The incentives to the use of solar energy are a pioneer initiative regarding the public policies for environmental and economic sustainability. In the city of Sao Paulo, 76.14% of greenhouse gases emissions derive from energy use, which confirms the need for the adoption of clean energy sources, as well as the decrease of energy consumption levels.
Approved in 2007 and regulated in January 2008, the Decree number 14.459 instituted, since 23rd July 2008, the obligation of installation of water heating systems through solar energy in new buildings in the city. The use of this system in large scale will contribute significantly for the decrease of greenhouse gases emissions. According to Solar Cities Initiative, partner of Sao Paulo city in the project, an 80 apartment building fully occupied that uses solar energy to heat 40 percent of its water will prevent 10 tons of CO2 eq from being emitted every year. The installation of water heating systems through solar energy is binding in new residential edifications and also in non-residential buildings of several types, namely hotels, sport clubs, gyms etc., including edifications with heated-water swimming pools.
