March 09, 2021
It’s one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and the second-largest country in the EU. But which design projects best showcase Spain’s approach to sustainability?
Thanks to progressive government policies, Spain is taking significant steps in the fight against climate change. Driven in part by rising temperatures — a tangible result of global warming — the sunny country is on its way to ditching fossil fuels for good. Back in 2018, Spain announced an ambitious plan to draw 75% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, and a full 100% by 2050. On top of this, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% against 1990 levels.
Significantly, the home has no electricity or water supply, instead utilizing renewable energy and a water purification system. It is heated by two small biomass stoves in the winter — one for each dome — while built-in Canadian wells maintain a comfortable temperature the rest of the year round.
Introducing a wash of beautiful greenery to an urban space, the Tarradellas Garden wall in Barcelona ticks multiple eco-friendly boxes.
Like any vegetation, living walls create more oxygen, in turn slashing CO2 levels — an important function in the center of a busy city. They also help to regulate temperature, reducing energy costs for the residents of the building. And to top it all off, the in-built bird and bat houses offer a happy home for wildlife who may otherwise struggle to find shelter.
Both easy to install and maintain, Philips SunStay streetlights are a welcome addition to the Infanta Elena Park in Seville. Not only do they help citizens feel safer during after-dark visits, but they’re a quick win for Spain’s long-term renewable energy goals. They reduce energy costs, improve carbon footprint, and lower overall capital and operational expenditure.
The new streetlights are fitted with sensors, increasing the light level when people approach and decreasing when they have passed. Plus, the battery power is unrivalled, lasting for up to two nights without receiving any sunlight — despite this being an unusual occurrence in sunny Seville!
Not content with just being renewable energy champions, businesses and municipalities throughout Spain are also tapping into the power of the IoT.
Aside from Spain’s renewable energy headway, what does the future hold?
Vertical farming could see exponential growth thanks to projects like Greendomo: a gigantic, sustainable greenhouse that allows for year-round crops. Not only does this reduce carbon footprint, but with the help of lighting products such as Philips LED grow lights, it can also deliver huge energy savings compared to grow lights using conventional lighting technology.
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Banner image: Editorial Planeta, green building, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain – Architects: Tous and Fargas © Arthur Debat
Signify Global Integrated Communications
Neil Pattie
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Email: neil.pattie@signify.com
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