Energy Efficiency in Communities of Property Owners

Energy efficiency in a community of owners is an opportunity to save costs, increase the value of homes, improve comfort and contribute to sustainability, all backed by a favourable legal framework and financial support that translates into obtaining an energy certificate. Although it requires an initial effort, the benefits in the medium and long term are very significant.

It is important to achieve the best quality of life for all residents in order to generate a good coexistence among the community of owners. Energy efficiency has become a highly relevant issue due to its economic, environmental and social benefits. Energy efficiency means reducing energy consumption without sacrificing comfort and quality of life, maximising the use of available resources and minimising the negative impact on the environment.

What is an Energy Certificate?

A energy certificate is a document that establishes the energy rating of a house or building, based on the carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂) it emits into the atmosphere. In other words, it reflects the energy consumption of the building.

This certificate must be issued by a competent technician, who may be an architect, technical architect, building engineer, engineer or technical engineer. This professional evaluates the energy consumption of the property and classifies it on a scale ranging from category A, corresponding to a very efficient house, to category G, which identifies a low efficiency house.

The energy performance certificate is valid for ten years. However, it can be updated if the owner makes improvements to the building or a building unit that may affect the energy rating.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency in your Community of Owners

Energy efficiency brings both short- and long-term benefits. Some of the most notable include:

Economic Savings:

This reduction in energy consumption also means a reduction in electricity, gas and water bills, which represents a significant saving for the community. This money saved can be used for other needs or improvements within the community. According to specialised studies, energy efficiency can reduce up to 40% of energy expenditure in a community of owners.

Increase in the value of the home:

Improving energy efficiency also improves the energy rating of the property, an indicator of the level of consumption and CO₂ emissions. A property with a good energy rating is more attractive in today's market, increasing its demand and value.

Improved Comfort and Health:

Energy efficiency improvements often include better thermal and acoustic insulation, which increases the comfort and well-being of residents. In addition, reducing CO₂ emissions contributes to improved air quality, helping to prevent respiratory diseases and allergies.

Contribution to Sustainability:

Implementing energy efficiency measures helps to protect the environment by reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources and the generation of waste and pollution. This represents a commitment to social responsibility and the fulfilment of sustainable development goals. Thanks to this factor, the community of neighbours can even count on grants and subsidies from the state for environmental involvement.

Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency in your Homeowners' Association

There are a number of measures that communities can take to improve their energy efficiency:

Energy Audit:

This study analyses the current state of the building, energy consumption, energy sources, installations and usage habits. It is the first step in identifying and planning energy efficiency improvements, with cost and cost-effectiveness estimates.

Installation of Efficient Lighting Systems:

Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-saving lights, such as LEDs, which consume less energy and last longer. In addition, presence sensors, timers or dimmers can be installed to optimise the use of lighting in common areas. If you are interested in finding out more about how to save electricity in a community you can read this article in full.

Efficient Air Conditioning Systems:

Upgrade heating and air-conditioning equipment to high-efficiency equipment that consumes less energy and offers better performance. It is also beneficial to install thermostats, programmers or thermostatic valves to regulate and adjust the temperature as needed.

Renewable Energy Production:

Harnessing natural energy sources such as the sun, wind or biomass to generate electricity or thermal energy. Examples include solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, biomass boilers and wind turbines.

Energy Rehabilitation Works:

Carry out works to improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building, such as changing windows, insulating facades and covering roofs. These improvements reduce heat and cold losses, reducing energy consumption and increasing comfort.

What changes can be made to community facilities?

The improvements that can be implemented in the facilities and common areas of a community are diverse and contribute significantly to energy efficiency and bill savings. Some of the most prominent are:

Replacement of heating and domestic hot water boilers

Upgrading heating and domestic hot water boilers to more efficient models is a key measure. Modern boilers consume less energy, which reduces energy costs and improves system performance.

Replacement of lighting

Replace existing lighting with LED lamps as mentioned above.

