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 1st, 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
entitys press release.