This effort focuses on building rehabilitation and housing improvements that boost energy efficiency while supporting environmental goals. The initiative highlights how such upgrades can cut electricity costs for residents, contributing to decarbonization and a cleaner environment.
Experts from this ecosystem gathered at BİLGİ last Thursday to outline essential actions for improving home energy performance. Participants included Victor Echevarría, Head of Energy and Sustainability at BBVA in Spain; Rodrigo López, Iberdrola’s Energy Recovery lead; Manuel Girona, representative and president of AECVAL (Valencia Community Association of Technical Building Rehabilitation Companies); and Fernando Brotons, the 3rd Vice-President of the Alicante College of Property Managers.
Left to right: Jesús Ayllon, Manuel Girona, Rodrigo López, Fernando Brotons, Víctor Echevarría and Toni Cabot. Rafael Arjones
During the meeting, led by BİLGİ Club Director Toni Cabot, the speakers stressed that in homes and urban buildings, a substantial share of primary energy use comes from the built environment. They noted that a significant portion of buildings in Spain hold low energy ratings, indicating inefficient consumption, and discussed how rehabilitation efforts can raise comfort, durability, and value in homes. It was acknowledged that Spain’s rehabilitation pace lags behind some European peers, but data indicate that most buildings expected in 2050 already exist, so upgrading the current stock is essential to meet efficiency targets.”
Single-family Homes and Owner Communities
One focal point was the contrast between vertical residential blocks and single-family homes. The former presents more challenges because convincing building owners to invest can be harder, given divergent social values among neighbors and the complexity of coordinating a shared project. It was noted that solar panels are less common on some building roofs due to shadows or clotheslines, among other factors. A suggested solution for buildings where rooftop installs are impractical is the creation of energetic communities that enable joint self-consumption.
In vertical residences, initiating energy recovery is more intricate. Regardless of the dwelling type, experts agreed that clearly communicating the benefits of energy efficiency to resident communities is crucial. The message should explain why investing now pays off in the future and why the opportunity must be seized. They emphasized offering clear, turnkey solutions and presenting comprehensive rehabilitation packages. There was also positive feedback that financial institutions are entering the market, which is vital for a coordinated effort among all actors involved in home rehabilitation.
Public investment was discussed as a key driver. As one speaker explained, decarbonizing the economy requires rehabilitating homes, with subsidies playing a major role. Yet subsidies alone are not enough; the process must be well explained so citizens can take advantage of the opportunities. Coordinated schemes with improved design and administration were highlighted as necessary to accelerate progress. Examples of integrated rehabilitation and the move toward market-ready, standardized approaches were endorsed by the experts, including leaders from AECVAL.
Practical guidance for homeowners initiating rehabilitation indicates that a typical project may cost up to around 18,800 euros, with up to 80% financing available for eligible work. The application process has recently been clarified, and beneficiaries have two years to complete qualified projects. The awarding of subsidies occurs after work is finished and all technical documents are submitted, ensuring proper oversight. The timeline reflects the early rounds of grants from 2022 and subsequent updates.
Another important topic was project management, with an emphasis on transparency. Experts advised clearly outlining integrated rehabilitation actions to cover heating and hot water together, avoiding gaps that could hinder decarbonization efforts. AECVAL’s leadership welcomed the involvement of financial institutions, recognizing that collaboration among stakeholders is essential for sustained progress.
Public Investment
Beyond benefiting owner communities, decarbonizing the economy calls for broad rehabilitation. It was noted that subsidies help, but the full value emerges when the entire ecosystem explains the process and makes it accessible to citizens. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs were described as having strong potential when designed with clear rules and predictable timelines, aligning with regulatory expectations and practical realities on the ground.
For practical purposes, homeowners starting rehabilitation should expect costs and financing details to be transparent. Authorities have set guidelines on grant timing and required documentation, with deadlines tying into the overall project schedule. The point was made that early rounds of funding focused on foundational projects, and newer rounds continue to refine implementation. In discussing project governance, experts underscored the importance of streamlined decision-making and shared accountability for outcomes.
Efforts to simplify financing were highlighted by a community emphasis on integrated rehabilitation. Experts encouraged guiding host communities through every step, ensuring no critical element is overlooked in the drive toward decarbonization.
Facilitating Energy Rehabilitation for Property Owner Communities
BBVA has introduced the Energy Efficiency Loan to support homeowner communities in rehabilitating buildings. The program aims to finance energy-saving and efficiency projects, addressing a market need that has grown in recent years. The bank notes that funding can cover 100% of the project with a favorable grace period, and repayments begin after subsidies are applied. There are no startup or maintenance fees in this configuration, improving overall affordability. The loan structure also allows funds to be released progressively as work progresses, ensuring funds flow in step with project milestones. The objective is to reduce the financial barriers that often delay energy upgrades for communities.
Key project types eligible for BBVA financing include façade and terrace improvements, roof work, photovoltaic installations, smart metering, central boiler replacements, LED lighting upgrades, door and window replacements, charging points, enhanced broadband, and improved accessibility of homes. The initiative has been well received by speakers, who noted that sustained support from financial institutions can secure long-term, low-cost financing with favorable subsidy interactions.