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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 0
Eco-innovation in
Spain
EIO Country Profile
2011
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 1
Eco-Innovation Observatory
The Eco-Innovation Observatory functions as a platform for the structured collection and
analysis of an extensive range of eco-innovation information gathered from across the
European Union and key economic regions around the globe, providing a much-needed
integrated information source on eco-innovation for companies and innovation service
providers, as well as providing a solid decision-making basis for policy development.
The Observatory approaches eco-innovation as a persuasive phenomenon present in all
economic sectors and therefore relevant for all types of innovation, defining eco-innovation as:
“Eco-innovation is any innovation that reduces the use of natural resources and decreases the
release of harmful substances across the whole life-cycle”.
To find out more, visit www.eco-innovation.eu
Any views or opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the position of the European Commission.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 2
Eco-Innovation Observatory
Country Profile 2011: Spain
Authors
Mikel Sorli & Laura García Zambrano
Coordinator of the work package
Technopolis Group Belgium
Acknowledgments
The document has been prepared with the kind support of the representatives of the Spanish authorities,
namely:
Ms. Luisa Serrano Perez, Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs
Ms. Majj-Brit Larka, Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs
Mr. Juan Martin Perez, Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs
Mrs. Fernández SanMiguel Montserrat, Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs
Mr. Luis M. Jiménez Herrero executive director of the Observatory of Sustainability
Ms. Ana Leiva, director of Biodiversity Foundation
Mr. Juan Mulet, director of COTEC
Mr. Fernando Barrenechea, director of IHOBE
Ms. Cristina Garmendia, director of Ministry of Science and Innovation
A note to Readers
Any views or opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the position of the European Commission. A number of companies are presented as illustrative
examples of eco-innovation in this report. Their inclusion in this report does not imply that EIO endorses
these companies and, it should also be noted that, the report is not an exhaustive source of information
on innovation at company level.
This brief is available for download at www.eco-innovation.eu/Spain
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 3
Table of contents
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 4
1 | Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5
2 | Eco-innovation performance .................................................................................................... 6
3 | Leading eco-innovation areas and markets ......................................................................... 10
4 |New trends: areas and markets on the rise ........................................................................... 17
5 | Public policy in support of eco-innovation ........................................................................... 21
6 | Main findings ........................................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Strengths and weaknesses of eco-innovation in Spain .............................................................25
6.2 Opportunities and Threats for eco-innovations in Spain ............................................................26
References .................................................................................................................................................... 29
Annex 1. Policy measures addressing eco-innovations in Spain ........................................................... 37
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 4
Summary
The productive sectors and the economy in general display tendencies towards eco-efficiency in the
context of a reduction in economic activity. Progress towards a sustainable economy brings with it a new
take-off in employment that combines the generation of profits, a reduction in social inequality, and the
protection and improvement of our surroundings through investment in a new series of assets based on
clean and efficient technology, eco-innovation and renewable energies, among others. In this way, the
production pattern is oriented towards processes that are less intensive in the use of materials, energy
and carbon, which helps at the same time to consolidate a strategic response in facing climate change.
In comparison to 2010, the country’s eco-innovation performance has changed significantly. In 2010,
Spain's overall eco-innovation performance was 5% above the EU average and it lay within a group of
countries with a medium-high eco-innovation performance. The 2011 Eco-Innovation Scoreboard places
Spain fifth in the EU27 ranking of eco-innovative countries. It is positioned particularly well in eco-
innovation inputs (due to its strong performance for environmental and energy R&D appropriations and
outlays), eco-innovation activities (due to its strong representation in ISO 14001 registered
organisations) and eco-innovation outputs (due to its strong performance in eco-innovation related
media coverage).
The country’s leading areas are water efficiency, sustainable construction and waste treatment. Many
initiatives have been taken in water efficiency (reuse of water, management of water resources, water
collecting and purification systems, water quality control, etc.), waste management (energetic waste
recovery) and sustainable construction.
Newly emerging eco-innovation areas include nanotechnology, sustainable mobility and smart grids.
New information and communication technologies can lead to improved sustainability through the
implementation of intelligent networks, and especially in the short term, to a decrease in energy
consumption.
In Spain, there are different policies to support eco-innovation (see Part 5) but they can be characterised
as Policies that support eco-innovation resulting in greater resource and energy efficiency in production
processes. There is a realisation that eco-innovation can have both economic and environmental
benefits.
To finalise, the brief shows the result of a SWOT analysis of the weaknesses, threats, strengths and
opportunities for eco-innovation in Spain. Overall, the strengths and opportunities for eco-innovation in
Spain outweigh the weaknesses and threats, even though there are obstacles to overcome that derive
from both structural weaknesses in the Spanish economy (low private R&D sector) and the current
economic crisis.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 5
1 | Introduction
Eco-innovation needs and challenges in Spain are associated with the Spanish crisis. According to the
executive director of the Observatory of Sustainability in Spain1, Luis M. Jiménez Herrero, the solution
involves putting in place processes allowing economic growth to be completely disassociated from
environmental degradation and the use of resources (producing more with less), while incorporating
“sufficiency” criteria for rational consumption.
Primary energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions have declined in Spain since 1999 reflecting
the decoupling of economic growth from primary energy consumption. Many enterprises and technology
providers are emerging in the sector of renewable energy. However, a large potential rests in the eco-
innovations involving low energy consuming practices in industry and housing, ICT solutions, etc. There
is a high dependency in Spain on fossil fuels imported from non-EU countries, in particular natural gas,
accounting for 87% of total natural gas imports in EU27.
Construction is the most energy consuming sector in Spain, and therefore eco-innovation is of the
utmost importance in the introduction of renewable energy sources and energy efficient materials in new
and existing buildings. There is a demand for both systemic and technological eco-innovations that will
help transform the Spanish building sector towards less materially intensive practices.
Spain faces a number of environmental problems that would need addressing through eco-innovative
solutions. Despite water efficiency improvements over the last decades the country is facing ever
increasing water shortage which poses the need in water efficiency innovations. There are growing
amounts of solid wastes, while the resource efficiency and consumption needs improvements towards
sustainable patterns; the growing number of cars in fact, cancelled out the improved energy and
environmental efficiency achieved in other sectors. Industries and agriculture sector are increasingly
contributing to the nation's water pollution problem.
The Biodiversity Foundation and the Observatory of Sustainability in Spain,2 in response to an initiative
by the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, support the progress towards a sustainable
economy that combines the generation of profits, a reduction in social inequality, and the protection and
improvement of our surroundings through investment in a new series of assets based on clean and
efficient technology, in eco-innovation and in renewable energies, among others. In this way, in Spain,
employment in the environmental sector has grown considerably, especially in waste management and
wastewater treatment.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 6
2 | Eco-innovation performance
The analysis in this section is based on the EU 27 Eco-Innovation Scoreboard (Eco-IS) for the year
2011. Eco-IS via its composite Eco-innovation index demonstrates the eco-innovation performance of a
country compared with the EU average and with the EU top performers. Eco-IS is based on 16
indicators which are aggregated into five components: eco-innovation inputs, eco-innovation activities,
eco-innovation outputs, environmental outcomes and socio-economic outcomes.
Figure 2.1 EU27 Eco-innovation scoreboards 2011, composite index
Source: EIO, 2011
According to the Eco-Innovation Scoreboard 2011 (see Figure 2.1), Spain's overall eco-innovation
performance is 28% above the EU average (see Figure 2.2) and is among a group of countries with high
eco-innovation performance.
Eco-innovation inputs
Eco-innovation inputs are measured based on R&D personnel and researchers, Governments
environmental and energy R&D appropriations and outlays and total value of green early stage
investments. Spain shows above EU27 average performance, standing seventh in the best overall
performance ranking. The composite eco-innovation input index for Spain stands at 120, where the EU
average is 100.
According to EUROSTAT in 2009, the Governments environmental and energy R&F appropriations and
outlays are around 8% of GDP. The total R&D personnel and researchers in Spain in 2007 rose to
1.49% of the total labour force and total employment while the EU average was lower: 1.44%.
