Comparing energy efficiency labelling systems in the EU and Brazil: Implications, challenges, barriers and opportunities

Abstract

In the last 30 years, voluntary and mandatory environmental or energy certification schemes have been introduced in the building sector in most developed countries. During the last decade, in Brazil, the document Energy Efficiency Rating Technical Quality Regulations for Commercial, Service and Public Buildings (RTQ-C) was introduced to classify buildings according to their energy efficiency level. This paper aims to assess how Brazilian RTQ-C could learn from the European Union (EU)’s experience of implementing the Directive 2010/31/EU. The implementation of the RTQ-C in Brazil has been examined and compared with the EU's Directive. Technical, economic and social issues as well as barriers and challenges behind the initial stage of the Directive 2010/31/EU implementation were examined. The difficulties and weaknesses of the calculation methodology, scope and labelling of the Brazilian RTQ-C regulations, and potential areas that require further research have been identified and summarised. In order to increase the impact of RTQ-C regulations, improvements to the existing calculation methodology and tools, provision of numerous supporting measures, such as an increase in training, education, public awareness and incentives, and enforcement through building regulations or standards are essential. The valuable experience from the EU's implementation of the Directive could be used to guide the development of energy policies and certification regulations in Brazil.