a city committed to the environment Environment report 2018 Introduction This report addresses the state of the environment in The aim of this report is not to provide an exhaustive presented in different ways, depending on the type of Barcelona through eleven thematic chapters. compilation of all the activities carried out but to high- measure in question. light the most significant ones over the past five years, Each chapter defines the future vision of the city in terms either because this allows us to understand the current The information corresponds primarily to the activities of each specific theme, providing a background picture situation and how we intend to achieve the objectives of Barcelona City Council, although, given many aspects and the current situation with a series of indicators. The set, because they have led to progress in environmental of the environment are outside the City Council’s pow- measures implemented over the past five years and matters, because they are innovative or because they ers, actions involving other public authorities such as which have contributed to the current position are also have had a big impact and led to good practices. These the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, the Barcelona Provin- outlined, as are those already planned or which are ex- include original, unique and flagship measures that can cial Council or the Government of Catalonia have also pected to be applied in the near future, enabling us to also serve as an inspiration to other cities. Maintaining been included. move towards our vision for the future. the format of the previous report, the measures are Types of measures Planning and management Tools and actions in general Cooperation, international work Improving knowledge, information, and the exchange of experiences participation and empowerment Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Introduction 2 2017 Barometer Territory 02º 07’ 31’’ E longitude 102,158,777 m2 28.35 km2 of surface area of green space 41º 25’ 10’’ N latitude 158.7 inhab./ha 9 m high density 4,780 m of beaches Climate 16.4 ºC annual average 969.6 hPa on average 518 mm total 33.8 ºC maximum 985.6 hPa maximum 100.2 mm/day -0.8 ºC minimum 941.3 hPa maximum precipitation minimum 123 days of rain 2,607.9 hours 73% relative humidity 17 days of storms of sun per year Population 1,620,809 inhabitants 84.3 anys 4,793,592 life expectancy (2016) 9,065,650 tourists inhabitants in the metropolitan area (2016) 8.5 birth rate (2016) 19,162,580 overnight stays 22,5% foreign population 9.4 death rate (2016) Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Introduction 3 Social 19,335 €/year 19.2% 91.2% 85.4% indicators disposable household at risk of poverty finish secondary homes with income per capita education Internet access (2015-2016) Economic 47,600 11.6% 80.2% 74.4% indicators GDP per capita Base 2010 unemployment activity rate employment rate (4th quarter) rate Environmental 17.45 m2/inhab. 15,614 GWh 108.3 l/inhab./day indicators of green space total power consumption (2016) domestic water consumption 2013 – 18,1 m2/inhab. 2013 - 16.609 GWh 2013 – 108,4 l/inhab./day 799,981 tonnes 36% 8.2 million of solid urban waste (2018) selective waste collection journeys per day 74,4% ecomobility (public transport + bicycle + on foot) 2013 – 730.285 tonnes 2013 – 36,2% 64,2% internal journeys 35,8% connecting journeys 42 micrograms/m3 25 micrograms/m3 Public transport of NO2 on average per year of particles (PM10) on average Bicycle per year 2013 – 40 micrograms/m3 On foot 2013 – 24 micrograms/m3 Private vehicle 83,1% 59% ecomobility ecomobility Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Introduction 4 Contents Energy and climate Resilience and adapting Mobility and urban Urban greenery Sustainable Local air change mitigation to climate change transport and biodiversity land use quality 6 19 32 47 63 77 Acoustic quality Waste prevention Water Cycle Greening municipal Co-responsibility 89 and management 115 activities 143 100 129 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Introduction 5 7 Summary infographic 8 1.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 9 1.2 General context and current situation 9 1.2.1 Reduction in energy consumption, despite current stabilisation 10 1.2.2 Continued growth in the generation of local renewable and residual energy 11 1.2.3 Reduction of emissions throughout all sectors 11 1.2.4 More climate change, more energy poverty, more climate justice 12 1.3 Measures adopted to move towards the energy transition and Energy and climate mitigate climate change 12 1.3.1 Commitment and planning in the transition towards carbon neutral cities change mitigation 13 1.3.2 Tools for facilitating the rational use of energy in buildings, homes and public space 15 1.3.3 Promoting the generation of local, green energy 15 1.3.4 Extending the energy culture to involve citizens in the change 17 