ENERGY EFFICIENCY
2.1 - What is "Final Energy" ?
The energy we use is subject to a number of processes, from their conversion in the production phase to their final application (eg light), during which waste occurs. This inefficiency causes us to produce more energy than we consume to meet our needs.
In order to nullify or minimize such waste, technologies and processes associated with energy transformation, distribution and application need to evolve to become more efficient, never compromising the comfort and needs of users.
From the perspective of a dwelling or installation, Energy Efficiency corresponds to consuming the least amount of energy, maintaining the same conditions of comfort and production.
2.2 - What is "Primary Energy" ?
Primary Energy is a form of energy that is found directly in nature (crude oil, natural gas, coal, solar radiation, wind, geothermal energy, etc.), that is, energy in its natural form, before being transformed into Final Energy.
2.3 - What is "Final Energy" ?
Final Energy is the energy that is used by consumers after it has been transformed and transported (eg electricity, fuel).
2.4 - What is a "Tep" ?
Tep is a unit that represents the energy content of a ton of oil. Therefore, an installation that consumes 500 tep annually means that its energy consumption, including the various forms of final energy, is energy equivalent to 500 tonnes of oil.
2.5 - What are the advantages of choosing more energy efficient solutions ?
By consuming less energy to achieve the same goals, we are not only saving on the energy bill but also contributing to sustainable management of our resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2.6 - How do I calculate the energy consumption of an equipment ?
The energy consumption of an equipment can generally be determined by multiplying its power (given by the equipment supplier) by the time during which it is operating. Therefore, a washing machine with a power of 1200 W consumes after 2 hours of operation 2400 Wh.
2.7 - How can Ecochoice help me to be more energy efficient ?
Proudly operating for more than 10 years in the market, Ecochoice offers a wide range of services in the area of energy efficiency. It is composed of a highly specialized team in the analysis of its consumption and in the implementation of energy and economically viable solutions using innovative technologies and of proven quality.
2.8 - What is an Energy Audit ?
An Energy Audit has as objectives the energy characterization of the installation and installed systems, as well as the identification and the study of the measures with technical-economic feasibility to introduce, in order to reduce the energy consumptions necessary for its activity.
An Energy Audit is thus a horizontal approach to all aspects of energy use, or that in any way contribute to the characterization of energy flows from a rational and sustainable use perspective.
The measures identified are integrated into a strategic intervention plan which will clearly define the measures to be taken and the annual objectives to be achieved with regard to the reduction of energy consumption.
An Energy Audit can be interpreted as an X-ray to the energy performance of an installation, through which it will be possible to assess the amount of energy actually consumed and how it is used, as well as to establish the main flows and identify sectors or equipment where it will be a priority to act.
2.9 - What are Energy Efficiency Measures ?
After conducting an Energy Audit, opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of the consumer facility are identified. As a result, Energy Efficiency Measures are pointed out with the purpose of suggesting specific solutions and analyzing their potential in a qualitative and quantitative way.
2.10 - What is a PREn ?
An Energy Rationalization Plan (PREn) brings together a set of Energy Efficiency Measures identified after the Energy Audit and provides a chronology of their implementation, with consumption reduction objectives based on energy indicators.
Within the scope of the Energy Intensive Consumption Management System (SGCIE), the PREn is submitted to the Directorate General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), subject to approval and whose implementation is assumed by the client.
Once approved, the PREn constitutes the Energy Consumption Rationalization Agreement (ARCE), with the objectives included in it being compulsory for a total period of 8 years.
2.11 - What is a REP ?
The Execution and Progress Report (REP), within the scope of the Energy Intensive Consumption Management System (SGCIE), must report on the state of implementation of ARCE (see previous question), and its delivery is mandatory every 2 years. Each REP must include the goals and objectives achieved, deviations verified and their justification, as well as the measures taken or to be taken to correct them.
2.12 - Is my installation covered by the Energy Certification System (SCE) ?
Decree-Law no. 118/2013 of 20 August, which regulates the Building Certification System (SCE), incorporates the Regulation of Energy Performance of Residential Buildings (REH) and the Regulation of Energy Performance in Commercial Buildings and Services (RECS).
The following shall be covered by the SCE:
- Buildings or fractions, new or subject to major intervention;
- Existing buildings or fractions of commerce and services with useful indoor floor area of 1000 m2 or more, or 500 m2 in the case of shopping centers, hypermarkets, supermarkets and indoor swimming pools or that are owned by a public entity and have a useful indoor area of pavement occupied by a public body and frequently visited by the public exceeding 500 m2 or, as of 1 July 2015, exceeding 250 m2;
- All buildings or fractions existing from the time of sale, compliance or lease.
The following shall be excluded from the SCE:
- Industrial, agricultural or livestock installations;
- Buildings used as places of worship or for religious activities;
- Buildings or fractions intended exclusively for warehouses, parking, workshops and the like;
- Single-family buildings with a floor area of 50 m2 or less;
- Commercial buildings and services;
- The buildings are in ruins;
- Military infrastructures and buildings relating to information systems or security forces and services which are subject to control and confidentiality rules;
- Monuments and buildings which are individually classified or to be graded and those to which special architectural or historical value is recognized;
- Buildings integrated into sets or sites classified or under classification, or situated within protection zones where compliance with minimum energy performance requirements is liable to unacceptably alter their character or appearance;
- Commercial buildings and services located in facilities subject to the SGCIE.
2.13 - My installation is covered by Decree-Law. No 68-A / 2015 ?
Decree-Law no. 68-A / 2015, of 30 April, covers non-SMEs, ie companies with at least 250 employees, or a turnover of at least EUR 50,000,000, or annual balance sheet equal to or greater than EUR 43,000,000 not covered by another Energy Certification scheme (eg SGCIE).
2.14 - Is my installation covered by the Intensive Energy Consumption Management System (SGCIE) ?
The Energy Intensive Consumption Management System (SGCIE) is regulated by Decree-Law no. 71/2008, of April 15, and is applied to energy-intensive consumer installations with annual consumption of more than 500 toe (primary energy).
2.15 - My installation is not obliged to perform Energy Certification. Can I do it voluntarily ?
The realization of Energy Certification can be voluntary, being the Client subject to the same rights and duties that would have if it were obligatory.
