It's part of measures to slash energy consumption and reduce dependency on Russian gas. A debate has been sparked after Spain's government moved to prevent offices, shops and other venues from setting air conditioning below 27°C in the summer.
Does Spain have air conditioning?
Public buildings in Spain will be cooled to no less than 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit) in the summer, and heated to no more than 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) in the winter as part of a plan to save energy, the government said this week.
Why is AC not common in Europe?
Many in Europe resist due to cost, concern about environmental impact and even suspicions of adverse health impacts from cold air currents, including colds, a stiff neck, or worse. Cooling systems remain rare in Nordic countries and even Germany, where temperatures can nudge above 30C for extended periods.
What is the 27 degree rule in Spain?
As Europeans battle sweltering temperatures and rising energy prices, Spain adopted a rule mandating that air conditioning be set at or above 27 degrees Celsius in public areas, including offices, shops, bars, theaters, airports, and train stations.
Is it illegal to have air conditioning in Europe?
As of mid-August, Greece, Italy and Spain have all announced that A/C and heat in public buildings cannot be set lower than a certain temperature in summer and above a specific temperature in winter. Even with these new rules in place, air conditioning remains rare throughout much of Europe.
What is the AC rule in Barcelona?
Last week the Spanish government announced that stores and hospitality venues would no longer be allowed to set their air-conditioning below 27C in summer, nor raise heating above 19C in the winter – as well as requiring shops with air-conditioning to keep their doors shut to maintain the temperatures.
Why does Spain not have AC?
Do restaurants in Spain have AC?
Air con is not set to the low temperatures that we North Americans enjoy. Almost all restaurants with doors have air con but you will probably still feel warm. I travel with a paper fan and (my new fav gadget) a portable fan that is powered by USB or wall plug.
Is air conditioning illegal in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, some cantons regulate the purchase of air conditioning. People in Geneva must have a 'valid reason' to purchase AC, such as certain health conditions. Germany has green-procurement standards for public contracts, requiring that ACs purchased this way meet certain environmental standards.
Why is the air in Barcelona so unhealthy?
What is the cause of air pollution in Barcelona? Many cities struggle with air pollution caused by urban transport, and Barcelona is no exception. However, as the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona air pollution also stems from the transit of ships and port activity.
Is AC banned in Spain?
As Europeans this summer struggle with extreme heat and rising energy costs, Spain issued a decree this week requiring air conditioning in public spaces be set at or above 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit).
Is AC common in Barcelona?
(About 58% of homes in Barcelona have air-conditioning, and only one in three homes have it across the country.)
Is AC banned in Germany?
For non-administrative areas such as residential housing, the policies allow for air conditioning only in locations where the dry bulb temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer during the warmest six months of the year for 650 hours or more.