The law establishes measures to promote the use of renewable energies, improve energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions, and promote the circular economy.
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What Does the Law Establish for the green revolution?

Updated on
May 29, 2025

The Spanish Ecological Transition Law came into effect in May 2021 with the aim of promoting the transition towards a more sustainable economy and reducing the environmental impact of human activities.

This law establishes a series of measures to encourage the use of renewable energies, improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the circular economy.

In this article, we will analyse in detail what the law says, how it affects companies, and the actions that can be taken to comply with the law.

What does the law establish?

The objective of this law is to address the challenges of climate change and the transition towards clean and renewable energy in Spain. If you want to read the complete law, you can do so at this link.

The law seeks to achieve the following objectives by 2030:

  • A reduction of at least 23% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.
  • A penetration of at least 42% of renewable energy in final energy consumption.
  • At least 74% of electricity generation to come from renewable sources in the electricity system.
  • A decrease of at least 39.5% in primary energy consumption with respect to the baseline according to community regulations.

The Law lays the foundations for the achievement of its objectives and compliance with commitments acquired through strategic planning, which at the national level is materialized first in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), a tool that will serve to integrate the objectives and quantitative contributions to be achieved by all economic sectors in different areas, as well as the policies and measures to be adopted to achieve these objectives.

The first of these plans covers the period 2021-2030 and outlines an ambitious horizon, including the objectives set out in Article 3 of the Law.

The second major climate action instrument envisaged is the Decarbonisation Strategy by 2050, which will establish a path for reducing emissions and increasing absorptions by sinks in all economic sectors with a long-term horizon. This strategy will be reviewed every five years and will be essential for the fulfilment of the objectives set by the European Union.

Likewise, the approval of (i) National Plans for Adaptation to Climate Change, aimed at mitigating and predicting the risks derived from climate change; and (ii) Just Transition Strategies and Conventions is foreseen, in order to ensure equality and solidarity among territories and people.

Which companies are affected by the climate change and energy transition law?

The Spanish Ecological Transition Law establishes that companies that carry out economic activities that have a significant environmental impact are obliged to comply with it. Specifically, those who carry out activities included in section C (divisions 10 to 32) of the National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE 2009) are defined as obligated to comply with the law. These activities refer to the production and supply of energy, extraction and transformation of minerals, manufacture of chemical products, rubber and plastic products, glass products, metallurgical products, computer, electronic and optical products, among other activities.

Additionally, the law also establishes that large energy consumers, i.e., those who consume more than 500 tonnes of oil equivalent per year, must comply with the energy efficiency measures established by the regulation.

In summary, the law has a broad focus and includes all companies and economic activities that generate a significant environmental impact, regardless of their size or sector.

If your company meets any of these requirements, it is obliged to comply with the legislation.

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Jacobo Umbert
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Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Come si può calcolare l'impronta di carbonio di un prodotto?

Analisi del calcolo dell'impronta di carbonio tutte le emissioni generate durante il ciclo di vita di un prodotto, compresi l'estrazione, la produzione, il trasporto, l'uso e lo smaltimento delle materie prime.

Le metodologie più riconosciute sono:

  • Valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • FINO AL 2050

Strumenti digitali come Dcycle semplifica il processo, fornendo informazioni accurate e fruibili.

Quali sono le certificazioni più riconosciute?
  • ISO 14067 — Definisce la misurazione dell'impronta di carbonio per i prodotti.
  • EPD (Dichiarazione ambientale di prodotto) — Impatto ambientale basato sull'LCA.
  • Da culla a culla (C2C) — Valuta la sostenibilità e la circolarità.
  • PIOMBO E BREAM — Certificazioni per edifici sostenibili.
Quali settori hanno la più alta impronta di carbonio?
  • Costruzione — Elevate emissioni da cemento e acciaio.
  • Tessile — Intenso utilizzo di acqua ed emissioni prodotte dalla produzione di fibre.
  • Industria alimentare — Impatto su larga scala sull'agricoltura e sui trasporti.
  • Trasporto — Dipendenza dai combustibili fossili nei veicoli e nell'aviazione.
In che modo le aziende possono ridurre l'impronta di carbonio dei prodotti?
  • Usare materiali riciclati o a basse emissioni.
  • Ottimizza processi di produzione per ridurre il consumo di energia.
  • Passa a fonti energetiche rinnovabili.
  • Migliorare trasporto e logistica per ridurre le emissioni.
La riduzione del carbonio è costosa?

Alcune strategie richiedono investimento iniziale, ma i benefici a lungo termine superano i costi.

  • Efficienza energetica riduce le spese operative.
  • Riutilizzo e riciclo dei materiali riduce i costi di approvvigionamento.
  • Certificazioni di sostenibilità aprire nuove opportunità di business.

Investire nella riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio non è solo un'azione ambientale, è un strategia aziendale intelligente.