ENVIRONMENT
Urbicsa has been working since the beginning to help meet the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. This section shows the main projects carried out and the objectives for the coming years.
URBICSA is fully committed to 0 emissions (Net Zero) by subscribing to the UNFCCC (Climate Neutral Now Pledge). For this, the Energy Efficiency Committee studies how to reduce emissions by optimizing existing resources, replacing inefficient equipment and using renewable energies. Work is currently underway on the calculation of the operational carbon footprint, with the aim of establishing a clear and effective roadmap to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the associated financial risks.
Projects completed and future objectives
Since the start of the concession and up to 2026, several actions have been carried out to significantly reduce the electricity consumption of the judicial facilities. Specifically, consumption has decreased from 24,922 MWh in 2010 to 12,423 MWh in 2025. This energy saving has had a positive impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions, which have been reduced by 5,139 equivalent tonnes of CO2 per year.
Several projects are currently being developed with the aim of continuing to reduce electricity consumption at the Ciutat de la Justícia. These initiatives aim to reach a consumption level of 10,925 MWh/year by 2026, which will also result in an additional reduction of 1,475 tonnes of CO2 per year.
In summary, these actions demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in the buildings of the Ciutat de la Justícia.
MOST RELEVANT ACTIONS CARRIED OUT DURING THE LAST YEAR
Replacement of General Lighting with LED Technology
The project consisted of the full replacement of the standard floor fluorescent luminaires with new high-efficiency LED luminaires, with a declared service life of 77,000 hours (L80B20). In total, 23,619 luminaires were replaced in buildings I, C, P, F, D, H, SC and G of the complex.
The intervention was carried out while the buildings remained fully operational and without any impact on the public judicial service, through specific planning that scheduled the works during afternoon and night-time hours.
The main results of the project are:
- Reduction in installed power: approximately 60%
- Verified actual energy savings: 41.5%
- Estimated annual energy savings: approximately 1.55 GWh/year
- Complete elimination of mercury-containing fluorescent technology
- Environmental management of more than 130 tonnes of lighting waste through the corresponding integrated management system
Summary Timeline of the Project
The project was developed through the following main phases:
- 2023–2024
Initial technical studies and comparative analysis of lighting solutions with the support of external engineering consultants. - First half of 2024
Laboratory technical testing and electrical behaviour studies, including harmonics and power quality. - Second half of 2024
Implementation of a pilot floor for validation under real operating conditions. - 2025
Administrative validation of the modification to the Executive Maintenance Plan and final definition of the technical solution. - October–December 2025
Execution of the full replacement of the luminaires.
Verified Energy Results
The comparison of actual electricity consumption for the month of January shows a significant reduction in the energy demand associated with lighting:
- January 2025 consumption: 339,887 kWh
- January 2026 consumption: 198,717 kWh
This reduction represents monthly savings of 141,170 kWh, equivalent to an approximate reduction of 41.5%.
A conservative extrapolation of this result makes it possible to estimate annual savings of around 1.55 GWh, with the corresponding environmental and economic impact.
Replacement of main components in the IMLCFC refrigeration units
URBICSA has carried out the replacement of the refrigeration and freezing equipment in the preservation chambers of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Catalonia, located at the Ciutat de la Justícia.
This intervention has made it possible to renew equipment that had become obsolete, improve the reliability of the installation and facilitate future maintenance. In addition, the new systems use refrigerants that are more suitable from an environmental perspective, helping to reduce their potential impact on global warming.
This project forms part of URBICSA’s commitment to the continuous improvement of the facilities it manages, promoting more efficient, safe and sustainable solutions.
Replacement of UPSs and improvements in the air conditioning of the CPDs of buildings C and H
This project involves the replacement of 4 UPSs with modular equipment that offers better levels of reliability, fewer critical points of failure and, therefore, are safer than existing ones. In addition, this equipment has a more efficient energy performance and lower maintenance costs.
In relation to air conditioning, this project involves the installation of 4 new refrigeration equipment, which adjust to the thermal needs of the space. The existing facility will remain operational as a back-up in response to security and service continuity aspects in these spaces.
Beneficios esperados:
Annual energy savings:
275 Mwh/año
Savings in annual CO2 emissions:
96,25 Tn de CO₂ / year
Carbon footprint calculation
Replacement of the taps in the toilets of the City of Justice
Due to the state of emergency due to the drought in Catalonia, it has been decided to replace 1,151 taps in the toilets of the City of Justice. With this measure, we estimate a 45% reduction in sanitary water consumption.
The Generalitat of Catalonia, as part of its strategy for more sustainable resource management, will reuse replaced faucets, promoting circular economy and reducing waste.
