Joaquín Villar Rodríguez from the Andalusian Energy Agency explains how the autonomous region in the south of Spain can serve as an example to the rest of Europe
How did the European PISCA project come about and how can cities across the continent better prepare for extreme temperatures, conserve energy, reduce costs and insulate their buildings?
Euronews spoke with Joaquín Villar Rodríguez from the Andalusian Energy Agency who explained that the project was inspired by the economic crisis.
"It was important for us to set up programmes to revitalise the [construction] sector and reorientate towards a more sustainable model. The programme was digitally implemented in its entirety. It has the support of more than 8,000 collaborating companies.
"Not only do these businesses do the work, but they also manage these incentives on behalf of the beneficiary.
"Following the PICSA programme, we launched new aid campaigns, extending the scope of action from sustainable construction to other areas such as transport or smart grids. The companies that worked with PICSA expanded and took on other sectors linked to energy efficiency in different cities.
"The future lies in continuing to promote energy conservation, not only in buildings but also within the urban environment. We must take advantage of all the opportunities offered, integrate renewable energies and improve energy supply networks. Public buildings, in this case, are a benchmark and must lead the change towards more energy-efficient policies and, in general, achieve Europe’s objective - to be carbon neutral by 2050".