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
From the beginning of the concession until 2023, various actions have been carried out that have significantly reduced the electricity consumption of the judicial facilities. Specifically, consumption has decreased from 24,922 MWh in 2010 to 13,550 MWh in 2023. This energy saving has had a positive impact on the reduction of CO₂ emissions, which have been reduced by 3,980 tons of equivalent CO₂ per year.
Currently, several projects are being developed with the aim of continuing to reduce electricity consumption in the City of Justice. These initiatives aim to reach a consumption of 11,208 MWh/year by 2026, which will also result in an additional decrease of 820 tons of CO₂ per year.
In summary, these actions demonstrate a continuous commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in the buildings of the City of Justice.
MOST RELEVANT ACTIONS CARRIED OUT DURING THE LAST YEAR
Solar panelsSelf-consumption photovoltaic installation without surpluses
Average annual generation:
Savings in annual emissions:
209 Tn CO₂ equ.
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.
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.
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 2024-2026
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.
Replacement of general lighting with LED technology
This project aims to replace 24,500 fluorescent screens in all the buildings of the City of Justice with more efficient LED technology, which will allow electricity savings of 50% in the lighting circuit.
Expected Benefits:
Annual energy savings:
1.470 Mwh
Savings in annual emissions:
515 Tn de CO₂
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.
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
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)
Validation/renewal of the Environmental Declaration (EMAS) 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
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.