1.4 Future goals and measures Barcelona tackles climate change Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 6 Energy and Current climate situation Final energy change consumption mitigation (2016) Self-sufficiency 15,614 9.71 2012 2016 GWh MWh per capita 2.08 % 2.65 % Vision of the future Becoming a carbon 2012 2016 neutral city CO2-e 2.28 2.18 emissions tCO2-e per capita tCO2-e per capita Lines of action Generation of renewable, Commitment to becoming a carbon local energy “Public Energy culture “Citizen neutral city “Adhesion to the Energy saving and electricity distributor” climate projects” “Map of Covenant of Mayors for Climate & efficiency “Home “Solar generation for energy resources” “Energy Energy” “Climate Plan” “Barcelona renovations” “Renewal of municipal buildings and advice points” “Energy Climate Commitment” lighting” “Electric vehicles” public spaces” saving marathon” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 7 1.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Vision of the future In the transition towards a sustainable energy model that makes it possible to mitigate climate change, Barcelona has harnessed the opportunities provided by certain aspects inherent to the city, such as its mild climate, but it still faces outstanding and emerging Barcelona wants to become a challenges. carbon neutral city by 2050 and, as part of this transition, it has set Barcelona, a compact, dense and Mediterranean city. On the one hand, these characteristics facilitate low ratios of energy the goal of reducing greenhouse consumption per inhabitant compared to other cities. On the other, given the lack of large spaces, the use of roofs and terraces gas (GHG) emissions per capita is key in generating renewable, local energy. between 2005 and 2030 by 45%. To this end, the city is promoting The low renewability of Barcelona’s energy mix. Almost all the primary energy consumed in the city is from fossil or nuclear its own energy model based on fuels, and renewable energy accounts for just 7.83% of all energy. This energy model therefore has obvious limits: economic (high savings, efficiency and harnessing energy prices, existing limitation on resources), social (inequality and energy poverty) and environmental (air pollution and GHG renewable, local resources to pro- emissions that cause climate change) limits. gress towards self-sufficiency and Emissions remain high. Total energy consumption and GHG emissions in Barcelona have decreased in recent years, in large energy sovereignty, reducing its part due to the economic crisis and the increase in energy prices. However, as the 2015 and 2016 data shows, energy consump- external energy dependency and tion and the generation of emissions have increased again as a result of the economic recovery and, in particular, on account of improving the environmental qual- the upturn in mobility, a trend that is expected to increase in the coming years. There is therefore a need to spread a new energy ity of the urban area. Furthermore, culture that uncouples economic growth from energy consumption. it places residents at the centre of energy and climate change policies Climate justice: more vulnerable individuals and more energy poverty. Climate change and its effects can lead to an and provides them with more de- increase in the price of basic supplies and change energy and water consumption patterns, which may enhance vulnerability in cision-making capacity and power, terms of energy poverty. In addition, given the demographic and socio-economic dynamics in the city, the vulnerable population particularly in terms of self-suffi- is expected to increase because there will be more households with dependent children and more single-person households, ciency. while migratory movements will grow and the ageing process will be more evident. Municipal action in terms of energy is limited. Given the framework of local government powers, municipal action is fo- cussed mainly on aspects related with local energy management (promoting energy saving, energy efficiency and demand man- agement in the municipal sphere and across the city), on generating renewable energy at local level, prioritising self-generation and self-sufficiency, and working on ensuring basic supplies while spreading the energy culture among the general public. