PV Panels for Solar Electricity in Spain
There are many reasons for wanting to generate renewable energy.Photovoltaic (PV) electricty is one source of renewable energy: Rising energy prices Climate change: its clean Compliance with the regulations Lower taxes as homes with good energy certificates are taxed less Income generation: when you’re not there your roof is generating income that can off setContinue reading
How Will Forthcoming Legislation on Carbon Zero Buildings Affect my New Build Home in Spain?
What the legislation actually says EU Legislation states that “all new buildings must be nearly zero energy buildings by 31 December 2020 (public buildings by 31 December 2018).” What does this mean for you now if you are thinking of building in Spain? Is there anything you need to pay attention to? The answer isContinue reading
Keeping Up to Date with Insulation Technology in Spain
A new generation of insulation materials has been developed and they are thinner and better.
As you know insulation along with solar orientation, window placement, shading and window technology, are key factors in determining the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
How do the new generation of insulation materials work?
Continue readingDesigning the Optimal Solar Orientation of Your Villa in Spain
The angle at which the sun’s rays hit your home varies during the day and from season to season. It can have a big effect on your heating / cooling costs and on the overall sense of comfort your home gives you. It should be studied in conjunction with the layout and function of the rooms and outside spaces, the window placement, the insulation / thermal mass, and heating and cooling systems. Getting this right is a big part of designing a comfortable energy efficient home.
Continue readingWhy Build Green In Spain
1. Build Green in Spain To Save Money
2. Build Green in Spain To Make Money
3. Build Green in Spain To Be More Comfortable
Build Green for Regulatory Reasons
I was going to tell you about the regulations but after more than 20 years living and amongst my Spanish cousins I have become anarchic like them….. to hell with the regulations!
Container homes Spain: Can you build with recycled shipping containers in Spain?
Shipping container homes come in all shapes and sizes, from luxury villas made up of several containers, to single units for those looking for a way to get off-grid. But is it really a good idea to build container homes in Spain? While it’s entirely possible and there are a few good examples, there areContinue reading
What Makes a Home “Green”?
What makes a home green, eco, or sustainable? Here are the main features: 1. A green home doesn’t use fossil fuels. Fossil fuels contribute to climate change, are expensive, and can be dirty and smelly. 2. An eco home is energy efficient: i.e. they use less energy whether its fossil fuel energy or renewable energy.Continue reading
Green Building Accreditation Systems Explained
There are many different organisations around the world who offer green building accreditations. These are independent rating systems that measure the building’s “green” credentials against closely defined criteria. The mains ones are Breeam (UK), Leed (USA), DGNB (Germany) and CASBEE (Japan). In Spain we use the Spanish version of the Green Building Council which isContinue reading