiency of housing and reduce the impact of CO2 emissions, several countries are introducing (unilaterally or by international agreement) energy certification systems that allow the effects of these policies to be evaluated. This study aims to compare the energy efficiency certification systems in Spain and Chile, identifying convergent and divergent parameters, enabling the existing gaps to be identified and improvements noted for both systems. To do so, 20 sample dwellings in Santiago de Chile were evaluated, along with the local calculating tools in both countries. The analysis considered the aspects of regulation, its reach, the characterization of the models and the necessary indicators. The comparison identified, among others, differences such as obligatory implementation of the system, a study of the existing buildings in the focus area, the prevailing indicators for evaluating the effects of the buildings, the low incidence of mixed energy systems in the Chilean system and the possibility of proposing and evaluating improvements in the Spanish system. As a result, higher energy requirements and greater CO2 emissions were identified in the Chilean system, reaching differences of 42 kWh/m2/year in consumption and 14 kgCO2/ m2/year in emissions with regard to the Spanish qualification. The results of this comparison have facilitated the identification of improvements that will increase the evaluation standards of the Chilean system.
Highlights
Global energy demand in 2035 is expected to have increased by one third in relation to current consumption rates [1]
This study aims to compare the energy efficiency certification systems in Spain and Chile, identifying convergent and divergent parameters, enabling the existing gaps to be identified and improvements noted for both systems
Priority has been given to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% and 40% respectively, in terms of the 1990 levels, by 2030 [4]; a second phase aims for reductions of 80% by 2050 [5]
Summary
Global energy demand in 2035 is expected to have increased by one third in relation to current consumption rates [1]. The construction industry has been responsible for 45% of total energy consumption since the start of the 21st century, as well as causing 50% of European air contamination [2]. Housing, during its full life cycle, is responsible for 40% of the energy consumption and 36% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU) [3]. Priority has been given to reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions by 30% and 40% respectively, in terms of the 1990 levels, by 2030 [4]; a second phase aims for reductions of 80% by 2050 [5]. The EU forecasts that by 2030 80% of the population will be living in preexistent housing, with less construction and more rehabilitation, which will lead to an increase of 1% in energy consumption due to the need for upgrading [4]. In specific terms, housing (operation phase) is responsible for 27% of energy consumption in the EU, generating 225 billion Euros and 630 million tons of CO2 [6]; more than half of this consumption is due to heating and refrigeration [7]
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