The urban area of Zaragoza has the eighth largest population in Spain, with approximately 700,000 inhabitants. Zaragoza actively promotes sustainable development; it is a member of the EU Concerto initiative for energy efficiency and is involved in several sustainability projects, including hosting Expo Zaragoza 2008, a three-month international event focused on water and sustainable development.
Ecociudad Valdespartera is an innovative example of sustainable urban development in Zaragoza. Built on the site of a former barracks, Valdespartera is a complex of 9,687 bioclimatic housing units, almost all social housing, extending the southern perimeter of the city. It is divided into four major zones, each with distinct character and with a mix of housing, open areas, recreational facilities, and local shops and amenities. The development aims to address the issues of housing affordability and social inclusion and to integrate good environmental design and best practice in sustainable new housing construction.
Valdespartera is an important demonstration project for the whole of Spain. The scheme has already been internationally acclaimed by the UN-HABITAT committee and is evidence of the results that can be achieved when there is cooperation between regional and local levels of government, and full community involvement.
Topics associated with this project
Eco-town, Energy, Housing, International