Furthermore, according to the Spanish Sustainability Observatory3, the number of people working in
RTD has grown 2.4% from 2008 to 20094.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 7
According to EUROSTAT, between 2007- 2009 the total value of green early stage investments was
6.63 (€/cap) while the EU average was higher (7.54€/cap). During 2007-2009 the Spanish cleantech
projects attracted €295.001m. The data does not provide technology and field related specifications;
however renewable energy, energy efficiency and transportation (electric vehicle) constitute the largest
share of the cleantech venture capital statics.
Figure 2.2 Eco-innovation composite index components for Spain, 2011
Source: EIO, 2011
Eco-innovation activities
Eco-IS results demonstrate that Spanish companies are very often committed to eco-innovation
activities (the measurement is based on corporate activities reducing material and energy use through
innovation, and ISO 14001 registered organisations).
In terms of innovations resulting in less use of raw material and energy, Spain’s business performance is
above the EU27 average. Based on the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) results from the period
2004-2006, 8.53% of innovative enterprises in Spain indicated that their innovation contributed
significantly to the reduction of raw material and energy usage per output unit.
The number of Spanish firms which have registered the ISO 14001 has increased to 360.63 per mln
population. Spain lies above EU27 average performance and the composite eco-innovation input index
for Spain stands at 224 where the EU average is 100. According to the latest report of the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO Survey 2008)5, for the fourth consecutive year Spain is the third
country in the world and first in Europe in the number of ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management
Systems, with 16,443 certificates. Furthermore, UNE 150301 Standard Environmental Process Design
and Development: Ecodesign approved at Spain has led to ISO 14006 (ISO).
The number of EMAS certified organisations is very high and has increased considerably since 2001.
Furthermore, according to the Spanish Sustainability Observatory6, Spain is the second country in the
world, with 1,537 centres and 1,215 firms which have an Environmental Management System and 1,235
Eco-Management and Audit Scheme certified workplaces7. This puts the country in one of the leading
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 8
positions in Europe. Most of the certificates issued are in the service and hospitality sectors, and in the
Autonomous Communities of Catalonia and Madrid. In addition to this, Spain lies sixth in the EU in terms
of certified eco-labelled products (51). The categories for the majority of eco-labelled products are
cleaning products (18), followed by varnishes and paints (10), and services (tourist accommodation and
camp sites - 9). An increasing number of environmental certification and eco-labelled products also
points towards a growing propensity to introduce eco-innovative organisational practices, processes,
products and services.
Eco-innovation output
Eco-innovation outputs are measured by the number of patents in pollution reduction and energy
efficiency fields, and by the publications and media coverage at national level. Spain shows above EU27
average performance, the composite eco-innovation input index for Spain stands at 144, where the EU
average is 100.
In spite of having a high percentage of total R&D personnel and researchers (a total of 220,777 persons
worked the equivalent of full time on R&D activities in 2009, representing 11.69 per thousand of the total
working population)8, overall patenting activity in Spain, including patenting eco-inventions, is clearly
low. According to PATSTAT in 2008, the number of eco-innovation related patents (per million
inhabitants) was 2.36. According to the Spanish Sustainability Observatory9, Spain has one of the lowest
ratios of patents per million inhabitants in Europe, only higher than Greece and Portugal, and a long way
behind Austria, Germany, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The reasons for this
include10
a weak Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) system, which is a factor discouraging companies
from investing in Research Technology and Development (RTD) and applying for patents. According to
SCOPUS in 2010, the number of eco-innovation related publications was 3.26. The evolution of Spanish
publications11
in technological and scientific fields have increased considerably from the period from
2000-2009. Spain ranks ninth worldwide, ahead of India and is catching up with Italy.
The results of the Meltwater media monitoring showed that media coverage of eco-innovation is higher
than in many other EU countries. In this indicator Spain scores 321 against 100 for the EU average.
Environmental outcomes
As regards environmental outcomes, Spain shows above EU27 average performance, standing eleventh
in the best overall performance ranking. Material productivity indicators, water productivity, energy
productivity, GHC emissions intensity for Spain are all among the EU27 averages. The composite eco-
innovation input index for Spain stands at 101, where the EU average is 100.
Spanish material productivity grew between 2000 and 2007 from a rate of 1.11 to 1.34, below the EU
average (1.51 €/kg). In addition to this, between 2000 and 200712
, domestic material consumption
increased moderately. This unfavourable development was driven by significant increases in direct
material input (domestic extraction plus imports) that were not offset by the increase in exports.
Furthermore, higher material consumption means higher footprint. Between 2001 and 2009, energy
productivity rose by about 38% from 6.04 to 8.57 €/tonne of oil equivalents. This is because Spain13
has
a high dependence on fossil fuels imported from non-EU countries, particularly in natural gas imports,
accounting for 87% of total natural gas imports in EU27. In Spain, GDP growth14
is accompanied by
increased primary energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases and CO2.
Total greenhouse gas emissions (measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalents) decreased between 2000
and 2009. The main cause of the emissions reduction in 2009 was due to drop in economic activity,
together with improved primary energy efficiency and CO2 emission intensity. The Carbon Disclosure
Project 2010 report15
confirms that 10 Spanish Companies get top marks in their levels of commitment
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 9
and transparency on carbon emissions. For its electricity needs, the country currently largely relies on oil
(51.8%), natural gas (22%), coal (7.4%) and nuclear (9.8%). Renewable energy has grown considerably
as expressed by biomass (41%), wind (26%), hydraulic (18%), biofuels (9%) and solar (6%)16
. GHG
emissions intensity for the whole economy, however, is above the EU average (0.33kgCO2/€ compared
to 0.39kgCO2/€). In addition to this, industrial emissions have continued to rise. In 2009 (latest data
published by the Ministry of the Environment in 2007), they reached 34.85 Gg of CO2-eq, an increase of
32.40% since 199017
. In spite of this, industry's contribution to total emissions has fallen.
At the same time, ECO-IS data shows that water productivity, or the value of gross domestic products
produced per cubic meter of water, was 8.41€/m3 and water consumption was 93.98 m3/year in 2001.
According to the Spanish Sustainability Observatory18
, the latest data published in 2009 by the National
Statistics Institute, total water capture in Spain in 2007 was 3,763 Hm3, 63.3% of which came from
surface water, 32.60% from groundwater and only 3.40% from sea water and transitional waters
requiring desalination. There is a tendency for the volume of water captured for urban supply in Spain to
decline. This can be attributed to a lessening of urban demand and greater efficiency in the
transportation and use of water. Household water consumption continued to decline and had gone down
to 154 litres per inhabitant by 2008.
Socio economic outcomes
The socio economic outcomes indicator is based on the performance of eco-industries including exports,
employment and turnover. Spain's overall performance in terms of socio-economic outcomes is 27%
above EU27 average.
The share of eco-industry employment (1.86%) for the total Spain workforce was 25% higher than EU
average in 2008 (Ecorys). Spain is making a big effort to increase employment in eco-innovation
industries. The Spanish initiative19
“EmpleaVerde”, financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), aims to
promote and improve employment, worker’s qualifications, modernise and create companies and their
environmental reconversion. In 201020
, to face the economic crisis, employment in the environmental
sector has grown considerably with waste management as the principal sector.
Between 2004 and 2008, the share of eco-industry goods has increased in total export (EUROSTAT). In
2004 the share of eco-industry goods was approximately only one third of the community average
(0.21%) and in 2008 the share was approximately 27% above EU27 average (0.78%). Eco-industry
turnover as a share of GDP was only 1.08% or roughly 80% of the EU27 average in 2004. However in
2008 the share increased 3.21% (24% above EU27 average). These figures show that the eco-industry
sector is a mature sector with the capacity to export value added products.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 10
3 | Leading eco-innovation areas and markets
The productive sectors and the economy in general display tendencies towards eco-efficiency in the
context of a reduction in economic activity (see figure 3.1). In the midst of the economic crisis, in 2008
industry spending on environmental protection increased by 3.9% over the year before, which points to
improved eco-efficiency of the production processes and a greater capacity for meeting the
requirements of current environmental policies21
.
In Spain the water and waste management sector have high participation in environmental employment.
Many initiatives have been taken in water efficiency (reuse of water, management of water resources,
collecting and purification systems, water quality control, etc.), waste management (energetic waste
recovery) and sustainable construction. Reduction in waste generation and improved waste
management reflect an approach to the prevention objective set out in the National Integrated Waste
Plan (PNIR) 2008-2015.