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 8 1.2 General context and current situation For many years Barcelona has worked to combat and energy consumption further still and minimise fossil fuel 19% in recent years, from 19,263 GWh in 2005 to 15,614 respond to the effects of climate change. Efforts have dependency, as only 7.83% of the primary energy con- GWh in 2016, returning to the 1999 value of 15,943 GWh. therefore been made to adopt international and local sumed in the city is from renewable sources. Thus, the However, it is worth pointing out the increase between commitments such as approving strategic measures energy transition towards clean, renewable and local en- 1999 and 2005, when consumption levels peaked. The and plans that seek to mitigate the effects of climate ergy sources is essential. economic crisis and the rise in energy prices have contrib- change. uted in a large measure to the implementation of ener- gy-saving actions and good practices previously not con- With the Barcelona Energy, Climate Change and Air Qual- 1.2.1 Reduction in energy sidered. This shows there is a clear correlation between ity Plan (2011-2020) X , the city established a roadmap energy consumption and the socio-economic context. to reduce GHG emissions by 23% per capita between consumption, despite current 2008 and 2020. The Climate Plan goes even further and stabilisation The evolution of energy intensity in Barcelona demon- seeks to reduce emissions by 45% per capita by 2030. strates that the city has been capable of consuming less However, to achieve this objective we need to reduce Final energy consumption in Barcelona has decreased by energy per euro generated, from 261.56 Wh/€ in 1999, to 20.000 14,00 18.000 12,00 Energy 16.000 consumption 14.000 10,00 and emissions 12.000 8,00 10.000 8.000 6,00 Total emissions (thousand tonnes CO2-e) 6.000 4,00 E missions per capita ( tonnes CO2-e/inhab.) 4.000 Total consumption (GWh) 2,00 2.000 Consumption per capita (MWh/inhab.) 0 0,00 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 9 GWh and thousand tonnes CO2-e MWh/inhab. and tonnes CO2-e/inhab. F ossil fuels H ydropower and other renewables Total primary 67,81% 4,65% energy Wind consumption N uclear 24,36% 2,48% in 2016 R enewables Solar 7,83% 0,45% M unicipal and industrial waste 0,24% 205.19 Wh/€ in 2016. Furthermore, there have been signs and renewables for just 7.83%. As regards the form, 1.2.2 Continued growth in the that energy consumption and economic growth are not 41.23% of the energy consumed in Barcelona was elec- generation of local renewable and as closely associated as they used to be. tricity, 30.62% natural gas, 27.29% automotive fuel and 0.86% liquefied petroleum gas (LGP). With regard to the residual energy Likewise, it is expected to increase in the coming years source of electricity, 56.29% of what we consume comes on account of the economic recovery. In fact, energy from nuclear power, 25.62% from fossil fuels and the re- In 2016, 413.37 GWh were generated using renewa- consumption increased again in 2015 and 2016, reach- maining 18.09% from renewable sources. ble sources and harnessing local residual energy. This ing 15,842 GWh and 15,614 GWh, respectively. There is amount of energy accounted for 2.65% of all energy therefore a need to spread a new energy culture that A total of 27,624 GWh of primary energy were required consumed in the city that year (15,614 GWh). However, uncouples economic growth from energy consumption. to provide the 15,614 GWh of final energy that Barcelona this is not enough: the energy self-sufficient index has consumed in 2016. That means only 57% of the primary grown significantly since 2003 and each year it grows The sectors that consumed most energy in the city (2016) energy was transformed into useful final energy. Or, to even more. were commerce and services (34.02%), followed closely put it another way, 43% of the primary energy was lost by the transport (27.30%) and domestic (27.17%) sectors, in generation and transport. Therefore, we also need to The main source of renewable and residual energy is the then industry (10.85%) and other sectors (0.65%). increase the efficiency of these processes with more suit- recovery of solid urban waste at the Sant Adrià de Besòs able technologies, an aspect that directly depends on the plant (53.0%) and thermal solar power (20.1%). Fossil fuels accounted for 67.81% of the total primary en- big power stations. ergy consumption in 2016, nuclear for a further 24.36% Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 10 Currently, Barcelona has photovoltaic generation sys- all due to the increase in the share of tourism consump- 1.2.4. More climate change, more tems in public buildings and on pergolas and dividing tion and commercial activity linked to that), they have energy poverty, more climate justice walls, which means an installed power of 2,078 kWp that remained very stable in the domestic and transport sec- generates almost 2,570 MWh/year, equivalent to the tors, while falling in industry. consumption of 1,116 households and a saving of 825 Currently, 10.6% of Barcelona’s population suffers from tonnes of CO2-e emissions. energy poverty, which translates to around 69,500 homes. That means 9.4% of the population cannot main- tain their household at an adequate temperature during 1.2.3 Reduction of emissions the cold months, while 14.5% say they are behind with utility payments and 9.2% say the have leaks and damp throughout all sectors Transport in their home. 30,6% In 2016, Barcelona