Eco-towns: Zaragoza, Spain

Combining social inclusion with good environmental design:

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.

Community and connectivity

Valdespartera is well resourced with local facilities. These include schools, a health centre, a shopping centre, and sports and leisure facilities. A resource and information centre is also being built. This will provide advice for residents and local businesses on sustainable energy use and waste recycling, as well as examining the wider social issues related to living in the Ecociudad.

Valdespartera on the edge of Zaragoza city

The Valdespartera site is connected to Zaragoza city centre by buses, and a tram system is planned for 2010. Bicycle lanes have been built and cover the entire eco-town (14.4km in total). A public WiFi network is available throughout the development, supporting part-time employment and working from home.

Character and design

Valdespartera champions the concept of acompact city. Its strategic position and a density of 40 houses perhectare limit pollution and urban sprawl. Green spaces and natural features mean that this density has not compromised the local environment for residents. Public art has also been widely used, and a number of open-air sculptures are distributed throughout the eco-city.

Ecology and water

Green spaces have been created by planting native-species deciduous trees in strategic 'ecological corridors' alongside buildings. These species provide a cool micro-climate during the summer and do not limit the sunlight absorption of buildings during winter. They also require little watering, reducing pressure on water conservation.

The lakes help to create a place where people want to live

Irrigation is achieved by pumping water from the Imperial Canal of Aragon, and at times of drought from two lakes on the site. A system of storm tanks and drainage networks ensures rain water is controlled and channeled into the Hueva River. The first rainfall (characterised by higher levels of pollutants) is collected in storm tanks and sent instead to the waste water network.