Statute 78/2006 of April 4th, 2006, assigns the Portuguese Agency for Energy (ADENE) as the managing entity of SCE (Energy Certification and Buildings Air Quality System), whose goal is to ensure compliance with the thermal performance [RCCTE (D.L. 80/2006)] and air conditioning energy systems in buildings’ [RSECE (D.L. 79/2006)] technical regulations.

Entry into force of SCE in Portugal happened on July 1st, 2007, and will take place in three stages, covering for now large new buildings, meaning those over 1,000 sqm and which have applied for a building or large renovation permit after July 1^st, 2007. From 2009 the system will include all transacted or rented buildings. Considering that the characteristics and maintenance of air conditioning energy systems may influence the indoor air quality (IAQ) of buildings, terciary sector buildings regulations also establish IAQ requirements, a wide set of parameters (minimum air renovation flow rates, air particles, carbon dioxide, etc.) that are evaluated by SCE qualified experts in the specific scope of terciary sector buildings’ energy certification.

One of the aspects that needs to be ensured by owners and new air conditioning systems planners is that, in air conditioning zones where it is allowed to smoke, the minimum new air flow rate is of at least 60 m3/h per occupant, and that these zones are placed in lower spaces relative to adjacent areas where it is not allowed to smoke. The direct measurements of contaminants shall only take place from 2009 and only in periodic audits (every 2, 3 or 6 years, according to the type of building) of terciary sector buildings, reveals the entity’s press release.