Four new public buildings in Spain
Europe’s energy strategy is shifting toward tighter efficiency targets under revisions that aim to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Among the measures discussed, the push for public buildings to shave energy use by about 1.9% each year has intensified the focus on Passivhaus, the nearly zero‑energy standard that is making a comeback in Spain. This standard is increasingly common as new projects pursue certification to demonstrate strong energy performance.
Passivhaus, also known as Passive House, can cut energy use dramatically and curb carbon emissions. A typical 1,500 m2 Passivhaus can lower CO2 output by as much as 10 tons, which is roughly equivalent to planting 1,000 trees. To qualify, a building must satisfy five core principles designed to minimize energy consumption: exceptional thermal insulation, avoidance of thermal bridges, high‑performance windows and doors, tight external air sealing, and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
In REBUILD 2023, a conference focused on industrial construction, digitization, and sustainability for buildings, Spain’s Passivhaus Building Platform (PEP) hosted a discussion with mayors from various municipalities under the theme “Why build to Passivhaus standards?” The event highlighted concrete examples of public buildings constructed under this standard.
1. Alcañiz (Teruel) – The Aragon Government supported the rehabilitation of mass housing units using EnerPHit, the Passivhaus retrofit standard. One project in Alcañiz comprises a six‑unit apartment block that was fully refurbished and certified to EnerPHit. Formerly owned by road workers, it now serves as social housing and stands as a scalable model for similar renovations. The town’s mayor, Ignacio Urquizu Sancho, described the project as a glimpse into housing’s future where sustainability and digitalization steer policy, noting energy savings exceeding 80%.
2. Pinseque (Zaragoza) – The municipality has rehabilitated town halls using EnerPHit criteria, with the Police Department as a notable example. After refurbishing two former teachers’ homes, the building now feels truly comfortable and serves as a public‑building benchmark. The mayor, José Ignacio Andrés Ginto, emphasized that the renovations save the municipality around 80,000 euros annually in energy costs and set an example for other administrations to follow.
3. Burgos – The city council is actively promoting Passivhaus standards, updating the General City Planning Plan to reward energy efficiency and sustainable design. A standout project is the Rio Vena Municipal Infant School, the country’s first Passivhaus public kindergarten. The planning councilor, Daniel Garabito López, cited this as part of a broader strategy to integrate Passivhaus in municipal infrastructure, including a renovation of the police and fire department building near the cathedral and future expansions of historic facilities.
4. Vitoria (Gasteiz) – A leader in sustainable public buildings, Vitoria was recognized as European Green Capital in 2012. The city has advanced Passivhaus implementations, including EnerPHit XXL certification for a major renovation of the European Conference Center, delivering around a 50% reduction in energy consumption and markedly improved indoor comfort. The deputy mayor, Ana Oregi Bastarrika, highlighted the project as evidence of long‑term energy savings and comfort gains.
Another notable project is the new changing rooms at Aranbizkarra, while rehabilitations at Teatro Principal demonstrate ongoing Passivhaus applications in public facilities. These examples underscore a growing national push to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of high‑performance public buildings across different regions.
A platform to promote these homes
The Passivhaus Building Platform (PEP) is a non‑profit association dedicated to advancing highly efficient and sustainable construction. Established in 2008, it helped catalyze Spain’s shift toward near‑zero energy buildings years before the European directive set ambitious 2020 targets. Today the platform counts about 900 partners across the country and remains committed to expanding Passivhaus adoption in both new facilities and public works projects. The goal is to deliver buildings with high indoor comfort, low energy use, and significant CO2 reductions that apply to any building type or use. The platform emphasizes collaboration with administrations at local, regional, and national levels to scale these standards across every sector.
As reiterated by Arturo Andrés Jiménez, president of the Passivhaus Platform, the effort continues to popularize Passivhaus construction nationwide, with partnerships driving both new builds and rehabilitations that meet stringent energy performance and occupant comfort criteria. The movement remains focused on practical, scalable solutions that municipalities can adopt to lead by example in sustainability and efficiency.
The environmental department continues to coordinate ongoing initiatives toward carbon reduction and energy efficiency across public buildings and infrastructure. This content reflects ongoing programs and outcomes observed in several cities and is cited for context within public‑sector energy strategies. [Citation: PEP]