emitted a total of 3,512,512 tonnes Services Furthermore, it is expected that climate change will see of CO2-e, which comes to 2.18 tonnes of CO -e per 19,5% 2 an increase in the cost of water, energy and foodstuffs, capita, well below the emissions recorded in 1999, D omestic which will make access to these basic resources even which came to 3.20 tonnes of CO2-e. From then on, 19% more difficult. Given the demographic and socio-eco- there was an upward trend until 2005, when it reached nomic dynamics in the city, the vulnerable population 3.14 tonnes of CO -e, after which we saw the start of a P ort and airport 2 12,6% is also expected to increase because there will be more downward trend. households with dependent children and more sin- Municipal waste gle-person households, while migratory movements will treatment CO -e emissions These emissions are mainly generated by the trans- 2 9,9% by sectors grow and the ageing process will be more evident. port sector (30%), followed by the commerce and ser- vices sector (19%) and the domestic sector (19%). The I ndustry As a result, these factors may lead to an increase in 8,1% remainder is split between the port and airport (13%), energy poverty and make the situation worse. Climate municipal waste treatment (10%), industry (8%) and O ther justice must therefore be encouraged and the most vul- others. 0,3% nerable placed at the centre of climate policies in order to ensure everybody can keep their homes at a healthy However, since 1999, emissions in the various sectors temperature (18-20ºC in winter and 25ºC in summer) have not followed the same trend. While they have in- and has access to minimum amounts of drinking water creased in the commercial and service sectors (above (100 litres per person per day). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 11 1.3 Measures adopted to move towards the energy transition and mitigate climate change Barcelona, on the way to becoming a carbon neutral Barcelona has gone even further and committed to re- city, has implemented energy saving and efficiency ducing its emissions by 45%. measures, promoted renewable, local energy genera- tion and encouraged public participation. Beyond the European Union, the two main global initia- tives at a city and local government level have been com- bined to make progress with the transition towards a 1.3.1 Commitment and planning low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, and demon- As a result, Barcelona joins cities like London, Paris strate the global impact of local action: the Compact of in the transition towards carbon and New York, which have promoted a wide range of Mayors, signed in 2015 and the Covenant of Mayors. Bar- climate change actions. neutral cities celona signed up to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in 2016, and has recently obtained Adhesion to the Covenant of Mayors for the stamp of absolute approval in terms of all objectives. With regard to mitigation, to reduce levels of CO2-e by Climate & Energy 40% per capita compared to the levels of 2005. On 31 March 2017, Barcelona adhered to the new cov- Barcelona Climate Commitment With regard to adaptation, to increase the urban green enant that merged previous European climate change space by 1.6 km2, in other words, 1 m2 per resident. mitigation and adaptation initiatives, known as the Cov- Coinciding with the Paris United Nations Climate Change enant of Mayors, signed in 2008, and the Mayors Adapt, Conference, at the end of 2015 Barcelona presented its signed in 2014. collective action commitment X, supported by more Transition to energy sovereignty than one thousand companies, citizen organisations Following its adhesion, Barcelona City Council has been and schools associated with the More Sustainable Bar- In 2016, Barcelona presented the government measure committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions per celona network and the City Council itself, to help re- “Transition towards Energy Sovereignty” X , as part of capita 40% by 2030, compared to 2005, and draw up duce emissions and adapt to climate change with the which it set out its commitment to making progress to- a sustainable energy and climate action plan (SECAP). following targets for 2030: wards all energy being renewable, with zero emissions However, on account of the Catalan Climate Change Act, and democratically accessible to everybody. