Legislation to foment the use of renewable energies and solar thermal energy in building construction: The case of Spain - Solar Energy Sciences and Engineering Applications - page 646

Graph 20.2.1 Share of renewable energy in gross final consumption in CE. Source : Eurostat.

Figure 20.2.1 Thermal solar collectors (courtesy of Solaris S.L.).

In relation to the use of solar energy for heating and cooling systems in buildings,
this directive states:

•

Member States shall ensure that new public buildings and existing public buildings
that are subject to major renovation, at national, regional and local level, fulfil
an exemplary role in the context of this Directive from 1 January 2012 onwards.
Member States may, inter alia , allow that obligation to be fulfilled by complying
with standards for zero energy housing, or by providing that the roofs of public or
mixed private-public buildings are used by third parties for installations that pro-
duce energy from renewable sources 8

[see an example of thermal solar collectors

in Figure 20.2.1].

• With respect to their building regulations and codes, Member States shall pro-

mote the use of renewable energy heating and cooling systems and equipment that
achieve a significant reduction of energy consumption. Member States shall use

8 Directive 2009/28/EC . Article 13.5.