Theresa Riverastated, the Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Affairs, described how bars and restaurants can manage air conditioning by setting temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, aligning with labor laws that acknowledge the range required for comfort. This aligns with the 27-degree standard established in the royal decree on energy saving and efficiency measures approved by the government, though room remains for practical adjustments in specific settings.
In this framework, the minister noted that the 27-degree benchmark would be applied with practical flexibility. She cited spaces such as discos, kitchens, and gymnasiums as examples where the ideal comfort temperature could differ from bookstores or similar venues, given the distinct physical demands and activities involved.
Ribera maintains that the energy-saving decree is reasonable and should be put into practice
Workers engaged in intense physical activity should not be asked to operate in conditions that disregard their health and safety. The minister affirmed in an interview with Onda Cero, as reported by Ribera via Europa Press, that labor law protects workers by specifying acceptable maximum and minimum temperatures for different work environments.
Accordingly, enterprises and organizations are expected to justify any deviation from the prescribed temperature limits. The decree includes a built-in flexibility for thermostats to safeguard occupational health rights while still supporting energy conservation goals.
Public energy-saving practices can be requested from communities
Ribera emphasized that this initial package targets public-use buildings, allowing flexibility based on the economic activity and the specific type of work performed in each space.
For example, calculations may differentiate between office-based roles and those demanding active physical labor found in restaurants or hospitality venues. When discussing thermostat variations, the minister stressed that the decree itself urges implementation with appropriate flexibility to ensure workers can move freely and perform physical tasks in a safe environment.
Ultimately, the approach is to balance energy efficiency with real-world working conditions, ensuring that temperature controls support productivity, comfort, and health across diverse workplaces. This perspective reflects a broader commitment to sustainable energy policies without compromising worker wellbeing, and it remains open to practical adjustments as industries evolve and data from ongoing implementation becomes available.