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Javier Torremocha (UCI) warns that homes will have to obtain energy efficiency certification

The European directive has informed that by 2030 all Spanish homes must have at least the type E energy efficiency certificate. The objective is that by 2033 they will be upgraded to type D certification.

At present, more than a third of homes would be disapproved, according to Javier Torremocha, director of the Rehabilitation and Reforms channel of Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios (UCI). 32-34% hover between G or F and up to 90% of all Spanish homes would be classified as 'inefficient' as they are below A and B.

The law was approved by the European Commission and will oblige both homeowners and homebuyers to get their energy efficiency certificate approved. This means a change in the Spanish housing stock in the future for the next ten years.

Torremocha states that reform had been on the table with the arrival of the Next Generation funds (financial support), and the pandemic (general interest). Especially with the pandemic, because, during the time that people were confined to the house, they were able to see those defects or improvements. Being at home meant higher energy costs, so many Spanish began to take an interest in energy efficiency in order to save in this sense and also to collaborate with the environment.

The financial institution, owned by Banco Santander and BNP Paribas, has more than thirty years of experience and dedicates a large part of its activities to lending and financing housing for energy rehabilitation.

Making a price estimate of an energy reform, the cost would be about 10,000 euros. This includes installing solar panels, insulating windows, improving thermal insulation and energy-saving lighting systems. These four reforms are the most requested, according to the UCI manager.

According to estimates, the four renovations could mean an investment of 30-40,000 euros for a 100 square meter home. Although it all depends on inflation, the rise in the cost of raw materials, etc.

The homes that will need the most effort to achieve energy efficiency will be buildings, because it will take community organization to really make a change. And Spain happens to be the second country in Europe with the most high-rise housing. According to data, up to 65% of the national total, second only to Latvia.