Energy Efficiency
What is the Energy Efficency?
Energy Efficiency is usually defined as optimizing energy consumption. Thus, the rational use of energy, called Energy Efficiency, consists of efficiently using energy to obtain a certain result.
By definition, Energy Efficiency consists of the relationship between the amount of energy spent on a given activity and that which is made available for its realization.
Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Across Europe, housing and service buildings account for more than 40% of total energy consumption. Emissions from fossil fuels, used to meet growing energy needs, cause climate change with serious consequences.
In Portugal, energy consumption in buildings accounts for about 30% of the country’s total primary energy consumption, representing about 62% of electricity consumption (in 2005) [Informative Guide. Energy efficiency in residential buildings. Lisbon. May 2008. ADENE. DECO. Intelligent Energy Europe]
