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Environmental legislation in Spain: the carbon footprint at the regional level

Andrés Cester

Andrés Cester

CEO & Co-Founder

The fight against climate change has become a priority for Spain, both nationally and regionally. This article provides a detailed overview of the environmental legislation related to the carbon footprint across the different autonomous communities (CCAA) in Spain, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date view of current and future regulations.

At Manglai, we support companies in measuring their carbon footprint, but legislation and its application can vary by region. Some communities have stricter or more advanced implementations.

National legal framework

The foundation of environmental legislation in Spain is the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act (Law 7/2021). This law establishes the general framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable economy.

Legislation by autonomous communities

Catalonia

Catalonia was a pioneer in approving a climate change law in 2017, before the national law. The Climate Change Act (Law 16/2017, August 1) includes specific provisions on the carbon footprint.

Andalusia

Andalusia introduced the Climate Change Act (Law 8/2018, October 8) to address climate change and transition to a new energy model. Since 2020, it has maintained the Andalusian Emissions Compensation System (SACE), a voluntary registry allowing companies to contribute to CO₂ absorption projects.

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands enacted their Climate Change and Energy Transition Act (Law 10/2019, February 22) before the national law. From 2025, all companies, including agricultural and livestock operations, must calculate their carbon footprint.

Navarre

Navarre adopted the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act (Foral Law 4/2022, March 22). Starting in 2024, all businesses, including agricultural and livestock operations, must calculate their carbon footprint.

Valencian Community

The Valencian Community passed the Climate Change and Ecological Transition Act (Law 6/2022, December 5). By 2025, medium and large companies must calculate and certify their carbon footprint and implement a reduction plan.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands introduced the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act (Law 6/2022, December 27). From 2023, companies with over 50 employees or revenues exceeding €10 million, as well as specific sectors, must calculate their carbon footprint.

Basque Country

The Basque Country recently enacted the Energy Transition and Climate Change Act (Law 1/2024, February 8). This law requires calculating the carbon footprint and developing a reduction plan across various sectors, including public administrations, livestock, agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Other regions

Several autonomous communities are developing strategies and plans related to climate change and the carbon footprint but have not yet passed specific legislation:

  • Galicia: Has a Climate Change Strategy to 2050.
  • Aragón, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Murcia: Approved mixed climate change strategies to 2030.
  • Madrid and La Rioja: Working on draft plans.

Mandatory carbon footprint calculation

At the national level, changes to Royal Decree 163/2014 will make it mandatory for certain organizations to calculate their carbon footprint and develop a reduction plan starting January 1, 2025, applicable to the 2024 footprint calculations.

Companies required to comply:

  • Those with more than 500 employees.
  • Public interest entities.
  • Those meeting at least two of the following criteria for two consecutive years:
    • Over 250 employees.
    • Turnover exceeding €40 million.
    • Total assets exceeding €20 million.

Calculate your company’s carbon footprint with Manglai

Environmental legislation related to the carbon footprint in Spain is continually evolving, with significant differences across autonomous communities. It is essential for companies and organizations to stay informed about these regulations and prepare to meet the requirements for carbon footprint calculation and reduction.

As we progress toward a more sustainable future, greater harmonization of these laws and stricter emission reduction measures are expected. Companies that stay ahead of these changes will be better positioned to address environmental challenges and seize opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

At Manglai, we help companies of all sizes measure, reduce, and report their carbon footprint. Try our platform here.

Additionally, explore our free tools, including a carbon footprint calculator and an environmental compliance obligations test.


Andrés Cester

Andrés Cester

CEO & Co-Founder

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