Almeida destaca el compromiso de Madrid con la construcción sostenible y saludable

The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, participated this Wednesday in the decarbonization of the construction sector event organized by the city council and c40 cities at the caja musical auditorium in Centrocenter. Also present were Borja Carabante, delegate of urban planning, envorate and mobile, and Álvaro González, delegate of housing policies.

This appointment marked the culmination of a two-year project coordinated with the C40 Cities Network, bringing together leaders and officials from London, Madrid, and Oslo to reimagine construction, renovation, and building operations while considering the social value of the built environment.

During a discussion with C40’s Regional Director for Europe, Julia López Ventura, Mayor Almeida advocated for Madrid’s model of building a more efficient, intelligent, and healthy city. He emphasized the city’s commitment to decarbonizing the construction sector, highlighting the importance of the built environment in reducing emissions and enhancing urban life quality. Mayor Almeida stressed that rehabilitation is not just about modernization but also about reducing carbon footprint and improving air quality. This commitment is reflected in Madrid’s comprehensive strategy, Transforma Madrid, encompassing adaptation plans for housing, building renovations, and neighborhood transformations.

C40 CISIES is a network of major cities worldwide collaborating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change effects. Madrid’s sustainability strategy, Madrid 360, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 levels, demonstrating a more ambitious target than the EU.

The Visible Project allowed leaders from London and Oslo to exchange ideas on reducing carbon footprint through efficient construction processes and minimizing energy consumption in building operations. The project also recognized the Madrid City Council’s good practices, such as the construction of the new Cultural Center in Butarque (Villaverde), integrating maximum environmental commitment with features like natural ventilation, lighting, use of wood structures, renewable energy, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation.

Another example of Madrid’s commitment to clean and decarbonize is the «Iberia Loreto» housing development in Barajas district by the Municipal Housing and Land Company (EMVS Madrid). This project focuses on affordable rental housing constructed with industrialized wood, offering durable, energy-efficient homes with modern technologies to promote self-sufficiency.

Industrialized wood construction offers economic and environmental benefits by reducing construction time by 40% and costs, while the wood’s properties absorb atmospheric pollutants, enhancing sustainability. The Visible Project also facilitated a tandem project, training vulnerable individuals in sustainable rehabilitation and practical experience in renovating public buildings in Vildever and Puente de Valeceas districts.

A roundtable discussion involving representatives from various European institutions (Official College of Architects Madrid, FutureBuilt from Norway, London Local Council) was held on fair decarbonization in the construction sector. This event was part of a three-day seminar focusing on clean construction, green employment, and responsible green and social procurement practices.

FUENTE