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This paper explores whether the changes in energy intensity in Spain have led to improvements in the energy consumption levels or to a backfire effect offsetting the expected decrease. Jevon's paradox or backfire effect happens when a rebound higher than 100% causes energy efficiency improvement to raise energy consumption. To test Jevon's paradox or the backfire effect caused by energy efficiency actions, a Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index I (LMDI-I) is used for the Spanish economy. The period under consideration ranges from 2000 to 2015, when three national action plans were implemented. The main methodological novelty of this paper consists on to block the economic activity effect in a second decomposition round to better explore the effect of energy efficiency on energy consumption. As a whole, our results do not support Jevon's paradox for the sectors analyzed. However, they do warn about a possible backfire effect in the industry, transport and service sectors. Major findings follow these same findings when the activity effect is blocked. • Backfire effect caused by energy intensity is explored. • Focus is on the Spanish case from 2000 to 2015. • Main methodological novelty is to block the economic activity in a LMDI approach. • Results do not support Jevon's paradox for the sectors analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy retrofitting of residential stock is not always straightforward where heritage protected housing is concerned. In southern Europe, many examples built under the Modern Movement codes are now obsolete in terms of energy efficiency. The aim of this paper is to assess the potential for improvement of comfort conditions and energy efficiency in Mediterranean heritage residential buildings, through the incorporation of passive strategies in keeping with preserving heritage values. Long-term monitoring and field tests in representative flats of the case-study building were carried out and, focusing on a single example, adaptive comfort equations were used to assess results. The passive strategies considered are the thermal isolation of the air cavities of walls, changing window frames, optimizing window glazing, and setting up regular mechanical ventilation rates for indoor air changes. Although simulation results generally predict a better energy performance after testing retrofit strategies, the potential decrease in energy demand is more noticeable than the potential improvement in comfort conditions. • The improvement of comfort and energy efficiency in a heritage building is assessed. • Long-term monitoring and field tests were carried out in representative flats. • Passive strategies in keeping with preserving heritage values were examined. • Adaptive comfort equations were used to assess results focusing on one flat. • Energy efficiency improvements are more noticeable than those of comfort conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Energy efficiency first' is one of the key principles of the Energy Union, mainly due to it being the most cost effective way to reduce emissions, improving energy security, enhancing competitiveness and making energy consumption more affordable for all consumers. In light of the revised EU Energy Efficiency Directive, this paper discusses new developments brought by the EU together with the national case studies of Slovenia and Spain. Given that the paper has a specific focus on the industrial sector, it discusses the selected measures of the Energy Efficiency Directive, such as defined in Articles 7, 8, and 14, which are the most relevant to this sector. The paper also explores the newly issued integrated national energy and climate plans together with national measures and policies that support energy efficiency in industry, including the quantification of achieved and forecast energy savings in these two EU Member States. • The revised EU Energy Efficiency Directive is the key driver of change in Member States. • More ambitious energy efficiency targets are projected in Slovenia and Spain for 2030. • The integrated National Energy and Climate plans inspired further national developments. • Both countries committed to continue their national measures/schemes on energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]