Figure 3.1 Eco-efficiency of the Spanish economy
Source: Produced by OSE, 2010
In the field of energy efficiency, the building segment absorbs much of the final consumption of energy
and therefore has a potential for savings, so it promotes the reduction of energy dependence and less
pollution. For that reason, eco-innovation activities are needed in the building sector. The approval of the
Technical Building Code and its revision22
in 2011 has had a positive impact on construction processes
(see Part 5). In 2010, the Energy Saving and Efficiency Plan for public buildings was approved in order
to convert public and private Spanish buildings into efficient buildings23
.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 11
These initiatives have been identified as the leading areas in the 2010 eco-innovation brief for Spain.
These trends have continued in 2011, contributing towards processes that allow absolute decoupling
between economic growth and environmental degradation and resource use.
Eco-innovation markets
Eco-industry turnover as a share of GDP is 3.21% (24% above EU27 average). These figures show that
the eco-industry sector is a mature sector with the capacity to export added value products. The share of
eco-industry goods has increased in total export (EUROSTAT). In 2008 the share was above EU27
average (0.78%).
According to data from the INE (INE 2010), Spanish expenditure in R&D showed a decline of 1.7%
compared to 2009. However, the environmental sector of R&D has grown in recent years due to the
relative delay in research in Spain compared to other countries in Europe24
.
Figure 3.2 Number of jobs by activity sector in Spain
Source: Produced by OSE, 2010
Employment in the environmental sector in Spain represents at present 2.62% of the working population.
The eco-industry has grown considerably in this period, as much in the treatment and purifying of
wastewater as in the management and treatment of waste, concentrating more than a quarter of the total
for green jobs (140,343 jobs, 26.4% of the total). The population working in these activities has
multiplied almost fourfold. At the same time, employment has grown at a spectacular rate in
environmental services to companies; in green jobs in industrial companies and services; and in
environmental education and information. The evolution has been far more moderate in ecological
agriculture and stock breeding, where it has more than doubled; in forest management, where it has
grown by less than 50%, and in the public environmental sector25
.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 12
Water efficiency
Spain is a world power in water technology; the geography and climate have encouraged the
development of a specialized and competitive industrial sector. Advanced water management
technologies applied include the following:
Membranes technologies which meet high water quality requirements;
Thermal drying technology which minimises the mud produced in purification by reducing the
volume of water contained;
The use of isobaric chambers to recover the energy contained in the rejection that is generated in
the water treatment process with high pressure membranes;
Remote control of Integrated Water Cycle Systems by remote stations;
Tanks rain water retention, of great importance to prevent flooding and pollution of the receiving
environment due to uncontrolled discharge of heavy rainfall events.
Spain has a great deal of interest in water technologies. Cetaqua26
, the Centre for Water Technology, is
a non-profit organisation, managing research, technological development and innovation in the field of
integrated water management, especially in the urban cycle. It is a platform specializing in water
treatment technologies using membranes and activated carbon, efficient management of infrastructure
including drainage systems, transportation and distribution of drinking water, urban drainage systems
and irrigation treatment plants. The Foundation Centre of New Water Technologies27
(CENTA) currently
occupies a prominent role in the water sector, comprising a multiplicity of functions and tasks aimed at
promoting better management of water resources following a supportive and participatory approach.
The Spanish Technology Platform of Water28
(PTEA) is a network of public-private cooperation for the
promotion of R&D. Its mission is innovation and constant improvement of technologies and processes
that apply to the sustainable management of water cycle, as well as improving employment,
competitiveness and internationalisation of the sector. One of Spain's actions in water management and
usage is the “Actualizations to Use and Management of Water” (A.G.U.A.)29
programme. With this
programme, Spain wants to develop activities in order to promote integrated water management,
meeting demands and resources availability. For that reason investments are managed to reduce water
consumption. The programme’s main objectives are optimising irrigation infrastructures, water
depuration and reutilisation, and water desalination.
Grey water reutilisation
Grey water has lower faecal load than waste water,
but they cannot be considered clean water. Studies
carried out in the United Kingdom and in Germany
shows that grey water has 451mg/l of DBO5. This
organic load should be reduced to prevent stagnant
water becoming a source of microorganism activity,
rotting and generating odours. HBio has designed a
Membranes Biological Reactor (MBR) purification
system, including equipment that provides nutrients
whilst guaranteeing biological treatment. This
system has been designed under two principles:
Quality of the water supply and uninterrupted service.
Source: www.hbio.es/HBiO_reto_XXi.html
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 13
Water purification system
The treatment plant 'La Presa', which provides
water to 900,000 people in Valencia and the Horta
Nord, has a new system of treatment by applying
ultraviolet light for disinfection of water from the
River Turia and Júcar-channel Turia, improving
color and taste of drinking water. Councilor for
Environmental Quality, María Àngels Ramón-Llin
presented the desinfection tool, and alters the
DNA of microorganisms, which prevents their
development.
Also she explained that the application of ultraviolet light in the treatment of drinking water has already
been applied in the plant to treat a flow of 3,000 liters second.
With the launch of this application Valencia becomes a European and international reference in the
field of water purification.
The installation of 'La Presa', is the largest of its kind in Spain, better than Barcelona that drinkable
2600 liters per second, and also improves the chances of other European plants such as Bonn or
Milan..
Source: www.infoagua.net/noticias/49/tecnologia/1074/valencia-instala-uno-de-los-mayores-sistemas-
de-europa-en-potabilizacion-del-agua-por-ultravioleta.aspx
Waste Treatment
The high methane content of biogas generated in waste landfills makes it an attractive energy source30
.
Some years ago, it was not profitable for use in motors under 500kw, but now with new technologies it
can be used in 30kw micro turbines with a lower methane concentration, and can therefore be applied to
a higher number of landfills in Spain. An environmental economic study (conducted by the Department
of Agricultural and Food Engineering and Biotechnology and the Technical University of Catalonia)
concluded that the use of new technologies in a pilot plant turned environmental and economic costs of
7,509€/year into profits of more than 21,000€/year, while avoiding the release of 140 tm of CO231
into
the atmosphere. Two types of energy are collected through biogas: thermal (which is often used to
evaporate leachate) and electricity (which can be sold to the national grid or used in landfill facilities).
Cetaqua the Centre for Water Technology has a line of R&D for waste recovery32
. The work has focused
on maximizing the production of biogas residues based on tests suitable for anaerobic co-digestion,
maximizing biogas production with technologies such as thermal hydrolysis, and using the biogas to
produce electricity through fuel cells. In particular, in the field of co-digestion, several industrial wastes
have been selected for use as co-substrate to add to the anaerobic digester next to the mud produced in
the process of purification. Tests have been conducted in pilot plants to study the treatment needed to
bring them into the industrial process. Likewise, it is studying the viability of gasifying the dried mud to
produce electricity.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 14
Probiogas
It has developed sustainable
production systems by using agro-
industrial biogas as a renewable
energy source and demonstrate
the capacity of the biogas plants
in order to reduce CO2 emissions
and other greenhouse gases, as
well as promoting agro industrial
sustainable environments
(agriculture, livestock and food industries). The use of heat produced in cogeneration and the
possibility of recycling digestate as fertilizer are key elements in the new plant's economic feasibility.
Source: www.probiogas.es/
Sustainable Construction
There are considerable environmental problems arising from the building sector in Spain. This is a
consequence of how town planning has been developed (low density), but also of how the construction
sector has been run for many years using energy-inefficient materials, equipment and technologies.
Although there are a lot of environmental impacts derived from this sector, the most disturbing is the
high consumption of energy and increased emissions of greenhouse gases generated by existing
infrastructures. Solutions are necessarily tied to a restructuring of the construction sector, enhancing
their ability to generate more sustainable and skilled jobs, focusing on the rehabilitation of eco-energy
compact cities as the basis for urban and regional sustainability33
. Bioclimatic architecture criteria are
now being imposed in both residential buildings and housing, and public buildings. The architecture
integrates bioclimatic architecture in the socioeconomic environment and respects and guarantees the
preservation of the environment. Today there are some strong expectations for the coming years about
the increasing use of bioclimatic design software.