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 12 This energy transition is based on implementing energy 2018 -2020 Comprehensive Lighting saving and efficiency measures, such as building reno- Renovation Plan vation; measures to increase local, renewable energy generation, such as taking advantage of roofs and roof In recent years, efforts have been made to improve light- terraces; and measures to ensure energy supplies, such ing levels, energy efficiency and functional intelligence. as setting up a public electricity distributor. Actions have Electricity consumption by the public lighting system also been established to promote the energy culture has decreased by focussing on 10% of the system, which amongst the players involved and educate the public to translates to around 13,000 light points and promoting get them involved in the change. autonomous lighting, which generates its own electrici- ty. Traffic lights have also been replaced and the network The measures implemented in 2017 generated sav- has been renovated by installing LED technology. Under 1.3.2 Tools for facilitating the rational ings of 1.8 GWh/year, equivalent to the annual con- this new plan, work is planned on 200 streets and 10,000 sumption of 780 families, while 280 MWh/year were new LED lights are due to be installed, which represents use of energy in buildings, homes generated, equivalent to the annual consumption of energy saving of approximately 3,620 MWh/year, equiv- and public space 120 families. alent to the electricity consumption of 1,550 families. Housing renovation grant programme Plan for Energy Saving and Improvements in Vehicle energy diversification Municipal Buildings (PEMEEM) As part of the 2016-2019 Urban Renovation Strategy, Barcelona City Council is committed to vehicle energy the 2017 call for housing renovation grant applications Energy consumption associated with municipal build- diversification and, more specifically, the use of electric promoted actions aimed at power generation and ener- ings and facilities accounts for 56% of the consumption vehicles in the city. To that end, Barcelona has 450 free gy saving, subsidising up to 60% of the cost of installing associated with municipal activities (282 GWh/year). So public charging stations, of which 125 are specifically for photovoltaic or thermal solar panels and 50% of the cost taking action there is key. Actions to reduce energy con- motorbikes and 17 are fast charging stations. Likewise, of actions to improve energy overall. Along the same sumption, increase energy efficiency and include renew- free parking is also available in green and blue zones for lines, the 2018 call promoted actions aimed at increasing able energy in municipal buildings are included in this electric vehicle users in addition to a 75% rebate on motor energy efficiency and energy production, with grants of plan. vehicle tax. up to 50%. The PEMEEM also monitors public space development This commitment is reflected internally in the council’s projects to ensure they take advantage of local renewa- own fleet: 24% are electric vehicles (703), 20% are gas ble and residual energy sources. powered (584) and 7% are hybrid (208). That means 51% Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 13 of the total fleet is made up of low-emission vehicles. As imise generation. In the case of public spaces, both 1.3.3 Promoting the generation of regards the city’s buses, 35% run on natural gas, 19% are new developments and redevelopments, minimum local, green energy hybrid and 4 are electric (2018 data). demand is required for power consuming elements (minimum consumption) and power generating ele- Technical instructions for the application of ments, such as solar panel pergolas, must be included sustainability criteria as far as possible provided that resources are availa- Creating a public electricity distributor ble. As part of the “More Sustainable City Council” pro- Barcelona Energia X has supplied 100% renewable en- gramme, in 2015 the Council drew up 12 sets of technical As regards vehicles, procuring electric vehicles has ergy from nearby sources (with a certificate of origin) to instructions X that must be followed in the acquisition been made a priority. the City Council’s buildings, infrastructures and facilities and procurement of groups of goods and services de- and those of its dependent bodies, in addition to the city’s fined as priorities, in response to and in compliance with public lighting system, since July 2018. From 2019, facilities the Government Measure on Responsible Public Pro- First Barcelona energy saving marathon in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and the residents of curement with Social and Environmental Criteria (2013). the city and the Metropolitan Area as a whole are also due The following environmental criteria have also been es- In February 2018, a total of 47 public buildings and in- to be offered this service, covering up to a maximum of tablished with regard to energy: frastructures in Barcelona took part in the first energy 20,000 homes. saving marathon X to make people more aware of the 100% of electricity supplied must be certified as green need to reduce energy consumption under the “More Programme to promote solar power electricity with a guarantee of origin. Sustainable City Council” programme and the Plan for generation in Barcelona Energy Saving and Improvements in Municipal Buildings. For organising events, criteria have