The government says public buildings in Spain will be cooled to no less than 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and heated to no more than 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter as part of the energy saving plan. this week.
The prospect of office workers, shoppers and commuters sweating on hot summer days – like in July when a record heat wave continental grill – may not be a comfortable thought. But Spain is the latest European country to conclude that the restrictions are necessary, partly to promote energy efficiency but also to reduce Russia’s gas consumption, as called for by the European Union.
“As the 27 members of the European Union have agreed to voluntarily reduce their gas consumption, the government seeks to minimize the economic and social impact of cutting Russian gas supplies’ ‘, the government said in a press release.
The measure also requires stores to turn off their lights by 10 p.m. and close. The guidelines apply to commercial spaces such as offices, stores, cinemas, shopping centres, cultural spaces and public transport systems, and hubs 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 agree with the guidelines. Isabel Diaz Ayuso, regional leader of Madrid, posted on Twitter on Monday which Madrid will not comply.
She added, “This creates insecurity and threatens tourism and consumption.”
Many European countries have long opposed the use of air conditioning, tending to consider it unfriendly and unnecessary. It is rarely found in homes, but is more common in public spaces.
Still, every Succession heat wave create more demand for air conditioner, and experts have predicted that demand will only increase, in part, as a result of climate change. International Energy Agency prediction in 2018 that worldwide demand could more than triple by 2050.
Spain is not alone in its new restrictions. Greek is also limiting the air conditioning to 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit), while separate Substitute allowance of old, inefficient air conditioning equipment. Italy has restricted cooling to 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) and heating to 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) in an effort called “Active Thermostat.” Some German cities are offering financial incentives to cut gas use while others dim the street lights.
Spain’s new restrictions will be in place until November 1, 2023, according to the government.