Construmat34
in Barcelona is one of the biggest annual trade fairs in construction in Europe, which in
2010 has chosen sustainable construction as one of the main remedies to successfully tackle the crisis
in the sector, as well as other challenges of the future. With an extensive range of conferences, debates
and exhibitions Construmat dedicated a larger area to sustainability and eco-efficiency in buildings. The
focus of the Government of Catalonia exhibition, for instance, was on restoration projects, rather than on
new architecture. Furthermore, the Construible.es35
portal was established as the first information source
in Spain solely dedicated to topics related to sustainable construction. In April 2011, Construible36
organised a panel of experts to discuss the new European Directive on energy performance of buildings
(2010/31/UE) and its implementation in Spain. Determining the estimated useful life-cycle of a building,
strategies for improving thermal performance, promoting passive measures, a common approach to
energy performance certificates of buildings and inspection of air conditioning facilities, the development
of smart metering systems and the installation of active control systems designed to save energy are
issues that have been analysed by experts at this meeting.
Spain Green Building Council is the first national association of non-profit leading construction
companies in the industry, working together to promote cities and buildings which are environmentally
responsible, profitable and healthy for people who live or work in them.37
Spain is the third country in
Europe in Building Rating Sustainable Systems (LEE) (Spain Green Building Council).
In May 201138
, the Foundation BSCD Environment, the Foundation of the Autonomous University of
Madrid (FUAM) and the company Milarium.com presented the platform Atecos, the first tool to provide
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 15
advice to building professionals in search of improved energy and sustainable construction. In addition
to this, Ecoconstrucción39
is a sustainable building journal featuring different articles, interviews and
companies related to sustainability construction. Francisco Javier Méndez40
, Technical Cabinet of
Madrid Foreman Builder School, supports his student’s continuous improvement to promote sustainable
construction in his school.
Biolan
AmetsLab , Modular Architecture Eco-
technological SL is a new technology based
company set up in 2009 by Metrópoli Foundation
and Tecnalia after working together for several
years on projects involving intelligent territories
and energy efficiency in buildings. Its project,
Biolan, puts forward a new way of building,
aiming for zero energy, zero water and zero
waste.
Thus, AmetsLab specialises in high efficiency in
buildings and low environmental impact in the areas of energy, water and waste. It has developed an
industrialised and modular construction process.
Modular construction consists of three dimensional finished modules which are produced in a factory,
transported to the constructions site in trucks and assembled in situ with minimum impact on the
surrounding environment..
Source: http://edificacionindustrializada.com/2009/06/03/tecnalia-y-fundacion-metropoli-crean-la-
empresa-ametslab/
Low consumption housing state
In October 2010 , BASF came on the scene as the
main sponsor of Sustainability and Retrofitting
International Congress aiming to initiate a general
debate on building sustainability and rehabilitation.
Besides classic raw materials, BASF offers a
number of ready-to-use construction products such
as tile adhesives, industry and sports flooring,
Insulating System and Outside Finishing (EIFS)
and many more. The low consumption housing
project in Cerdanyola, Spain, part of a European
programme, is being developed in three Europeans
cities (Stuttgart, Turin and Cerdanyola). In this project, BASF has used materials that guarantee higher
saving and efficiency energy in building 112 apartments in Cerdanyola, thorough a joint agreement with
INCASOL (Catalonia’s public firm aiming to develop the following areas: soil production for services
and economic activities, residential soil production for housing, state subsidized housing building and
urban and historical heritage renovation).
Source: www.aislaciontermica.cl/aislaciontermica/uploads/multimedia/8107236252094661506basf.pdf
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 16
Insulation system
Saint-Gobain Isover is part of Saint-Gobain
Group, being the No. 1 manufacturer of insulating
materials in the world. It offers mineral wool, the
most complete range of insulation solutions, both
thermal and acoustic insulation and fire
protection.
According EURIMA (European Association of
Manufacturers of mineral wool) using isolation
techniques and systems both in the renovation
and construction of new buildings, Europe could
cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 460 million tons - more than overall reduction commitment
agreed in Kyoto.
Source: www.isover.es/Isover-y-la-Sostenibilidad
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 17
4 | New trends: areas and markets on the rise
The areas identified in 2010 can still be considered as emerging eco-innovation areas. The areas are:
Nanotechnologies and New Materials, Sustainable Mobility and Smart Grids-Demand Response.
Comprehensive systemic solutions for Smart Grids have been strongly promoted in the last year.
Several factors contribute to the upcoming of new promising eco-innovation areas and markets in Spain.
One example is the growing environmental sector of R&D; the Spanish Strategy for Sustainable Mobility
has increased awareness of the general population about the need for change towards sustainability.
These sectors are emerging strongly, pushed along by the introduction of environmental policies and
strategies for sustainability at different levels, scales, and for different sectors. The new Sustainable
Economy Law represents a step forward in recognizing the need for an exit from the crisis based on joint
solutions to the profound socio-environmental challenges.
Assessment of the Markets for upcoming eco-innovation areas is generally missing; however the
potential of these markets is clearly promising.
Smart Grids – Demand Response
The objective of Demand Response techniques41
is to influence energy consumption in order to reduce
or increase it within specific time periods to adapt it to current demand. This way, the electricity
generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure could be used in a more efficient way42
.
Intermittency problems in the generation/distribution of wind and solar can be overcome by smart grids.
This way, higher levels of renewable penetration can be achieved and electricity system operators can
take full advantage of renewable generation.
Spain is moving closer every day to smart grid technology. Among the companies involved, Siemens
works in the development of smart grids. Research by companies such as Siemens and its 'smart grids'
allows bidirectional and integrated communication between the electronic car, the loading point and the
network, in order to facilitate the management of surplus electricity in times of low or high demand43
. In
June 2010, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Francisco Camps, and the President of
Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, presented at the company offices in Castellón the project for implementation of
the first smart grid in Spain. It is a "pioneering” project in Spain, which is an important technological
transformation of the electricity distribution business and it makes Spain the most advanced country in
the world44
.
GAD
The Active Demand Management (GAD) project is led by
Iberdrola´s Networks Business Area as part of the National
Strategic Consortium for Technical Research (CENIT)
initiative. This was included in the Ingenio 2010
Programme to promote research, development and
innovation in Spain. A consortium of fifteen Spanish firms
and fourteen research centres is putting forward a
research project funded by the Ministry of Industry,
Tourism and Trade.
The aim of the project is to optimise electricity consumption for medium and low-voltage consumers,
through innovative demand side management mechanisms. The GAD Project involves an investment
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 18
of approximately €23m and sets out from the strategic aim of creating a stable cooperation framework
between leading research centres and firms, for outstanding research on an international scale.
Source: http://gad.ite.es/architecture.html; http://ict-sustainablehomes.org/2010/10/11/the-gad-project-
exhibits-at-ict-for-sustainable-homes/
SmartCity
SmartCity is a project which is being
developed in Malaga, specifically in the
area of Playa de la Misericordia, and with
it will benefit 300 industrial customers,
900 service and 11,000 households.
Renewable energy sources will be
integrated optimally in the network,
bringing generation to consumption
through the installation of photovoltaic
panels on public buildings, the use of
electrical microgeneration in some hotels
or installation of microeólic systems in the area. There will be energy storage systems, so that part of
the energy may be consumed after the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) of buildings,
street lighting and electric transport.
All clients involved in the project will have the new smart meters to enable more sustainable energy
consumption. Also, installation of advanced systems can act in real time and automatically on the
distribution network which may result in improving electrical supply quality.
Sources: www.fundacionentorno.org/ and http://portalsmartcity.sadiel.es/index.html
Nanotechnologies and New Materials
Nanotechnologies45
could play a key role in promoting eco-innovation in the design and development of
future multifunctional products, either by improving usual products or creating new functions and new
products with far better environmental characteristics than at present. These aspects have high
sustainable development46
potential thanks to consuming fewer materials and less energy and
generating less waste. Some nanotechnology applications are47
: fuel catalytic converter for cars, lower
consumption transport and new photovoltaic cells without silicon, which are more efficient, more flexible
and more economical, etc. In the future, nanotechnology will play a key role in energy management in
aspects such as fuel cells, hydrogen storage using carbon nanotubes or metal and ceramic
nanomaterials. Nevertheless48
, this huge evolution in the materials industry can only happen if the main
technological and economic challenges are solved in line with societal acceptance.