Estimated water savings:
6.500 m3/year
OBJECTIVES / PROJECTS 2026-2028
Replacement of the hot water generation system
URBICSA is working on a project to improve the energy efficiency of the hot water production system in building C of the Ciutat de la Justícia de Barcelona i l’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
The project is based on an analysis of the current operation of the installation, with the aim of optimising energy consumption, reducing operating costs and lowering the associated emissions. The planned lines of action include making better use of the existing solar thermal energy system and adapting the system to actual usage needs.
This initiative forms part of URBICSA’s commitment to a more sustainable, efficient and responsible management of the infrastructures of the Ciutat de la Justícia.
Improvements in the efficiency of the HVAC systems on the floors housing the CJBH duty courts (2026–2027)
URBICSA is working on the design of a project to optimise the HVAC systems in buildings I and F of the Ciutat de la Justícia, on the floors housing the duty courts, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Through the new BMS, the TVJ air dampers are expected to be managed more efficiently, adapting the supply of conditioned air to the actual occupancy of each floor. This improvement will make it possible to reduce unnecessary system operation in unused areas and optimise energy consumption.
With this initiative, URBICSA continues to promote projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and the smart management of the infrastructures it operates.
Modernization and improvement of air conditioners through the RETROFIT system
The Retrofit is based on the #circulareconomy, minimizing the negative effects on the environment through the modernization of equipment and/or components.
It is worth highlighting the replacement of old fans with others with EC technology, which comply with the most efficient energy standards, with a saving of 30% in costs related to electricity consumption.
PAST PROJECTS
Solar panelsSelf-consumption photovoltaic installation without surpluses
Average annual generation:
Savings in annual emissions:
209 Tn CO₂ equ.
Electric chargers
Recently, 4 new electric vehicle chargers have been added to the 6 already existing, with a maximum charging power of 22 Kw, and with a balancing system.
Scooter and bicycle racks
Lockers have been installed in the car park to facilitate the storage and recharging of electric scooters. At the same time, a space has been set up for bicycle parking. All at a very reasonable price.
Recycling
Urbicsa recycles in all its offices and maintains strict control and supervision protocols for the recycling of all waste from its maintenance activity.
During the year 2023,
the following have been treated:
51.86 tons of waste.
Energy Management System
( SGE )
A computer program has been implemented for the monitoring and follow-up of energy consumption. This system allows detailed management of the use of electrical and thermal energy, as well as water consumption. In addition, it provides valuable data for decision-making regarding improvements and upgrades to existing infrastructures.
Photovoltaic installation in building D
This project includes the installation of 76 photovoltaic modules with a total installed area of 196 m2 and a peak power of 45 Kw.
Results and benefits:
Average annual generation:
51,21 Mwh/year
Savings in annual emissions:
17,92 Tn CO₂ equ.
ENERGY CERTIFICATIONS GOT BY URBICSA
EMAS
Urbicsa obtains the EMAS Certificate (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) issued by the European Union. Voluntary environmental management system established by the European Union (EU), for those organizations that want to improve their environmental performance and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Validation/renewal of the Environmental Declaration
(EMAS-ISO 14001:2015)
Validation/renewal of the Environmental Declaration (EMAS-ISO 14001:2015) by the certifier Bureau Veritas, based on the documentation, data and information evaluated during the verification process, and conforms to the requirements of the European Environmental Management and Audit System EMAS in accordance with: European Regulation (EC) 1221/2009 amended by Regulations (EU) 2017/1505 and (EU) 2018/2026.
Validation/renewal of the Environmental Declaration (EMAS-ISO 14001:2015) by the certifier Bureau Veritas on 22/07/2024, based on the documentation, data and information evaluated during the verification process, and conforms to the requirements of the European Environmental Management and Audit System EMAS in accordance with: European Regulation (EC) 1221/2009 amended by Regulations (EU) 2017/1505 and (EU) 2018/2026.
Validation/renewal of the Environmental Declaration (EMAS-ISO 14001:2015) by the certifier Bureau Veritas on 22/07/2024, based on the documentation, data and information evaluated during the verification process, and conforms to the requirements of the European Environmental Management and Audit System EMAS in accordance with: European Regulation (EC) 1221/2009 amended by Regulations (EU) 2017/1505 and (EU) 2018/2026
We are currently in the midst of an audit process and are attaching the submitted environmental statement.
Environmental Quality Label
Urbicsa obtains the Environmental Quality Label issued by the Generalitat de Catalunya for its premises and offices building. This badge, which demonstrates Urbicsa’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, guarantees compliance with specific requirements in aspects such as the efficient use of natural resources, proper waste management, reduction of polluting emissions and the adoption of practices with the environment.