been established In order to achieve the objective of doubling solar power to promote sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. Thanks to the actions carried out over the course of the generation in municipal buildings and increase private month, such as using half the volume of toilet tanks, tak- generation by 10%, as established in the “Transition to- For public works projects, both in public spaces and ing stairs instead of using lifts or setting a heating sys- wards Energy Sovereignty” measure, the Programme construction, maximum energy self-sufficiency crite- tem temperature in advance, participating infrastruc- to Promote Solar Power Generation in Barcelona sets ria have been established. In the case of buildings, cri- tures and buildings managed to reduce gas expenditure out activities to be performed between 2017 and 2019. teria have been established in accordance with an en- by 20.21%, water expenditure by 14.77% and electricity They focus on putting solar panels on public and private ergy protocol so that all new municipal buildings and expenditure by 5.74%. This is equivalent to the monthly roofs and terraces across the city and in public spaces, large-scale renovations must be designed to consume energy consumption of 1,083 four-person families and on converting or installing urban features that can be low amounts of energy (minimum demand) and max- almost two Olympic swimming pools. converted into power generators, through public and private investment. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 14 There are currently around 60 municipal buildings with 1.3.4 Extending the energy culture E4: Plug into energy saving and efficiency photovoltaic generation systems and 16 pergola gener- to involve citizens in the change Passive reform and active awareness for combating ators have been installed in parks and squares. Solar energy poverty power systems have also been installed in sports facil- Mosaic roofs. Making our roof terraces sustainable ities such as Can Ricart and Can Caralleu. In addition, Safe school paths 10 more infrastructures are being installed on existing City residents climate projects Cycling to work buildings and a further 17 are about to be tendered. Green Point 2.0 As a result of the Barcelona Climate Commitment, teams Sarrià zero waste The Map of photovoltaic energy generation X in mu- comprising different organisations participating in More Let’s Stand Together Against Climate Change nicipal buildings and spaces makes it possible to con- Sustainable Barcelona were created, with a view to im- #CompromísPelClima campaign sult municipal buildings, pergolas and dividing walls that plementing citizen projects that promote the reduc- generate solar power, in addition to the energy they pro- tion of GHG emissions, the city’s adaptation to climate To continue stimulating citizen action, a call for subsi- duce, the number of homes they are capable of power- change and climate justice. The new projects associated dies for citizen projects that fight climate change was ing, CO2-e savings, etc. with the Commitment are: launched in 2018. These subsidies seek to support pro- jects that promote mitigating and adapting to climate change and provide them with funds through energy efficiency and saving actions, increasing the use of re- newable energy, sustainable mobility, agricultural and green spaces, waste prevention, etc. and that contribute to achieving the Commitment goals. A total of 49 projects were submitted to this first call, with the 11 most noteworthy receiving total subsidy of €200,000. Energy resource map Many of Barcelona’s buildings have suitable conditions for installing power generation equipment on their roof The pergola in Plaça del Centre, in Les Corts, supplies 70% of the energy needs of the square’s lights. terraces. To raise awareness of all this potential, the City Council has created the Barcelona energy resource Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 15 map X, where it is possible to consult energy potential public on processing social bonds, grants for improving based on the resource in question (photovoltaic solar, energy efficiency in the home and cutting utility bills. thermal solar or mini wind) and information is provided on the potential power that can be generated, savings Tools and resources for increasing the energy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the estimat- culture ed installation cost. Thus, people can consult the ener- gy resource that would be best suited to their roof. The As part of the “Carrega’t d’energia” X programme, the Practical Self-Consumption Installations Guide X has Council has set up a virtual tool to calculate how much also been published. energy is consumed in the home and how to reduce consumption and improve energy efficiency in the home: the energy calculator X . The Fàbrica del Sol Creation of energy advice points environmental education centre also holds workshops to educate the public on the energy transition, such as Barcelona has ten energy advice points (PAEs) X spread “Breaking down gas and electricity bills”, “Measures for across the city. These points offer the information, assis- improving energy in the home” and “Renewable energy tance and advice needed for people to exercise their en- in the home”. ergy rights. In addition, advice is offered to the general In 2017, the energy advice points received over 6,000 visits. