Towards nearly zero-energy buildings in Mediterranean countries: Fifteen years of implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in Spain (2006–2020)

Abstract

The regulations regarding energy savings in buildings in Spain have evolved in parallel with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). In addition to the requirements that must be met by both new and renovated buildings, the Basic Document on Energy Saving of the Technical Building Code (CTE-DB-HE) compiles the requirements necessary to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs). The objective of this work is to analyse the evolution of the CTE-DB-HE in detail for both the residential and non-residential sectors, highlighting the major novel aspects and changes introduced during the last 15 years. To illustrate these changes, several case studies are examined to verify the implications of applying the CTE-DB-HE to the building sector. This work then explores the direction of this sector in the near future, given that NZEBs are already a reality in Spain, and it discusses how progress is being made towards achieving the 2030–2050 objectives for the European building stock. The most recent CTE-DB-HE presents both challenges and opportunities to carry out ambitious energy renovation in the Spanish building sector.