{"id":119841,"date":"2026-01-27T17:22:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T16:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/sin-categorizar\/nuevo-cte-cambios-clave\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T09:41:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T08:41:44","slug":"new-cte-key-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/new-cte-key-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"New CTE 2026: Key Changes in DB-HSA, Fire Safety and Energy Efficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Technical regulations are the backbone of <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/home\/faveker-architect\/\">architecture<\/a>, yet interpreting them can sometimes be complex and demanding. However, staying up to date is by no means optional: major changes are on the horizon. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mivau.gob.es\/recursos_mfom\/audienciainfopublica\/recursos\/proyecto_rd_modificacion_cte_audiencia_publica_nov_25.pdf\">The <strong>draft amendment to the Spanish Building Technical Code (CTE)<\/strong><\/a> is already on the table, and at FAVEKER\u00ae, we\u2019ve analysed it in depth to explain what will change and, most importantly, how it will affect your <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/projects\/\">fa\u00e7ade projects.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The objective of this update is clear: to align Spain\u2019s building stock with <strong>European requirements for decarbonisation and safety<\/strong>. In this article, we break down the three fundamental pillars of this amendment: the redefinition of energy efficiency, reinforced fire safety requirements and the introduction of measurable sustainability.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d281{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d281\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d3df{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d3df\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">1. Energy Savings (DB-HE) and \u201cZero-Emission Buildings\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d497{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d497\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]The new CTE officially introduces the definition of a <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/zero-emission-building-energy-certification\/\">zero-emission building<\/a>: one with very high energy performance, requiring zero or a very low demand for energy and generating zero on-site carbon emissions as well as very low operational greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<p>Although many consumption limit values remain unchanged, the most significant development <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/definitive-guide-to-rehabilitation-with-ventilated-facades\/\">for refurbishment projects and ventilated fa\u00e7ades<\/a> is the <strong>detailed definition of interventions affecting the thermal envelope.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d51b{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d51b\"><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">What Is Considered a Substantial Modification of the Envelope Under the New CTE?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]El borrador clarifica qu\u00e9 actuaciones activan el cumplimiento de las nuevas exigencias. Se detallan los siguientes supuestos:[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d59c{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d59c\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]The draft clarifies which actions trigger compliance with the new requirements. The following cases are specifically mentioned:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Modifications to the construction build-up<\/strong>: including the replacement of the external fa\u00e7ade layer, the addition of external thermal insulation (ETICS or ventilated fa\u00e7ades) and internal linings or cavity insulation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The replacement or renewal of more than 50% of the envelope components or finishes<\/strong>. This includes the replacement of cladding, re-roofing work, full roof slope interventions, the replacement of waterproofing membranes, the renewal of roof finishes, as well as the repair and replacement of renders or multiple localised interventions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface treatments<\/strong>: primers or sprayed coatings with thermal insulation properties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The replacement of openings<\/strong>: changes to windows or external doors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other interventions<\/strong>: any action that significantly alters the energy performance of the thermal envelope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition, <strong>air permeability<\/strong> requirements are tightened. For buildings with mechanical ventilation systems featuring heat recovery, the n50 value in the new table is drastically limited to 1 h\u207b\u00b9, ensuring maximum system efficiency.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d610{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d610\"><\/div>[vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Sistema de fijaci\u00f3n para fachada ventilada FAVEKER\u00ae&#8221; image=&#8221;118735&#8243; img_size=&#8221;600&#215;500&#8243;]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d677{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d677\"><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d6f3{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d6f3\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d77c{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d77c\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">2. Fire Safety (DB-SI): More Demanding Fa\u00e7ades<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d81b{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d81b\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/fire-prevention-in-building-design\/\"><strong>Fire safety in fa\u00e7ades<\/strong><\/a> has been a critical issue, and the new CTE reinforces requirements for both fa\u00e7ades and roofs to prevent external fire spread.<\/p>\n<p>The required <strong>reaction-to-fire classes<\/strong> are modified for fa\u00e7ade construction systems covering more than 10% of the surface area.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d88f{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d88f\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">New Restrictions for Fa\u00e7ades<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d90e{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d90e\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]The draft focuses particularly on <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/blog\/types-of-facades\/\">External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS)<\/a>. When a system\u2019s reaction to fire is lower than A2-s1,d0, the installation of mineral wool <strong>fire barriers<\/strong> is mandatory. These barriers must be strategically positioned, with a minimum height of 30 cm as well as a minimum density of 60 kg\/m\u00b3, and must be both bonded and mechanically fixed to the base substrate. The draft regulation provides specific instructions on properly positioning these fire barriers.