«Choosing the right product will increase your energy consumption savings»

Where do you think we are in terms of energy efficiency?

According to data from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDAE), 80% of buildings in Spain are energy inefficient and generate 36% of greenhouse gas emissions (and 40% of total energy consumption). According to the Real Estate Credit Union (UCI), approximately 87% of homes have an energy rating of E, F, or G, the lowest level of efficiency.

Add to this the ambitious calendar set by the EU. By 2030, all new buildings must be zero emissions (by 2050 for the entire building stock). This is an ambitious and demanding challenge, but it is also an opportunity, and there is huge scope for improvement if we prioritize measures such as improving insulation, modernizing air conditioning systems and betting on renewable energy.

And to what extent do you think society needs more and better information in this regard?

Although environmental awareness is increasing, there is still a gap between awareness and concrete knowledge about how to take effective measures at home. It is a little known fact that simple actions such as improving insulation, sealing cracks, and using insulating curtains can not only reduce your environmental impact, but also lead to significant savings on heating and electricity. Choosing the right product will help save energy consumption.

LEROY MERLIN provides detailed information and advice through various channels (stores, website, app, etc.) and tools such as the Home Index, which measures the sustainability of our products.

What innovations stand out in your company’s solutions (from the most “simple” things, such as new materials, to the most sophisticated technologies)?

We offer a comprehensive approach to improving your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Starting with simple solutions such as weatherstripping, insulated joints, insulated curtains and carpets can reduce heat loss by up to 30% and improve comfort without increasing consumption. A simple intervention that will have an immediate impact on your home’s efficiency.

At a more advanced level, installing comprehensive insulation in walls, ceilings and floors and replacing windows can reduce the need for heating systems to operate, saving up to 60% on energy consumption during the coldest months. This is in addition to renewable energy and advanced air conditioning technologies such as air thermal energy, which can reduce energy demands by up to 75% compared to traditional methods, and photovoltaic solar panels, which enable the generation of clean electricity and hot water for self-consumption. Additionally, smart thermostats and blind motorization facilitate automatic temperature and light control, optimizing consumption and increasing home comfort.

At LEROY MERLIN, we not only sell our products, we also provide expert advice and support throughout the process and installation.

To what extent will the market adjust prices to make these stocks more affordable for families and businesses?

The market has evolved and many energy efficiency solutions have become more accessible as instant, low-cost options that can make a significant impact on home efficiency. There are also more advanced solutions such as air thermal energy and self-consumption solar power installations. These require a larger initial investment but are very profitable in the long run. For example, heating systems with A+++ classification and inverters can save up to 50% of energy compared to conventional systems, and air heaters can reduce electricity consumption by up to 70%.

Moreover, thanks to flexible financing models, these solutions are becoming increasingly accessible to families and businesses, making energy efficiency not a luxury but a sustainable, profitable, long-term investment.

What should governments do to improve the promotion of equipment that promotes energy efficiency?

It is essential to facilitate access to financing and subsidies, simplify administrative procedures, and provide a stable regulatory framework so that investments in these technologies become safer and more attractive. In addition, it is important to promote energy rehabilitation of real estate parks through a combination of improved insulation, modernization of air conditioning systems and introduction of renewable energy. Finally, information campaigns, training of professional installers and technical advice to consumers and businesses are essential to ensure quality and efficient installation and provide consumers with more information and security.

What do you think about lesser-known options such as biomass fuels?

It is an efficient and sustainable heating alternative, especially in rural areas and single-family homes. This allows us to reduce our environmental impact and leverage renewable resources with high thermal performance and cleaner combustion than fossil fuels.

We are committed to providing these solutions to every home (including equipment and fuel supply for the life of the product), allowing users to keep their equipment in top condition. Thanks to biomass and other sustainable alternative energies such as air thermal energy and solar energy.

In short, we believe that the energy transition requires a combination of solutions tailored to the needs of each household, ensuring efficiency, comfort and long-term sustainability.