Nowadays, Spain is becoming one of the leading countries in nanotechnologies49
, thanks to developing
technical scientific infrastructures (ICTS). The “Synchrotron Alba” 50
is the Spanish electron accelerator
which will be used in the nanotechnology field, analysing new materials to change their properties
obtaining benefits such as more resistant and lighter materials, less pollutant materials and more energy
efficient materials. In Spain, there is a Nanotechnology Spanish Network called “NanoSpain”51
which
aims to promote knowledge exchange between Spanish groups working in different fields linked to
nanotechnology and nanoscience. Furthermore, it promotes joint work between universities, research
centres and industry. One of its actions52
included a strategic action for nanotechnology and
nanoscience in The National RTD Plan 2004-2007.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 19
In 2010, Catalonia held the first international nanotechnology conference. Three hundred scientific
authorities and companies from 20 countries took part, organising joint projects between nano-material
research laboratories, industry, universities and European research infrastructures53
.
In Spain, the nanotechnology field54
is expanding in terms of the number of publications, European and
national project participation and industry interest (nowadays the industry is analysing a whole range of
possibilities in the nanotechnology field). Spanish RTD is at similar levels to other branches of science
and technology (about 2% of the work and in the top 12 countries among EU27 Members).
Powder Coating
The Technological Centre AIDO has developed an outer
powder coating which contains photocatalitic nano-
particules allowing the powder coating to self-clean.
Sunlight and humidity are required to cause
decomposition and oxidation of organic material
deposited on the painted surface, eliminating the
accumulating dirt. This project is supported by the
Science and Innovation Ministry and Regional
Development European Fund (FEDER).
In 1982, botanist Wilhelm Barthlott from the University of
Bonn in Germany discovered a naturally self-cleaning, water-repellent surface on lotus leaves. The
secret lies in its waxy microstructures and nanostructures that, due to their contact angle with water,
cause it to bead and roll away like mercury, gathering dirt as it goes. Barthlott patented his discovery,
calling it the Lotus Effect. It has found commercial applications in products such as Lotusan bio-
mimetic paint. In Spain, Beisser is a company located in Basque Country that sells Lotusan as a
product.
Source: www.aido.es/sala-de-prensa/noticias/i/100161/60/aido-desarrolla-una-pintura-en-polvo-que-
se-limpia-con-la-luz-del-sol
Sustainable Mobility
Data on the evolution of transport demand covering the 1990-2007 period shows an increase in demand
in both the EU and Spain; the latter suffered more from the negative consequences of this trend. In fact,
it cancelled out the improved energy and environmental efficiency achieved in other sectors.
Greenhouse gas emissions from transport have increased. According to estimates from the Ministry of
the Environment and Rural and Maritime Affairs, they went up by 76% in the 1990-2009 period, although
NO2 emissions gradually declined (by 6.20%) to 481.40 kt in 2007.
Although the latest data on transport growth available in 200955
comes from before the economic crisis
in 2008, the trend points towards an easing of environmental pressures as a result of a foreseeable
reduction of transport activity, where for the first time there has been a 3.40% reduction in overall energy
consumption across all modes of transport. Since 2005 energy consumption has been gradually
dropping, going down in 2008 to 49.15 ktoe/million Euro, which means 4% less than the previous year.
In April, 2009, the Spanish Strategy for Sustainable Mobility 56
was adopted, setting up guidelines and
measures to support sustainable mobility: priority measures for public transport, raising investment in
transport infrastructures, infrastructures reserved for public transport (BUS lane), railroad rehabilitation,
promoting public transport access and services to offer more efficient mobility alternatives to private cars
57.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 20
In Spain, activities and projects incorporate ecological techniques to get a cleaner and more efficient
transport such as electric cars. In recent decades the automobile industry has made remarkable
progress in reducing environmental impact along the life cycle of its product, thanks to the introduction of
technological innovations that improve the energy efficiency of motors and reduce their consumption.
According to the National Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), vehicles
manufactured today produce 95% fewer emissions than those produced in 1970. In 2009 the Integral
Automotive Plan was approved and one of its main strategic lines is the renewal of the sector towards
more eco-efficient and sustainable cars58
. In addition to this, the Plan 2000E is an initiative from the
Spanish Government to stimulate purchasing more environmentally friendly cars59
. To improve air
quality, it has been proposed to use alternative fuels such as biofuels. The draft law on Sustainable
Economy promotes programmes to develop electrical cars and the infrastructures needed for their
recharging60
.
In 2006, another important aspect was setting up Ecourbano61
, a website to provide training and
information to citizens, helping sustainable construction of cities through knowledge. ECOMOVE is the
portal of the vehicle and sustainable mobility. In 2011 it organised a panel of experts, who investigated
the relationship between electric vehicles and residential buildings. It analysed the implications of
electric vehicle charging on the energy management of residential buildings, which are the main places
that the user will use to feed the batteries62
.
Electric Vehicle
Endesa has set out a policy for developing a
sustainable transport model based on electrical
vehicles as one of the main ways of combating
climate change, a cornerstone for its Strategic
Sustainability Plan 2008-2012. Endesa is
participating in the Green Park and development of
the Government Electric Mobility Plan (Movele), as
well as other projects for integrating intelligent
networks such as SmartCity, DER-22@, REVE and
projects for research and demonstration of electrical
vehicles in Europe, such as G4V and ELVIRA.
In the Energy Efficiency category, the award for
electric mobility development has been granted to
Endesa for its contribution to developing electrical
mobility through demonstration projects, involvement in RTD consortium and working groups,
standards groups and standardization agreements, developing a green fleet plan and promotional
activities.
Source: www.ecomove.es/noticiasDetalle.aspx?id=992&c=7&idm=11&pat=11
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 21
5 | Public policy in support of eco-innovation
In general Spain’s public policy supporting eco-innovations is represented by a mix of first and second
generation policies1 addressing pollution control technologies and resources and energy efficiency
measures. Although there is an increasing understanding of the importance of sustainable consumption
and production policies addressing systemic and transformative innovations are not yet in place.
Eco-innovation is largely reflected through such concepts as resource efficiency, environmental
innovations, clean technologies, sustainable development and is directly and indirectly promoted by
several national and regional policy strategies. In 2005, the Spanish government prepared a national
roadmap to support eco-innovation and environmental technologies development within the framework
of exchanging good practices within the Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP) environment.
The current RTD Plan 2008-2011 has been structured along several transverse sub-programmes
including a sub-programme focusing on environmental technologies and eco-innovation plus energy and
climate change strategic actions.
The Spanish Strategy on Sustainable Development, approved in November 2007 establishes the need
to use natural resources efficiently and rationally, particularly energy, water, biodiversity and soils, and to
develop active policies to mitigate the determinants of climate change in all production sectors, among
them energy and transport, in a holistic approach, in a framework of responsible consumption and
production, ensuring the availability and quality of these resources compatible with economic growth and
climate change threats. Specific chapters of the Strategy, mainly the one on Consumption and
Production, as well as the one on Climate Change, focus on increasing efficiency in the use and saving
of resources in all the economic sectors. Measures foreseen in the Strategy include the Action Plan
2008-2012 on Energy Saving and Efficiency, the National Plan on Waste 2008-2015, Sustainable
Mobility Plans, Local and Urban Sustainability Strategies, Inter-modal systems in transport, particularly
in merchandises, as well as promoting Tourism Sustainability Future E Plan, approved in 2009 (Ministry
of Industry, Trade and Tourism).
A number of supply and demand side policy measures have been adopted to facilitate eco-innovations
in the country (see Figure 5.1 and Annex 1 for the overview of the policy measures). Supply side
measures are represented by a set of schemes supporting R&D, business activities, training and
networking. A set of demand-side policy measures to support eco-innovative activities, products and
services include a package of regulations and standards, support of private and public demand via eco-
taxing, green public procurement and awareness raising initiatives.
