Air conditioning in Spain is now regulated.
Spain, by the decree of the recently implemented law, published in the official state gazette, mandates that the temperature of the air conditioning in public places be set at or above 27 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to that, Spain also mandates all public buildings in its country to make sure that the doors of the buildings remain closed the majority of the time.
All of these efforts are made in line with its commitment to conserve energy as a country, and also come at a time where the majority of European countries are experiencing intense heat in their current weather.
Low-Temperature Air Conditioning in Spain
Air conditioning in Spain is now encouraged by the government to be used in moderation.
As numerous countries in Europe struggle with a scorching summer and soaring energy prices, the government of Spain has become the most recent to advise its citizens to lower the temperature of their air conditioners.
Due to the current weather conditions, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has stated publicly that there is an immediate need for the country to conserve energy.
He has even encouraged office workers to remove their ties in order to help them remain cool without the assistance of artificial means.
The Verge reported that the Prime Minister stated in a press conference last week, "I've asked ministers and public and private sector bosses not to wear ties unless it's necessary."
The decree mandates that public places, including train stations, bars, offices, theaters, shops, and airports, regulate their air conditioning.
The regulations stipulate that the interior temperature of heated spaces must be kept at or below 19 degrees Celsius, about 66 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and will continue to be enforced at least until November 2023.
Furthermore, the decree is being implemented throughout all of Spain's households in the form of a recommendation.
The country is trying to solve the dilemma of how to lower energy consumption in the most sustainable ways given the present condition of citizens suffering from intensified heat from climate change.
Energy Consumption in Europe
Air conditioning and lowering energy consumption is not just a present problem in Spain; other countries in Europe are also imposing legal mandates to come up with ways to become more energy efficient and less reliant on the supply of Russia's gas.
As reported by The Guardian, the energy ministers of all 27 member states of the European Union (EU), with the exception of Hungary, voted in favor of a voluntary reduction in gas usage over the winter of 15 percent.
The 15 percent is a target that could become mandatory in the event that Russia ordered a total shutdown of gas to Europe.
As an example, France has imposed a fine of €750 on air-conditioned shops that will not keep their doors shut.
The country also plans to reduce the use of illuminated signage in shops as soon as they close, in an effort to reduce energy consumption.
Furthermore, in Germany, they have decided to switch off the lights on public monuments and turn off fountains, as well as switch public swimming pools and sports halls to cold showers.
Greece, which is a country reliant on Russia's gas, has launched their own operation thermostat. In the warm months, the temperature of the air conditioners in public buildings will be lowered to no less than 27 degrees Celsius, and window shields will be installed.
The goal of this year's Operation Thermostat initiative is to cut energy use by 10 percent, and by 30 percent by the year 2030.
