To help build more sustainable buildings, the following have been created:Energy Savings Certificates (CAE). It's now available in Spain. Check it out.
What are Energy Savings Certificates (CAE)?
More and more individuals and businesses are looking for save energy. Not only to lower the electricity bill, but also to reduce the carbon footprint and global warming. That is why the Energy Savings Certificates (CAE). But what are they?
Energy Savings Certificates (CAE): What Are They, and Why Are They So Important in 2024?
Energy-saving certificates (CAE) are a type of document that demonstrates energy savings based on a certain level of “energy efficiency performance.”.
We define energy efficiency measures as everything we can do to prevent energy waste, whether in the area of heating and cooling, lighting, etc.
As a result of these measures, we achieve certain savings that can be measured based on our new energy consumption.
What factors are involved in CAE?
There are four main factors at play. First, the person who carries out the energy efficiency measure, which generates savings that can be converted into a CAE.
Then there are the regulated entities, which are the energy companies that the National Energy Efficiency Fund requires to achieve annual energy savings. There are also the delegated entities, companies that help regulated entities obtain CAE.
Finally, the energy-saving checker. It is an accredited third-party organization that verifies whether the actions, documentation, and savings meet the criteria for issuing a CAE certificate.
Demand is generated by the obligated parties, who are responsible for generating savings. The output is all the savings associated with the investment. And finally, there is the supply generated by entities—whether individuals or companies—that invest in energy-efficiency measures.
Who is the CAE intended for?
This system is designed for companies that are required to make financial contributions to the National Energy Efficiency Fund (FNEE). Known as “regulated entities.”.
These “regulated entities” are electricity or gas retailers and wholesale operators of petroleum products or liquefied petroleum gases. These entities may implement energy-saving measures to generate CAE or purchase CAE on the market, making their contribution to the FNEE more cost-effective.
It is also of interest to end customers in the public or private sector. If a customer or company undertakes an energy efficiency project, it may be eligible for a CAE, that is, compensation for the savings achieved. The goal is for the end customer to achieve energy savings, which entails a additional income.
These revenue streams are of interest to all stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. For example, homeowners' associations, the service sector, the industrial sector, etc. Customers save energy and earn additional income.
Who is responsible for providing the CAE?
Those who generate and supply CAEs to the market are called Delegated Entities. These are companies that take responsibility for obtaining these certifications and promote initiatives that lead to savings.
These savings are certified by the competent certification body, which is the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), who issues a CAE for each cost-saving measure implemented.
A company can develop an energy-saving project for a client, issue an Energy Efficiency Certificate (CAE), and then sell that CAE to a company that is a Regulated Entity.
The 4 Main Objectives of the CAEs
There are numerous objectives for implementing these certifications:
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To facilitate compliance with energy-saving obligations by regulated entities.
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Reduce energy poverty.
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Monetize consumers' energy savings.
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Generate additional benefits such as competitiveness, increased productivity in businesses, and job creation, resulting from these actions stemming from investments in energy efficiency.
The objectives of the CAEs are varied. Primarily, they make it easier for obligated parties to meet their savings obligations and allow them to enjoy additional benefits resulting from those investments.
What steps could be taken to generate a CAE?
It doesn't matter whether it's a simple, standardized procedure or a more advanced energy project—let's say that Any energy-efficiency measure that can be measured and results in savings can lead to the generation of a CAE. For example, something as simple as replacing old light bulbs with LEDs.
> Where can I find the standardized energy efficiency measures in Spain for 2024?
Standardized energy efficiency measures are listed in the Official State Gazette (BOE) approved by the government for the purpose of issuing CAEs. You can view them at the BOE.
The catalog also lists the amount of energy savings recognized for each measure and the number of certificates to which participants will be entitled based on the measures implemented. There are also more complex or less standardized methods for certifying the savings from these measures.
Ultimately, energy conservation is a priority for both individuals and businesses. That is why it is so important for the government to promote energy conservation, especially if incentives are also provided.
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