Sonia Pomar Pérez (Fegeca): Adapting decarbonisation regulation to the Spanish housing stock is crucial

How important is it to adapt European decarbonisation regulation to the characteristics of the Spanish housing stock?

Very. The reason is that the Spanish housing stock is very different from other countries. There are three main reasons for this: very different climatology, physical distribution, and national, regional and local polices. 

What considerations have to be taken into account?

The considerations go further depending on the above reasons. Due to the climate, Spain’s housing stock is structurally different in terms of insulation, ventilation, cooling, heating, and domestic hot water requirements, the location of equipment, existing equipment, etc. All of these factors determine the most suitable technology to meet the end user's needs.

Due to that physical distribution and different policies, we find large urban centers with mainly high-rise housing, and this results in a number of important constraints when it comes to installing and renovating equipment. These constraints must be taken into account if we want to select the best technical and most economic option. 

How can this adaptation be financed?

Directly, with the launch of coordinated national and regional plans over X years, which are clear for end users to manage and allow for appropriate programming in each case. Indirectly, with the reduction of taxes on technical execution and clearly defined results. 

What role would public-private partnerships play in this adaptation?

Undoubtedly, the collaboration of public administrations and the private sector would be the most important factor to ensure the conditions necessary to grant works licenses in good time, so that work is not delayed and funds and grants can be managed to deliver refurbishments, regardless of whether that's public or private.