The National Plan on Green Public Procurement, approved by the Council of Ministers on 11th January
200863
, aims at promoting environmentally-friendly practices in General State Administrations, Public
Institutions and Social Security Entities Public Procurement, among them, practices aimed at promoting
resource efficiency. In this respect, the Plan promotes measures that are expected to reduce the carbon
footprint, move towards climate change objectives, reduce pressure on the environment, contribute to a
more sustainable use of natural resources, drive innovation and boost the competitiveness of the
industries that supply goods and services to the Administrations and set an example for private and
corporate consumers, so that citizens’ expectations are met. Furthermore, the Innovation State Strategy
1 First generation policies support mostly innovative solutions improving pollution control and other end-of-pipe
environmental technologies; Second generation policies support eco-innovation resulting in greater resource and energy
efficiency in production processes. There is a realisation that eco-innovation can have both economic and environmental
benefits; Third generation policies support systemic (transformative and radical) eco-innovations aiming at changing
production and consumption patterns. Measures include value chain management, re-designing cities, industrial
ecology/symbiosis, new business models providing alternative solutions (e.g. product service systems)
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 22
(e2i) 64
has been developed prioritising green economy (energy and environment), health economy and
innovations in Administrations and in industry.
Figure 5.1 Policy measures addressing eco-innovations in Spain
Group of policy
measures
Focus of policy measures (tick if relevant)
Generic focus on
eco-innovation
Resource efficiency improve
ment
Energy efficiency improve
ment
Reduction of
emissions incl. CO2
Other relevant
areas (e.g. renewable
energy, etc)
SUP
PLY
SID
E FO
CU
S
Equity/business support
Venture capital funds
Public guarantee funds X
Support for R&D in public sector and
industry
R&D funding X X X X X Collaborative grants X
R&D infrastructure X
Fiscal measures Tax incentives for R&D and start-ups
Tax incentives for R&D personnel
Education, training and mobility
Tailored training courses for companies, entrepreneurs
X
Advise/consulting for start-ups, companies, entrepreneurs
X
Placement schemes for students
Support for R&D workers recruitments
Networks and partnerships
Competence centres, clusters, science-technology parks
X X X X X
Technology platforms and innovation networks
X X X X X
Foresight and common vision building X X X X X Market intelligence and other forms of
information sharing
DEM
AN
D S
IDE
FOC
US
Regulations and standards
Regulations, targets, cap & trade schemes X X X X X Performance standards, labelling,
certification X
Public procurement
“Green“ public procurement of goods and services
X X
R&D procurement
Pre-commercial procurement
Technology Transfer
Advisory support for technology adopters Financial or fiscal support for technology
adopters (e.g. grants for purchasing new technology)
X
Support of private demand
Tax incentives for consumers (e.g. for purchasing environmentally efficient
products) X
Tax reductions for products and services (e.g. VAT reductions)
Demand subsidies (e.g. eco-vouchers, consumer subsidies)
Awareness raising and information provision X
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 23
Other national policies promoting eco-innovations are the following:
Waste policies:
Related to waste, the “New National Integrated Waste Plan 2008 – 2015” (PNIR) 65
has been launched.
It includes urban waste, hazardous waste, waste with specific legislation (such as WEEEs, old tyres, end
of life vehicles, batteries, PCB/PCT, construction and demolition waste), polluted soils, as well as some
agricultural waste and non-hazardous industry wastes that do not have specific legislation but are
relevant because of their amount and impact on the environment. The draft of Law on Waste
(transposition of Waste Framework Directive 98/2008/EC) promotes resource efficiency through the
promotion of waste prevention and the sustainable management of waste. The PNIR also includes the
Strategy for the Reduction of Biodegradable spill leaks, which intends to enlarge landfills, so as to
reduce Greenhouse emissions and the impact on the environment66
. The PNIR has a budget67
of
€116.80m.
Building policies:
Technical Building Code68
: As the main background we should mention the Royal Decrees 314/2006
(approval of Technical Building Code), 1027/2007 (approval of the review of the RITE regulation) and
47/2007 (approval of the procedure of New Built Buildings Energy Certification) and Law 38/1999 of 5th
November, of the Town and Building Planning and Development Act. The Technical Building Code is the
legal framework that includes basic documents, among them one on energy saving and another on
protection against noise, thus linked to efficiency criteria and requirements. The Council of Ministers of
20th July 2007 approved the agreement to establish a Saving and Energy Efficiency in State General
Administration Buildings Plan, so that these Public Administrations and dependent Institutions, Societies
and Organisations incorporate management and technical measures which save energy, exert a positive
influence and set an example to the citizens.
Transport Policies:
In transport, the Strategic Plan for Infrastructure and Transport 69
(PEIT) has been developed. The PEIT
has a budget70
of €241.392m. On 30th April 2009 the Council of Ministers approved the Spanish
Strategy on Sustainable Mobility (EEMS)71
. This Strategy is the national reference integrating principles
and tools on sustainable and low carbon mobility. Transport systems are thus expected to respond to
the economic, social and environmental needs and at the same time minimise their negative impact. 48
measures are articulated in 5 areas: territory, transport and infrastructure planning, climate change and
energy dependency reduction, air quality and noise, safety and health, and demand management.
Mobility sustainable alternatives to private car, inter- modal alternatives and urban planning are analysed
in the Strategy.
Energy Policies:
The Council of Ministers approved on 20th July 2007 a new Action Plan, period 2008 – 201272
, of the
Spanish Strategy on Energy Efficiency and Saving 2004-2012. A saving of 87.9 million oil equivalent
tonnes (equivalent to 60% of the primary energy consumption in Spain in 2006) will avoid the emission
of 238 million tonnes CO2 to the air. Total investment in the Spanish Strategy for Energy Savings and
Efficiency in Spain 2004-2012 73
is €2,367m. This Plan is in accordance to Directive2006/32/EC. With
reference to biomass for energy use, the Renewable Energy Plan (PANER) (2005-2010)74
foresees
increases from the 2004 production level (344 MW) to 1,695 MW by 2010. Households accounted for
48.5% of total consumption in 2005, pulp and paper 17.6%, timber & furniture industry 12.23%. Biomass
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 24
in Spain, both in electric and in thermal production, is the most important renewable source of energy
(IDAE data, 2009), with 3.9% of energy supply contribution, followed by wind (2.4%) and hydraulic
(1.7%). “Pellets” production in Spain has increased (x10) from 2006 to 2009 (600,000 tons in 2009).
Gasification technology in co-generation <2MW plants is outstanding in Spain. Concerning co-
combustion, several power plants with agri-forest biomass are being tested. The Renewable Energy
Plan has a budget75
of €67m.
Water policies:
“The National Water Quality Plan: cleaning up and purification 2007-201576”
has been drawn up by the
Ministry for the Environment. The new plan wants to meet the objectives of the last plan as well as the
new requirements from the “water directive” and “programme A.G.U.A.”. The total investment is
€19,007m. A.G.U.A. Programme (Actions for the Management and Use of Water) was presented in
2004. This Programme puts into new order water policy, through the explanation and extension of the
specific actions designed to guarantee the availability and quality of water in each territory. The
Programme includes actions to improve the management and supply of quality water to optimize the
existing storage and distribution infrastructures (both irrigation and urban supply ones), treatment, re-use
and removing salt. Other specific plans and programmes77
are being executed to face up to the main
water challenges in a sustainable way:
National Plan on Water Quality: Water Treatment and Sanitation (2007-2015)
Action Plan for a Sustainable Underground Water Management (2006-2010)
National Plan on Irrigated Lands-Horizon 200878
. The approval of the Royal Decree on the Irrigated
Lands Sustainable Modernisation National Strategy-Horizon 2015 is foreseen in 2011. Its aims include
increasing efficiency in water management, promoting this resource saving, improving environment
sustainability, harmonizing irrigation lands modernisation with the maintenance of good agricultural
practices and use of the most advanced technologies to avoid pollution of surface water and
groundwater, as well as improving conditions of flora and fauna, soils and landscape in irrigated areas.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 25
6 | Main findings
6.1 Strengths and weaknesses of eco-innovation in Spain
Current strengths of Spain in the promotion of eco-innovation include the high number of EMAS
certificated organisations. Spain has 1,235 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme certified workplaces,
which puts the country in one of the leading positions in Europe. Most of the certificates are issued in the
service and hospitality sectors, and in the Autonomous Communities of Catalonia and Madrid. In
addition to this, Spain has the sixth highest number of certified eco-labelled products (51) in the EU.
