Summary
Details
- Spain
The registry was originally voluntary, but amendments now impose binding obligations on certain companies.
For organisations in scope of the mandatory rules:
Calculate their organisational carbon footprint using recognised methodologies.
Register their carbon footprint in the national registry.
Prepare and publish a greenhouse gas reduction plan. Servicios Empresariales Cámara de Madrid+1
Report periodically on progress and update data as required by the decree.
For other organisations, participation remains voluntary but encouraged.
Exceptions:
Companies that do not meet the size or sector thresholds defined in the amended decree remain outside the mandatory scope and can participate voluntarily. Servicios Empresariales Cámara de Madrid+1
Public entities may follow specific guidance tailored to their nature and size.
Specific exemptions or simplified procedures may apply to small entities with limited emissions.
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What’s Required
Royal Decree 163/2014 created Spain’s Carbon Footprint, Offsetting and CO₂ Absorption Projects Registry. Initially, the registry was voluntary and aimed at encouraging organisations to measure, reduce, and offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
The registry has three main sections:
Carbon footprints of organisations.
Compensation of emissions through offsetting.
CO₂ absorption projects (mainly forestry projects in Spain).
Recent amendments have introduced mandatory carbon-footprint calculation and registration for certain categories of companies, along with requirements to develop and publish emission-reduction plans.
Important Deadlines
The registry was created in 2014 as a voluntary mechanism.
Modified after 2023 to make carbon-footprint calculation and registration mandatory for specific company groups defined in the updated decree, with phased deadlines from 2024 onward.
Current Status
The registry is operational and widely used for voluntary carbon accounting and offsetting.
The shift to partial mandatory use links the registry more directly to Spain’s climate framework under Law 7/2021, especially for larger or more impactful companies.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
For entities subject to the mandatory regime, failure to calculate or register their carbon footprint, or to publish a reduction plan, may lead to administrative sanctions under climate and environmental legislation.
Voluntary participants are not penalised for withdrawal but may lose recognition or labels associated with the registry.
Examples of Known Violations
As of late 2025, there is limited public reporting of enforcement actions specific to the registry. Most communication focuses on promoting participation and explaining new mandatory categories rather than highlighting sanctions.
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