The government this Monday approved the “first” savings plan to reduce energy consumption in public buildings. announced with great enthusiasm by the Prime Minister last week. Peter Sanchez. Measures arising from the plan, four (limits for heating, closing doors, turning off night lighting and controlling boilers) both are not new but they have been in effect since 2009 (limits for heating and closing of doors). Affected buildings are not new either. These are some of the keys to the ‘new’ government savings plan that has aroused many doubts.
1. What measures were in effect?
In 2009, the Rodriguez Zapatero Government mandated that, from 2008 onwards, the heating should be kept at a maximum of 21 degrees in winter and a minimum of 27 degrees in summer, as well as closing the doors “adequately” to prevent heat leaks. -2011 energy saving and efficiency plan. The purpose of these measures is to they were not temporary as they are nowit was To reduce oil imports in Spain by 10%. The Sánchez government has now reduced these limits from 21º to 19º in heating and from 27º to 26º in air conditioning, including those who use these limits when it comes to open doors. renewable energy for air conditioner.
2. Which institutions does it affect?
Organizations affected by air conditioning and door closure restrictions are the same as in 2009 in buildings and facilities for the following uses: Management, advertisement (stores, supermarkets, department stores, shopping malls and the like), cultural (theatres, cinemas, auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls and the like), “public performances and entertainment events”, bars, restaurants and cafes Y train or bus stations and airports. In this case, it only affects shop windows and public buildings, not monuments.
In no event shall the measure affect other buildings such as gyms, hairdressers or nightclubs or hotel rooms. hospitals or nursing homes (even protected current emergency plan in case the gas supply is cut off). And in any case, it will be applied as long as the occupational safety conditions are guaranteed. For example, look at the air conditioning of a restaurant kitchen. This is not an obstacle, as Teresa Ribera, Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition has said many times, so that everyone can try to save as much as possible.
3. Since when?
this After 10 pm the lights turn off. and heating and air conditioning arrangement will take effect in seven daysIt starts on Tuesday, August 9th. this posters where these organizations are obliged to report on the implementation of these measures should be initiated within a one-month period: from September 2. while having Sufficient door closing system is provided until September 30Although this measure Valid since 2009. in a note from Ministry of Ecological Transition It has been clarified that the innovation is now extending to organizations that use “renewable energy for air conditioning”.
4. What happens if the measures are not met?
Those responsible monitoring compliance is autonomous communitiesis something they should already do with measures in place like closing doors and temperatures of 21º and 26º in their workplaces. This morning, in a room government building marked with a temperature of 26.5º above what is currently allowed.
In the Government’s Royal Decree Act, published this Tuesday, explicitly included He in case of breach of these obligations will implement Industrial Law Violations He It varies between 60,000 Euros and 100 million Euros, depending on the severity. At most, violation of these features, Small Mistake and take care proportionality principle (if deliberate, for how long, damage caused, etc.) According to sources from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the amount will be much less than this 60,000 Euros.
Those responsible for oversight will continue to be autonomous communities, so the punishment will be applied in the same way. may depend on the degree of control of each region. The Community of Madrid explained that while it is understood that it will not turn off the lights in public buildings, the degree of supervision for private entities may also be looser, so it will not violate the measures. .