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d980{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d980\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">The Advantage of Ceramic Passive Fire Safety<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d9ec{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5d9ec\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Compared to the technical complexity of compartmentalising combustible materials or adapting existing roof assemblies, <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/UL094_CRT_SD03RX_Issue1_866.pdf\">FAVEKER\u00ae\u2019s ceramic solutions offer a robust response.<\/a> The non-combustible nature of porcelain stoneware and its excellent fire reaction classification facilitate regulatory compliance without the need for complex compensatory measures on fa\u00e7ades.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the new text allows compliance justification for buildings up to 28 metres in height through <strong>large-scale testing<\/strong> (according to British Standard BS 8414), validating innovative construction systems.[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5da57{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5da57\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dacd{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dacd\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">3. The Introduction of DB-HSA: Sustainability Is No Longer Optional<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]Finally, the new CTE 2026 introduces a structural change with the new <strong>Basic Document DB-HSA, \u201cEnvironmental Sustainability\u201d<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/sustainability\/\">Sustainability<\/a> ceases to be an intangible value and will now be a quantifiable, mandatory technical requirement.<\/p>\n<p>The key requirement of this document is calculating <strong>the Global Warming Potential (GWP) across the entire life cycle of the building<\/strong> (expressed in kg CO\u2082eq\/m\u00b2). This represents a complete paradigm shift: evaluation is no longer limited to the building\u2019s operational energy use, but also includes the embodied carbon of materials from manufacturing to end of life.<\/p>\n<p>This GWP value must now be declared in the <strong>Energy Performance Certificate,<\/strong> broken down by stages: production, construction, use and end of life.<\/p>\n<p>The proposed implementation timeline for the GWP indicator is progressive:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>1 January 2028<\/strong> for new buildings or extensions over 1,000 m\u00b2.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 January 2030<\/strong> for all other cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5db5e{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5db5e\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image custom_alt=&#8221;Detalle de la textura y el color de las placas cer\u00e1micas FAVEKER\u00ae en la fachada de un edificio comercial&#8221; image=&#8221;118739&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dbe4{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dbe4\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 21px;\">How to Avoid GWP Calculation Penalties with EPDs? <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dc5a{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dc5a\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]The calculation methodology introduced by the new CTE includes a critical mechanism for designers: a correction factor. The regulation severely penalises uncertainty. A safety surcharge of up to 1.50 must be applied if GWP is calculated using generic database values, which will artificially increase your building\u2019s carbon footprint by 50%.<\/p>\n<p>However, the<strong> 2026 Building Technical Code<\/strong> rewards accuracy: when using product-specific data obtained through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the correction factor is neutral, at 1.00.<\/p>\n<p>This is where technical specifications become strategic. At <strong>FAVEKER\u00ae<\/strong>, we have our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.environdec.com\/library\/epd6511\">own EPDs<\/a> certifying the real environmental impact of our ventilated fa\u00e7ade systems. This allows you to calculate the exact CO\u2082 value for your project without penalties or unnecessary safety margins to facilitate compliance with DB-has right from the design phase. Our long-standing commitment to transparency and <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/downloads\/certificates\/\">environmental certifications<\/a> is now a direct advantage for your project.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dcc7{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dcc7\"><\/div>[vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"left\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Anticipating Change with FAVEKER\u00ae Technical Expertise<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dd2e{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dd2e\"><\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;fs-16&#8243;]This amendment is no coincidence. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mivau.gob.es\/\">The <strong>Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda (MIVAU)<\/strong><\/a> has initiated this strategic revision of the CTE to align national regulations with ambitious European targets for sustainability, energy efficiency and safety by 2026. The update, marked by the new<strong> Sustainability Basic Document (DB-HSA)<\/strong> and reinforced fire safety requirements (DB-SI), is a response to the inevitable need to transpose European directives and adapt the sector to new social and technological demands.<\/p>\n<p>In this context of transformation, FAVEKER\u00ae positions itself as your trusted technical partner. We\u2019ve been working in this direction for years. Our ventilated fa\u00e7ades not only deliver the aesthetics you\u2019re looking for, but already incorporate the <strong>Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)<\/strong> and fire reaction classifications required for your project to meet the all-new 2026 standards today.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you have any questions about how the new CTE will affect your next project?<\/strong> Contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/technical-office\/\">Technical Office:<\/a> we will help you design an efficient, safe, cost-effective envelope which is fully aligned with future regulations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<style>.ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dd98{height:32px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"ld-empty-space ld_spacer_69efa9fb5dd98\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new 2026 CTE introduces far-reaching changes in energy efficiency, fire safety, and environmental sustainability that directly impact envelope design. The redefinition of the zero-emissions building, the strengthening of fa\u00e7ade requirements under DB-SI, and the introduction of the new DB-HSA require designers and developers to anticipate these changes and adapt their construction solutions accordingly. In this article, we analyze the key updates and explain how to address them with technical rigor from the design stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":120415,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","wds_primary_category":24,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-quality-and-standards"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"faveker","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119841"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119841\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faveker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}