As part of an energy conservation plan, Spain’s public buildings are cooled to above 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and heated to below 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter, the government said. . this week.
The prospect of office workers, shoppers and commuters sweating through a sweltering summer day like July when a record heatwave devoured the continent may not be a pleasant idea. . However, Spain is the latest European country to conclude that restrictions, as required by the European Union, are necessary not only to promote energy efficiency, but also to reduce Russia’s consumption of gas.
“In the context of the 27 member states of the European Union agreeing to voluntarily reduce their gas consumption, the government will seek to minimize the economic and social impact of a possible cut in Russia’s gas supply. We aim to do so,” the government said in a news release. .
The measure also requires storefronts to turn off the lights and keep the doors closed by 10pm. The guidelines apply to commercial spaces such as offices, shops, cinemas, shopping centres, cultural institutions, public transport, and centers such as airports and train stations.
The government said the changes could reduce demand for gas and oil by 5% in the short term.
Not all government leaders agreed with the guidelines. Madrid Regional Leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso said: Posted on Twitter on Monday What Madrid does not comply with.
She added, “This creates anxiety and scares tourism and consumption.”
Many European countries tend to view air conditioners as environmentally friendly and unnecessary, and have resisted them for a long time. Rarely seen at home, but more common in public.
Still, demand for air conditioning is increasing with each successive heat wave, and experts predict demand will only increase as a result of climate change. The International Energy Agency predicted in 2018 that global demand would more than triple by 2050.
Spain isn’t the only country to impose new restrictions. Greece We also limit air conditioning to 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). replacement subsidy Old, inefficient air conditioning unit. Italy limits cooling to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and heating to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). “Operation Thermostat” Some German cities offer financial incentives to reduce gas usage, while others dim street lights.
Spain’s new restrictions will apply until November 1, 2023, according to the government.