In a context where energy efficiency and sustainability are global priorities, the Energy Savings Certificate (CAE) has become a key tool to drive the transition towards more responsible consumption. But what exactly is a CAE and how does the system that regulates it in Spain work? We explain it simply and in full.
What is an Energy Savings Certificate?
An Energy Savings Certificate is an electronic document certifying that a real saving in final energy consumption has been achieved thanks to the implementation of an energy-efficiency measure. Each CAE is equivalent to 1 kWh of annual saving and can be generated through actions such as:
- Replacing conventional lighting with LED.
- Improving the thermal insulation of buildings.
- Replacing tyres with more efficient ones.
- Purchasing more efficient appliances.
- Replacing a combustion vehicle with a fully electric one.
This certificate not only recognises the saving but also has economic value, as it can be traded on the energy market. In this way, companies and individuals that invest in energy efficiency can recover part of the cost of their projects by selling the energy savings generated.
How does the CAE system work in Spain?
The Energy Savings Certificates System is regulated by Royal Decree 36/2023, of 24 January, establishing a system of Energy Savings Certificates (RD 36/2023), as well as by other implementing rules, and is managed by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, as National Coordinator of the CAE System. The main objective of the CAE system is to help Spain meet the European energy-efficiency commitments established by Directive 2012/27/EU.
This system creates a regulated market where energy savings — and, after certification, the CAE — can be bought and sold. The main players are:
- Obliged parties: electricity and gas retailers and petroleum-product operators, which must meet annual energy-saving targets.
- Delegated parties: companies that help obliged parties generate CAE through efficiency projects or by purchasing savings or CAE already generated.
- Accredited verifiers: bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC), which validate that the savings achieved are real.
- Regional Manager: the regional authority responsible for reviewing and processing CAE issuance applications.
- National Coordinator: responsible for coordinating and registering the certificates.
Thanks to this mechanism, companies can meet their saving obligations without having to pay money into the National Energy Efficiency Fund, instead opting to settle CAE generated or acquired on the market.
Benefits of the CAE system
The CAE system offers multiple advantages:
- It drives energy efficiency: it encourages investment in sustainable technologies.
- It reduces CO₂ emissions: it contributes to decarbonisation targets.
- It creates economic opportunities: it allows energy savings to be monetised.
- It complies with European rules: it helps meet the 2030 Agenda targets.
How to obtain an Energy Savings Certificate
To obtain a CAE, the following steps must be taken:
- Identify the efficiency measure: analyse which processes, equipment or techniques used in the course of the activity are capable of increasing the efficiency of energy use.
- Carry out the action: implement the improvement and collect technical data.
- Independent verification: an accredited body validates the saving.
- Apply for the CAE: process the application before the Regional Manager.
- Issuance of the certificate: if everything is in order, the CAE is generated with legal and commercial validity.
It should be noted that steps 3, 4 and 5 can only be carried out by an Obliged Party or a Delegated Party, so that, if we are not one, we will have to contact one of them to make us a purchase offer for our savings and handle the entire verification and certification procedure, since CAE can only be registered in the name of one of these parties.
Conclusion
The Energy Savings Certificate and the CAE system represent a unique opportunity for companies and individuals: to save energy, reduce costs and contribute to sustainability. They also make it possible to comply with European and national regulatory requirements, driving a market that rewards efficiency.
If you are thinking of improving the energy efficiency of your company or home, do not miss the opportunity to obtain your CAE. It is an investment that translates into savings, revenue and commitment to the environment.