Furthermore, Spain is for the fourth consecutive year, the third country in the world and first in Europe in
number of Environmental Management Systems certified ISO 14001, 16,443 certificates.
Spain has renowned RTD Centres developing new technologies79
: Ciemat (Energetic Technological
Environmental Investment Centre), Circe (Resources and Energetic Consumption Investment Centre),
CINN (Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Technological Centre), CETAQUA80
(Water Technological
Centre), IMAT81
(Construction Technological Centre), ITCL82
(Castilla y Leon Technological Institute),
Tecnalia R&I83
(Tecnalia Research & Innovation Centre) and GIRO84
(Organics Waste Integral
Management). Furthermore, Spain has wide-ranging experiences in grid integration and electricity
markets85
: CECRE (Control Centre for Renewable Energies. It is making an enormous effort to increase
energy efficiency in products and services. In Spain, the Spanish Energy Efficiency Technology
Platform86
works towards innovation in technology for products and services that contribute to more
intelligent and sustainable consumption of the different forms of energy. It encourages the public,
industrial and scientific sectors to work together to promote R&D+i in domestic energy efficiency.
In turn, Spain has the Institute for Energy Saving and Diversification87
, (IDAE), a Public Business Entity,
associated with the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, under the auspices of the Secretary of State
for Energy. The IDAE's work in the industrial sector is characterised by financing or participating in
money-saving and fuel substitution projects, in order to make production processes more efficient,
helping to increase competitiveness and reduce emissions. It also runs activities and projects that
promote energy efficiency and diversification in terms of mobility for persons and goods, particularly in
the roads sub-sector, paying particular attention to consumption in cities. Additionally, there is the
National Insulating Material Manufacturer Association88
(ANDIMAT) including all manufacturing
companies working on the Spanish market. Its main objective is to promote the insulation market by
raising awareness regarding its benefits in terms of saving energy and protecting the environment. In
this way, it has become the benchmark for Administration and any entity related to the sector.
The track record of companies in the green economy in the last decade has led to a remarkable level of
good human capital in science & technology in the field of eco-innovation, a factor that implies strength
when entering emerging markets and for generating employment. The relevance of the green economy
as a potential generator of economic activity and employment is not limited to direct effects. The demand
for goods and services from companies in the green economy has a multiplier effect on the non-
environmental productive fabric of the country through the outsourcing of operations for production of
components and services.
Current weaknesses of the country can be found in the insufficient participation of the private sector in
the funding of environmental R&D+i. This is despite the substantial budgetary effort of recent years and
a reduction in Spain's “environmental deficit” thanks to the application of environmental regulations and
the progressive compliance with objectives.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 26
Another weakness is the lack of organisation at an institutional level, as this involves many entities,
organisations, programmes and funds over a wide geographical area (European, Spanish, Regional) for
Eco-Innovation and Environmental Technologies. The lack of collaboration between research centres
and companies in Spain makes technology transfer and RTD difficult. One of the main causes89
revolves
around limited knowledge and lack of assessment from technology transfer offices. In addition, RTD
from universities and public research centres is not oriented to corporate technological needs. These
agents are not used to applying for patents and setting up companies. Spain has an excessive
dependence on grants and subsidies90
. The public sector through its grants and subsidies is another
important financial source.
There is poor consumer awareness regarding eco-innovation advantages. Market prices do not reflect
the ecological advantages91
and so there is a very low demand for eco-innovation both among
consumers and businesses. Although the Future Sustainable92
study shows that 43% of consumers are
aware of the environment and consider environmental aspects to be important, they do not know exactly
what eco-innovation means and what type of measures are available to help the environment.
Figure 6.1 Strengths and Weaknesses of Spain in promotion of eco-innovations
Strengths Weaknesses
- Strong environmental management culture in
organisations/companies
- Renowned RTD Centres developing new
technologies93
:
- Significant effort to increase energy efficiency in
products and services.
- High participation of Spanish science (3.54% of world
scientific publications) and critical mass of
researchers and institutions in R&D94
.
- The adjustment of environmental industries to
regulations enables them to be in an advanced
position in the development of their activity within the
existing regulatory framework95
.
- Good human capital in science & technology in the
field of eco-innovation
- Spain has a strong policy agenda focused on
greening the economy
- Public funding for environmental innovation is
insufficient, and access to financing is complicated.
- R&D+i environmental taxation deductions require
accreditations and certifications which companies find
unattractive96
.
- Excessive dependence on public grants and
subsidies97
.
- Lack of collaboration between companies,
universities and technological centres.
- Poor consumer awareness regarding eco-innovation
advantages.
6.2 Opportunities and Threats for eco-innovations in Spain
There are a number of trends observed in Spain which can bring opportunities for developing and
implementing eco-innovation in the future. The opportunities, however, flourish more visibly when there
are clear signs of highly professional environmental sectors with high levels of quality products, a strong
international presence and the capacity to penetrate and stay in foreign markets.
The current economic context can be an opportunity for pushing for necessary changes in the
production pattern towards an economy that offers a greater diversity of alternatives, and economic and
social opportunities that are more eco-efficient and more integrated in the environment. To overcome the
systemic lack of sustainability in the current development model, there is a need to progress towards a
new economy based on ecological principles that are capable of generating new sources of green jobs.
The new Sustainable Economy Law represents a step forward in recognizing the need to exit the crisis
based on joint solutions to the profound socio-environmental challenges. The development of a very
favourable regulatory framework characterized by the introduction of specific legislation in new areas of
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 27
environmental management (soil, sound), the revision of obsolete rules, and the launch of new
mechanisms that have prompted a change in focus on the control of contamination on the part of
companies and public administrations (Law 16/2002, of 1 July, Integrated Prevention and Control of
Contamination, Environmental Responsibility Law, Environmental Evaluation Strategy...) is stimulating
the demand for environmental goods and services.
Sustainable public contracting is one of the keys to the development of green jobs in the Spanish
economy, given the high level of public spending as a percentage of GDP. The recently approved Plan
for Green Public Contracting from the General State Administration and its public bodies, and the
Managing Bodies for Social Security (2008) could be a notable stimulus for incorporating the
environmental variable in business management, by motivating demand for green products and
services. In recent years different policies have taken account to bring opportunities for developing and
implementing eco-innovation in the future (national roadmap98
to support eco-innovation and
environmental technologies development, the current RTD Plan 2008-201199
, Spanish Strategy on
Sustainable Development, etc. (see Part 5).
Spain has a high dependence on fossil fuels imported from non-EU countries, particularly in natural gas
imports. However, higher oil prices in the short term are one of the main incentives for the growth
of alternative fuel production activities.100.
In recent years, new channels of information (social networks, blogs, and platforms) facilitate the
dissemination of environmental information, opening a range of products and services in which this
sector can expand, and which raise awareness among citizens in environmental problems, creating a
greater interest in the general public areas of environmental education101
..
The economic crisis could change the political-institutional and economic-financial conditions that have
favoured the recent evolution of eco-innovation. The uncertainty generated by this situation as regards
the recuperation of investments, as well as the financing problems facing companies because of credit
restrictions, could cause in the short term a slowdown, stagnation, or even a temporary regression in the
growth of some areas of the green economy The stagnation in public sector environmental plans,
programmes and measures could have an indirect effect in the context of the current crisis due medium-
term budgetary restrictions imposed on the growth of public debt.. Given that environmental legislation
has until now been one of the basic motors for the green economy, the lack of control over the way it is
carried out eliminates the incentives generated by the regulations, which conditions the demand for
environmental products and services102.
