Energy Rehabilitation of Social Housing in Vulnerable Areas in Spain
Introduction
In the urban context, buildings play a key role as they are energy consumers. In well-established cities with a high percentage of aged building stock, the focus should lie on sensitive urban areas where the weakest population sectors and the worst physical-economic conditions are usually encountered. In this work, the energy refurbishment of social housing is proposed. This study is grounded on two levels. First, the urban level. The building is located in a prioritised urban Area of Rehabilitation, Renovation and Urban Regeneration (ARRU), according to the new local Land Plan. This area presents multidimensional vulnerability and considers urban, building, socio-demographic and socio-economic features. Second, the building presents very low energy performance. It was built in 1959 when a high demand of dwellings and the economic resources then available led to low-quality buildings that are far from meeting today’s standards.
The Urban Context and the Need for Rehabilitation
The Role of Buildings in Urban Energy Consumption
Buildings are significant contributors to urban energy consumption. In many cities, especially those with a large number of aged buildings, the energy efficiency of these structures is a critical factor in overall energy use. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings account for approximately 30% of global energy consumption and are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the importance of addressing the energy performance of existing buildings, particularly those in urban areas.
The Challenge of Aged Building Stock
In well-established cities, a high percentage of the building stock is aged. These older buildings often have poor energy performance due to outdated construction methods and materials. The need for rehabilitation is particularly acute in sensitive urban areas where vulnerable populations reside. These areas are often characterized by weak socio-economic conditions and are in dire need of improvements to the built environment.
The Focus on Sensitive Urban Areas
The rehabilitation of social housing in sensitive urban areas is a multifaceted challenge. These areas are typically home to the weakest population sectors, who are often the most affected by poor living conditions. The multidimensional vulnerability of these areas includes not only physical and economic factors but also social and demographic ones. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that considers the urban context, the building characteristics, and the needs of the residents.
The Rehabilitation of Social Housing: A Multilevel Approach
The Urban Level: ARRU Areas
The rehabilitation of social housing is proposed within the framework of the Area of Rehabilitation, Renovation and Urban Regeneration (ARRU). This approach is based on the new local Land Plan, which prioritizes areas with the greatest need for urban regeneration. ARRU areas are characterized by their multidimensional vulnerability, encompassing urban, building, socio-demographic, and socio-economic features. By focusing on these areas, the rehabilitation efforts can have a significant impact on improving the overall quality of life for residents.
The Building Level: Energy Refurbishment
At the building level, the focus is on improving the energy performance of social housing. Many of these buildings, constructed in the mid-20th century, have very low energy performance. The building in question was built in 1959, a time when there was a high demand for dwellings and limited economic resources. This led to the construction of low-quality buildings that do not meet today’s standards. The energy refurbishment of these buildings involves upgrading insulation, improving heating and cooling systems, and implementing energy-efficient technologies.
The Benefits of Rehabilitation of Social Housing
Environmental Benefits
The rehabilitation of social housing can lead to significant environmental benefits. By improving the energy performance of buildings, the overall energy consumption can be reduced, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable urban development.
Social Benefits
The rehabilitation of social housing also has important social benefits. Improved living conditions can lead to better health outcomes for residents, particularly those in vulnerable populations. Additionally, the process of rehabilitation can create job opportunities and stimulate local economic development.
Economic Benefits
From an economic perspective, the rehabilitation of social housing can lead to long-term savings. While the initial investment in energy refurbishment can be significant, the reduced energy costs over time can offset these expenses. Furthermore, the improved quality of the buildings can increase their value and contribute to the overall economic vitality of the area.
Conclusion
The rehabilitation of social housing is a critical component of urban regeneration efforts. By focusing on sensitive urban areas and improving the energy performance of buildings, significant environmental, social, and economic benefits can be achieved. The proposed approach, grounded in the ARRU framework and targeting low-energy performance buildings, offers a comprehensive solution to address the multidimensional vulnerability of these areas. The rehabilitation of social housing is not only a necessary step towards sustainable urban development but also a vital investment in the well-being of residents and the future of our cities.