The first Portuguese standards applied to the construction sector
In 1990, Portugal introduced its first regulation on the energy performance of buildings.
The Decree-Law No. 40/90 led to the RCCTE (Regulation on the Thermal Behaviour Characteristics of Buildings). This regulation valued indoor thermal comfort, ensuring it was achieved without excessive energy costs for families. Buildings were also to be designed to prevent condensation.
The decree divided the country into three climatic zones (Winter and Summer), defining for each municipality specific parameters: degree-days, duration of the heating period, maximum outdoor temperature in summer, and temperature range — essential data for the design of passive bioclimatic constructions.
In 1998, the Decree-Law No. 119/98 came into force, creating the RSECE (Regulation of Energy and Climate Systems of Buildings).
Subsequently, in accordance with the European Directive 2002/91/EC, Portugal updated existing regulations in 2006 and published new decrees:
- DL 78/2006 (April 4) – created the National System of Energy Certification and Indoor Air Quality in Buildings (SCE);
- DL 79/2006 – replaced the 1998 regulation (RSECE), defining energy consumption limits and operational rules for climate control systems;
- DL 80/2006 – updated the original 1990 regulation.
In 2008, the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (PNAEE 2015) was launched, aiming to promote energy efficiency in four sectors, including residential.
The efficiency of appliances and their energy labeling were defined by the DL 41/94, adapting the Directive 92/75/EEC. Each category of appliances was given specific technical requirements.
More recently, Portugal adapted the European Directive 2010/31/EU (EPBD) on the energy performance of buildings, introducing the concept of NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings).
Each Member State must adjust the definition of NZEB to its reality. In 2013, Portugal presented a qualitative definition (Article 16 of the DL 118/2013), but has yet to submit a quantitative proposal to the European Union.
This decree reinforced the application of the SCE, requiring, since December 1, 2013, all property owners to indicate the energy class in sales or rental advertisements for properties.