Poor collaboration between research centres and companies in Spain makes technology transfer and
RTD difficult. One of the main causes103
revolves around limited knowledge and lack of assessment from
technology transfer offices. In addition, RTD from universities and public research centres is not oriented
to corporate technological needs. These agents are not used to applying for patents and setting up
companies. On the other hand, the enormous potential of research centres is not exploited in Spain. In
addition, results from research work are limited, as reflected in the low number of patents. This is mainly
due to the limited number of researchers plus difficult access to European funds. Furthermore, research
budgets have been reduced in the current recession.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 28
Figure 6.2 Opportunities and Threats for eco-innovations in Spain
Opportunities Threats
- Crisis in the current development model and the bid to
create a new sustainable economy
- Pressure of environmental regulations on companies
- Sustainable public contracting
- Putting eco-innovation policies into action
- Evolution of the oil market
- Disseminated information and education in recent
years
- Current economic crisis
- Lack of public resources for establishing public
policies and programmes dealing with the
environment
- Lack of administrative control
- Low number of patents
- Weak conscience and lack of sensitivity toward the
environment on the part of industry and citizens
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 29
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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 31
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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 33
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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 34
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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 35
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EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 36
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 37
Annex 1. Policy measures addressing eco-innovations in Spain
Group of policy
measures Type of policy measure
Specific measure Please provide reference to or brief summary of specific measures (national,
regional) add cells if necessary
Focus of policy measure (tick if relevant)
Generic focus on
eco-innovation
Resource efficiency improve
ment
Energy efficiency improve
ment
Reduction of emissions incl. CO2
Other relevant
areas (e.g. renewable
energy, etc)
SUP
PLY
SID
E FO
CU
S
Equity/business support
Venture capital funds
MICINN has created a venture capital society to meet the initiative "InnVierte Sustainable Economy". It is designed to handle 300 million with the aim of mobilizing 1,000 million in a private public format, designed for the enterprise and technological SME growth and internationalization
-
-
Public guarantee funds
The Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) coordinates environmental grants with other agencies such as the Biodiversity Foundation. This way, grant programs arise for job creation with environmental benefits (Emplea Verde),
grants for activities in the field of Biodiversity, Climate Change
and Sustainable Development, or grants for national R&D project with environmental benefits within the National RTD Plan 2008-2011, managed by the Centre for Industrial Technology Development (CDTI)
X
Support for R&D in public sector
and industry
R&D funding
National RTD Plan 2008-2011 X X
National Integrated Waste Plan 2008-2015 X
National Plan for Infrastructure and Transport X X
National Plan for Energy Savings and Efficiency 2004-2012 X X
National Renewable Energy Plan 2005-2010 X
National Water Quality Plan 2007-2015 X
National Plan on Irrigated Lands X
National Forestry Plan X X
Collaborative grants
Program to support Innovative Business Groups (AEI-MICINN) Program to support Technological Platforms (INNFLUYE)-MICINN) Program to create and consolidate technology centres (CREA-MICINN)
X
The ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, through the Energy Diversification and Saving Institute (IDAE), has promoted a programme to encourage enterprises to do energy savings and efficiency technologies investment projects located in at least two Autonomous Community territories, as well as innovative and outstanding projects in industry, building, services, energy transformation or transport areas.
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 38
R&D infrastructure
The Association of Technology Parks of Spain (APTE). Its members (84 members) are scientific and technological parks are located in 17 different regions
X
Fiscal measures
Tax incentives for R&D and start-ups
Tax Deductions for R&D - Instruments used by the Central Government to promote research, development and innovation NEOTEC Initiative (CDTI)
Tax incentives for R&D personnel
Personal Training Program Research (FPI-MICINN) Teacher Training Program University (FPU-MICINN)
Education, training and
mobility
Tailored training courses for companies, entrepreneurs
Ihobe is a public company established in the field of management and environmental protection. It provides advice to companies and research organizations on innovation projects start, implantations, funding, and in technology transfer.
X
Advise/consulting for start-ups, companies, entrepreneurs
Ihobe is a public company established in the field of management and environmental protection. It provides advice to companies and research organizations on innovation projects start, implementations, funding, and in technology transfer. MICINN is the Ministry of Science and Innovation advising companies and research organizations on innovation projects start, implantations, funding, and in technology transfer. The Business Incubator of the Community of Madrid (VSL-CAM) is a service of support and advice to carry out R & D + I succeeded.
X
Placement schemes for students
Spain takes part in the ERASMUS-MUNDUS student exchange programme
Support for R&D workers recruitments
Special scheme exist for mobility of academic workers (e.g. exchange/attracting foreign researchers)
Networks and partnerships
Competence centres, clusters, science-technology
parks
Ciemat
(Energetic Technological Environmental Investment Centre), Circe (Resources and Energetic Consumption Investment Centre), CINN
(Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Technological Centre), CETAQUA (Water
X X X X X
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 39
Technological Centre), IMAT (Construction Technological Centre), ITCL (Castilla y
Leon Technological Institute), Tecnalia R&I
(Tecnalia Research & Innovation Centre), GIRO
(Organics Waste Integral Management), CECRE (Control Centre for
Renewable Energies
The Association of Technology Parks of Spain (APTE). Its members (84 members) are scientific and technological parks are located in 17 different regions.
Clusters: Aeronautical sector: Helice Foundation AERA (Aeronautical Association aeronautical aragonesa), Barcelona Aeronautics and Space, Madrid Platform Association Aeronautics and Space and Cluster Association of Aeronautics and Space of the Basque Country
Water sector: Water Canary Foundation Centre
Automotive sector: Innovative Business Group of Automotive Industry in the
Province of Jaen Automotive Cluster Association of Aragon , Automotive
Association Forum Cantabria-Regional Initiatives Group Automotive, Automotive Forum of Castilla y León(FACYL), Business Foundation Cluster Galician
Automotive (CEAGA), Madrid Association Automotive Platform, Valencia
Association Automotive Industry (AVIA)
Biotechnology sector: Private Foundation Of Catalonia, Catalan Association of
Biotechnology Companies, Madrid Platform Association of Biotechnology,
Biotechnology Companies Association Of Valencia,
Construction sector: Cluster of Construction
Energy sector: Spanish Association Of Biomass Energy Recovery, Energy
Efficiency Cluster of Catalonia (CEEC), Energy and Sustainable Environment from
Galicia (AEI) Biomass & Energy Cluster (CEB&E), Regional Cluster Renewable
Energy and Sustainability
Basque Ecodesign Centre : It is an entity created in a collaboration between private sector companies and the Basque government whose objective is the design and implementation of innovative ecodesign projects
Technology platforms and innovation networks
Environmental Technology Spanish Platform PLANETA) X X X X
ECO -UNION X X X X X
Green Jobs Platform For Communication And Sustainable Economy X X X X X
Water and Sustainability Platform X X
Platform for urban and regional sustainability X
Foresight and common vision building
National roadmap X X X X X
Market intelligence and other forms of information
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 40
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Regulations and standards
Regulations, targets, cap & trade schemes
National roadmap X X X X X
Spanish Strategy on Sustainable Development X X X
Spanish Strategy for Climate Change and Clean Energy X X
Technical Building Code X
Solar Ordinances for Thermal Use X
Spanish Strategy on Sustainable Mobility X X
Royal Decree on the Irrigated Lands Sustainable Modernization National Strategy-Horizon 2015
X
Emissions Trading Scheme national law X X
Marine Environment protection national law X
IPCC Directive framework X
Performance standards, labelling, certification
ISO 14001 X
Eco-labelled products X
EMAS certificated organisations X
Public procurement
“Green“ public procurement of goods and services
National Plan on Green Public Procurement X
Innovation State Strategy X
R&D procurement
Pre-commercial procurement
Technology Transfer
Advisory support for technology adopters
The Business Incubator "Genesis" is a temporary host structure to locate businesses in their first steps on the market, accompany and provide certain services tailored to the needs of each business project
Financial or fiscal support for technology adopters
(e.g. grants for purchasing new technology)
Program of experimental development projects on the environment and eco-innovation, National Parks subsector (MICINN)
X
Support of private demand
Tax incentives for consumers (e.g. for purchasing
environmentally efficient products)
Eco-tax: Taxes to promote ecologically sustainable activities via economic incentives.
X
Tax reductions for products and services (e.g. VAT
reductions)
Demand subsidies (e.g. eco-vouchers, consumer
subsidies)
Awareness raising and There are many activities aimed at awareness raising promoted through local X X X X X
EIO Country Brief: Spain 2011 41
information provision community governments, environmental agencies, etc.
EIO Country Profile: <Country Name> 42
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Eco-Innovation
Observatory (EIO)
The Eco-Innovation Observatory (EIO) is a 3-year initiative financed by the European
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Innovation framework Programme (CIP). The Observatory is developing an integrated
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