Improving the building envelope

Improving the building envelope, i.e. its thermal insulation, is essential. This measure reduces heat loss in winter and cooling in summer, which improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Incorporation of solar panels on the roof

Installing solar panels on the roof of the building is a very beneficial measure. Solar panels generate electricity from solar radiation, which not only reduces energy bills, but also increases the value of the building and contributes to sustainability.

Energy savings in the water treatment of community swimming pools

the main aspects of energy efficiency in the water treatment process of a community swimming pool:

Optimisation of the filtration system

• Use energy-efficient pumps, such as inverter technology, which can save up to 80% of energy.
• Size the filter and pump correctly according to the volume of the pool to avoid oversizing.
• Install a sand or glass filtration system, which is more efficient than other types of filters.
• Automate filtration and filter washing cycles to optimise filter operation.

Efficient chemical treatment

• Use automatic chemical dosing systems, avoiding excess.
• Use chemicals of high concentration and low toxicity, which require lower doses.
• Take advantage of sunlight and the pool cover to reduce evaporation and product consumption.

Other cost-saving measures

• Install a thermal cover for the pool, which reduces evaporation and energy consumption of the pump.
• Use an efficient heat pump to heat the water, instead of electric heaters.
• Harnessing solar energy by means of photovoltaic panels to power the purification system.

By applying these energy efficiency measures, savings of up to 40-50% can be achieved in the electricity consumption of the community pool purification.

Is the Energy Certificate compulsory in the residents' association?

Current regulations do not require all homeowners to have an energy performance certificate according to Royal Decree 235/2013. However, this certificate is compulsory for all dwellings that are sold or rented. The owner of the entire building, dwelling or premises intended for independent use is responsible for obtaining it.

In addition, the energy certificate must be included in any offer, promotion or advertisement related to the sale or rental of the property. Therefore, the document must be available before the transaction is formalised.

The energy certificate is also required when applying for a subsidy or grant for the renovation of a building. 

In other words, the answer is Yes, the Energy Efficiency Certificate is mandatory for homeowners' associations in Spain, according to the following information:

• All properties for sale or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate, and the owner of the entire building is responsible for obtaining one. .
• It is also compulsory to have the energy certificate when applying for a subsidy or public aid to renovate the building. .
• Owners' associations have the option of applying for a single energy certificate for the whole building or for each dwelling to have its own certificate. .
• A single certificate is often cheaper, but may disadvantage homeowners who have made efficiency improvements to their homes. .
• The regulation requires residential buildings to have at least an E energy rating by 2030, and a minimum D rating by 2033. .
• Obtaining the energy certificate is the responsibility of the building owner, who must contract it with a qualified technician. .

In summary, it is compulsory for homeowners' associations to have an Energy Efficiency Certificate, either for the whole building or for each dwelling, both to be able to sell or rent and to access public aid for energy refurbishment.

Exceptions

• Buildings and monuments protected as part of a declared environment, which could be damaged if they meet the requirements of the certificate.
• Temporary constructions with a period of use equal to or less than two years.
• Isolated buildings or parts of buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m².
• Buildings acquired for major renovation or demolition.
• Dwellings whose use is less than four months per year, or those that are used for a limited time with an expected energy consumption of less than 25% of that which would result from year-round use. This must be stated by means of a declaration of responsibility by the owner of the dwelling.

If in doubt, let's do a survey

At the end of the day, it is a question of saving money now that energy is becoming more expensive every day. A study will allow us to know the energy rating of the property and the measures we can take to improve it.

Some of the main advantages of having this certificate are:

• To know the actual energy efficiency status of the building and the areas in need of improvement.
• Accessing public subsidies and grants for energy rehabilitation
• Increasing the value of our homes by improving their energy rating
• Saving on electricity, gas and heating bills through improved efficiency
• Contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions

Meridional recommends that you take this opportunity to assess the energy status of the building and plan possible improvements.. There is even the option of obtaining a single certificate for the entire property, which is usually cheaper..

We are at your disposal to advise you on the whole process of obtaining the certificate and to inform you about the different grants and subsidies available.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.