The construction sector is evolving to align with the European Union's sustainability and energy efficiency objectives. In this context, the Technical Building Code (CTE) will soon incorporate the New Basic Document on Environmental Sustainability (DBSA), a key regulation that will establish new criteria for the environmental impact assessment of buildings.
This change responds to the need to measure and reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of buildings throughout their life cycle, in line with Directive (EU) 2024/1275 and the EU's commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. For companies specialized in home inspection, such as Revicasa, this new regulation represents a challenge and an opportunity to adapt their services to the demands of the future.
What is the New Basic Environmental Sustainability Document (DBSA)?
The DBSA is a new section of the Technical Building Code, currently under development, which will focus on essential aspects such as:
- Life cycle analysis of buildings, assessing their carbon footprint from construction to demolition.
- Reduction of embedded carbon, i.e., emissions associated with building materials and their production.
- Promoting the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency strategies to minimize environmental impact.
- Alignment with the European Level(s) framework, a European Commission initiative for sustainability assessment in buildings.
The implementation of the DBSA will ensure that new buildings and renovations are designed under stricter sustainability criteria, facilitating compliance with the European Union's decarbonization targets.
Impact on the Technical Inspection of Buildings and on the Real Estate Market.
The introduction of this new document in the CTE is a relevant change for the real estate market and for professionals in the sector, especially for those who carry out technical inspections of buildings. Some key points to take into account are:
- Adaptation of inspection reports to include energy efficiency and carbon footprint analysis.
- Increased demand for energy retrofits, as many buildings will need upgrades to meet new standards.
- Revaluation of sustainable real estate, as properties that meet DBSA criteria will be more attractive in the market.
- New consulting opportunities, allowing companies such as Revicasa to guide homeowners in adapting their homes to the regulations.
This regulatory change will not only affect the construction of new buildings, but also the rehabilitation of existing buildings, which highlights the importance of having an accurate diagnosis of the state of each property before undertaking improvements.
Conclusion
The future inclusion of the Basic Document on Environmental Sustainability (DBSA) in the Technical Building Code represents a crucial step towards more sustainable and efficient construction. At Revicasawe understand that the technical inspection of dwellings will play a key role in this transition, ensuring that owners and developers can adapt their properties to the new requirements with guarantee and security.
We will remain attentive to the evolution of this regulation in order to offer our clients the best advice and contribute to a more sustainable future for the real estate sector.
Links of interest
- Text of Directive (EU) 2024/1275 → Directive 2024/1275.
- EU climate neutrality targets → EU climate change policies.
- Energy efficiency in buildings according to the European Commission → Energy efficiency in buildings.
- Advances in the Technical Building Code (CTE) → Technical Building Code.
- European Commission's Framework Level(s) for assessing sustainability in buildings → Framework Level(s).
- Information on the Energy Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan in Spain → Recovery Plan of the Government of Spain.
