The growing wave of new energy and sustainability regulations in the construction sector is significantly transforming the building envelope and cladding industry. In this context, Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs) are emerging as an effective tool for encouraging energy efficiency measures, boosting investment and stimulating the market for sustainable solutions.
This was one of the topics analysed at the recent Asefave Congress, where the influence of new regulations on the window and enclosure sector was discussed.
ESCs are electronic documents that certify that an energy efficiency measure has generated final energy savings equivalent to 1 kWh for each certificate issued, allowing the energy savings derived from investments in insulation, efficient air conditioning, envelopes and other systems to be monetised. This mechanism not only facilitates the partial recovery of investment costs, but also encourages the creation of an active energy saving market in line with European decarbonisation directives.
Round table
During the recent round table on regulations organised within the framework of the window and enclosure sector, moderated by A3E (Association of Energy Efficiency Companies), the discussion focused on the importance of ESCs as a driver of change for companies and users. Among the participants, Pedro Acosta, head of the Energy Efficiency Department at Eiffage Energía Sistemas, made a notable contribution.
“The ESC system changes the paradigm in energy saving subsidies. Until now, subsidies depended on public funds that were limited in time. With ESCs, any company that makes demonstrable investments in energy saving can monetise those savings on a continuous and permanent basis, in line with harmonised directives,” said Acosta.
French example
Acosta also stressed the importance of adopting more realistic approaches to measuring the impact of actions. He pointed to the French example, where the calculation of savings takes into account both the annual savings and the useful life of the item (e.g., windows or insulation systems), which better reflects the real value of energy efficiency investments over time.
As an accredited delegate for the purchase and sale of CAEs, Eiffage Energía Sistemas offers its customers comprehensive support throughout the entire
process: from energy calculation and preparation of technical documentation to verification, certification and management of the sale of certificates. This strategic position allows companies not only to optimise their investments in energy efficiency, but also to generate additional income while directly contributing to the decarbonisation objectives of the Spanish and European building stock.
The growing interest in ESCs, together with regulatory developments towards a more ambitious energy saving approach, mark a milestone in the transition towards more sustainable construction models. For sectors such as building envelopes and enclosures, this tool opens up new business opportunities, technical innovation and the promotion of products and services that improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
