MITECO CAEs: energy saving and sustainability certificates in Spain

In the Community of Madrid and other regions of Spain, Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs) have established themselves as a key tool for promoting energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint, and moving towards a more sustainable economic model. This system, regulated by MITECO, allows the energy savings generated by specific actions to be monetized, encouraging the transition to clean and efficient technologies.

CAEs are not only a regulatory compliance tool, but have also become an economic asset that promotes environmental quality, business competitiveness, and commitment to climate change.

What are CAEs and how do they work?

MITECO CAEs are official documents that certify verifiable energy savings, calculated in kilowatt hours (kWh), resulting from interventions aimed at improving efficiency. Each certificate is equivalent to 1 kWh saved permanently over a year.

A

ctions that generate CAEs

- Replacement of thermal equipment

- Installation of LED lighting

- Improvement of thermal insulation

- Implementation of solar self-consumption systems

These measures, evaluated using MITECO CAES forms, allow companies and individuals to access the certificate system, contributing to improved air quality and the fulfillment of climate objectives.

Regulatory framework: Royal Decree and MITECO CAES forms

The legal framework governing CAEs is defined by Royal Decree 36/2023, within the

National Energy Efficiency Obligations System (SNOEE). According to this regulation, certificates are issued by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), once the savings have been validated by means of official technical data sheets.

Obligated parties and compliance

Energy suppliers, gas distributors, and other obligated parties can meet their efficiency quotas by purchasing CAEs, thus avoiding direct payment to the National Energy Efficiency Fund. This mechanism facilitates MITECO environmental assessment and promotes investment in sustainable technologies.

How is a CAE calculated?

The calculation process is clearly defined by MITECO and its official tools:

1. An energy saving measure is implemented in a company or facility.

2. The impact is assessed using MITECO CAES data sheets, which determine the savings achieved.

3. A certificate equivalent to the documented savings is generated.

4. The CAE can be transferred to the energy market, where it is purchased by obligated parties.

To facilitate this process, MITECO provides the MITECO carbon footprint calculator and tools such as the Miteco CAE calculator, which allow the impact of each intervention to be estimated.

Who benefits from the CAE system?

The benefits of CAEs extend to multiple actors in the energy system:

- Companies seeking to reduce costs and improve their competitiveness

- Industry accelerating its transition to efficiency

- Individuals applying energy-saving measures in their homes

- Energy managers acting as technical and administrative facilitators

In addition, there are specific MITECO grants to support investments that generate energy savings, especially in the industrial sector. These CAE subsidies are aligned with the objectives of the MITECO carbon footprint guide and the MITECO 2024 emission factors.

CAEs and energy sustainability in Madrid

In the Community of Madrid, the CAE system is driving a transformation of the energy model towards one that is more sustainable, profitable, and aligned with European commitments.

For many companies, these certificates represent an opportunity to:

- Reduce operating costs

- Comply with environmental regulations

- Receive income for efficiency measures

- Improve their positioning in corporate sustainability

This approach reinforces MITECO's environmental quality and assessment and contributes to improving air quality in urban and industrial environments.

CAEs as a driver of climate change and efficiency

MITECO CAEs not only serve as a legal compliance tool, but also become a strategic lever for advancing towards ecological transition, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting environmental quality. Their implementation allows energy efficiency to be linked to corporate sustainability, generating economic and environmental value.

Would you like to calculate your energy savings with MITECO? Access the MITECO carbon footprint calculator, consult the CAES files, and apply for the available MITECO grants. Transform your company with efficiency and sustainability!