The use of solar energy in the buildings construction sector in Spain

The recent commitment made by many countries to combat the harmful effects of fossil fuel energy has centered world attention on the implementation of policies geared towards an optimal energy performance and the use of renewable energies. The construction of buildings with sustainable energy systems necessarily plays an important role in such policies, given the fact that in 2005 more than 800,000 housing units were constructed in Spain, a country with more than 2500 h of sunlight per year. This article reviews the European and Spanish legislation regarding construction and renewable energies. Within this context, a description and analysis are given of the progress made by the construction sector in the implementation of new energy-related technologies with special emphasis on solar energy. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.