Analysis of the Regulations that Affect Energy Efficiency with Respect to Consumption of HVAC System for Residential Buildings in Southern Spain and Portugal

Residential buildings have considerable potential in terms of improving energy efficiency and the energy of HVAC systems. The European Commission has recognized this aspect since 2003, and has required countries to prepare specific regulations and legislation. In order to contribute to the thermal energy efficiency of typical residential buildings located on southern Spain and Portugal, a research team composed with members of Seville and Algarve Universities, is developing work to meet the 2020 targets and provide almost null energy consumption buildings. To do so, the use of HVAC systems should be minimized and preferably eliminated from the building. Both countries have to apply and respect their national regulations regarding energy efficiency, however, the scope goes far behind and it aims to produce real requirements to reduce the demand of energy on this type of buildings. Some solutions are presented hereby.