The ecological houses are already a reality and, taking into account the ultimatum imposed by the European directive 2010/31 / EU, there is no doubt that its boom will be strengthened throughout 2019 ... And, today is a fact that the real estate industry is the one that consumes the most energy annually; for this reason, the construction sector has been advancing in recent years together with sustainable architecture, to open new ways towards buildings for a better future and preserve environment. In the following points, we´ll tell you what characterizes the constructions of this new era.

2019, the era of ecological houses

As we were advancing, according to the Brussels directive, 40% of the energy consumption registered in the European Union corresponds to buildings. A fact that has caused the European body to establish and establish a requirement that must be assumed by all EU members: from January 1 of the year 2020, all the buildings that are built must be sustainable and comply with the Qualification of Almost Cero Energy Building (EECN) ... a regulation, which has been advanced to January 1, 2019 for public buildings and social housing.

In order to achieve this energy certification, it is claimed that the average energy demand does not exceed 15 Kwh per square meter/year for heating, and another 15 Kwh with the same conditions for cooling. In addition, in the same way, it is established that the basic energy consumption registered by the properties must not be above 120 Kwh per square meter/year.

Certified buildings under the Passivhaus standard

It is important to highlight that each administration -both state and local- and each private promoter will be able to select the construction procedures and materials that they consider most suitable to benefit from this regulation in the construction of ecological houses ... However, there is no doubt that the sustainable buildings endorsed by the Passivhaus energy efficiency scheme (popularly known as 'passive buildings') are a great reference in the sustainable construction and architecture industry.

Among its main features, include:

• ●Optimal thermal insulation (ceilings, walls / partitions and floors), to avoid temperature exchange between inside and outside.
• ●Windows and doors with double or triple glazing.
• ●Elimination of thermal bridges (heat losses through the joints).
• ●Hermetic environment, without circulation of air currents.
• ●Mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (to take advantage of the heat generated by people and electrical appliances in case it is cold, and expel stale air in case of heat).

The main advantage of 'passive' buildings that follow the Passivhaus standard is that, compared to a building built under conventional procedures, they allow savings of up to 90% of energy consumption; which, derives in greater benefits for the environment.

Advances of Spain in sustainable construction

In our country, several regions already have projects to build green houses. In fact, Madrid was a pioneer city in doing so: since 2016, new public buildings and those that demand rehabilitation, should benefit from this energy certification regulation.

Likewise, since 2017, the governments of Aragón, Burgos, Navarra and País Vasco have joined this initiative, following the Passivhaus scheme for their urban plans for homes and offices; what places Spain in an optimistic scenario in terms of compliance with the deadlines imposed by Brussels.

Undoubtedly, 2019 will be a promising year for the sustainable construction of homes and other buildings.