• Spanish companies (except SMEs) will have nine months to perform energy audits and implement an energy management system in its facilities

On 12th of February 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the text which transposes the Directive 2012/27 / EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25th of October 2012 about energy efficiency. It establishes the regulatory framework of energy efficiency in Spain with regard to energy audits, accreditation of services providers and energy auditors, and promotion of energy efficiency.

After two drafts and a plebiscite, after more than a year and a half since the deadline for transposition of the Directive 2012/27 / EU and disciplinary proceedings by the European Commission last October, the publication of this Order is an essential step for Spain to reach the target of 20 percent energy savings by 2020. The purpose of this directive is to promote the use of renewable energy and implement effective measures of energy efficiency in the residential, tertiary, transport and industry sectors.

According to the Article 8 of the Directive, all companies, except SMEs, regardless of sector of activity, are required to pass a least one energy audit every four years or to implement an energy or environmental management system -certified by an independent organism in accordance with European or International Standards-, if Member States ensure that the management system concerned includes an energy audit carried out according to minimum criteria to ensure their effectiveness and that the Directive includes in Annex VI.