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 16 1.4 Future goals and measures In response to the commitment the city made by adher- date of the mobile park, etc.) and the electric mix pro- In terms of emissions, the trend scenario takes into ac- ing to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy in posed by the Catalan Climate Change Act; and the action count the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and 2017, Barcelona has drawn up a Climate Plan X , a new scenario, which also takes into account the application a significant increase in renewable energy, as established roadmap to tackle climate change up to 2030. of Climate Plan measures. by the Catalan Climate Change Act. This would result in the emission factor associated with electricity generation In the trend scenario, energy consumption is expected to increasing and GHG emissions growing by 17.70% to 2.52 2018-2030 Barcelona Climate Plan increase by 0.14% per year. However, given the expected tonnes CO2-e/inhab. In 2030. In contrast, by applying the increase in population, it is expected that consumption Climate Plan actions, it is expected that per capita emis- To analyse the future evolution of energy consumption per inhabitant will reduce from 9.71 to 9.52 MWh/inhab. sions will be reduced by 18.22% compared to the figures and emissions in Barcelona to 2030, two scenarios have In contrast, by applying the Climate Plan measures it is recorded for 2016 (and 45% compared to 2005). been defined: the trend scenario, which takes into ac- hoped that consumption per inhabitant will be reduced count the expected performance of different contextual by 29.48%, which is equivalent to an annual fall in energy By applying the measures set out in the Climate Plan, it will factors (population, GDP, mobility, distribution and up- consumption of 2.46%. be possible to break the present consumption and emis- 2024-2027 2030 4 Closure of 50% Renewables In the action 3.14 nuclear stations -27% less energy consumption scenario, we 3 achieve the 2.52 2.14 reduction targets 2 1.75 20 years earlier 1.75 T rend than in the trend scenario 1 0.62 A ction 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 17 tCO2-e/inhab./year sion dynamic and reach 2050 with neutral levels. If the Saving 130,000 tonnes of CO2-e in the collection and Climate Plan is not implemented, in 2050 the trend sce- treatment of waste. nario would put us in the situation we foresee being in by rolling it out in 2030. In other words, we advance 20 years. The Plan also sets the target of zero energy poverty and Also, not implementing the Plan would mean the efforts achieving 100% of net financing. required would be greater, more costly and less fair. In terms of energy and mitigation, joint action seeks to To achieve these goals, the Plan defines energy saving, effi- The Climate Plan establishes strategic goals and measures make Barcelona a completely carbon neutral city by 2050 ciency and self-generation measures in buildings, facilities in the short-term (2018-2020) and in the medium to long and reduce GHG emissions per capita by 45% compared and developed spaces; low-emission transport and mobil- term (2021-2030) structured around four strategic pillars: to 2005 by: ity services; urban activities with a reduced impact on the mitigation, adaptation and resilience, climate justice and city’s metabolism and its urban services; and awareness promoting citizen actions. To achieve these, the Plan fea- Reducing travel by private motor vehicles by 20%. raising, empowerment and occupancy measures. tures eighteen lines of action divided into five different areas: Increasing solar power generation fivefold. People first: the well-being of residents. Carrying out energy renovation in 20% of residential buildings that are more than 40 years old and renovat- Starting at home: improving efficiency in buildings. ing 94,000 homes, prioritising those belonging to vul- nerable families and those at risk of social exclusion. Transforming communal spaces: transforming public spaces into healthy, biodiverse, efficient and in- Reducing the 7% of GHG emissions associated with clusive settings. the energy consumption of municipal buildings and facilities. Climate economy: uncoupling the quality of people’s lives from economic growth, with a circular vision that Procuring 100% low-carbon public transport buses, makes the most of resources and avoids generating taxis and municipal fleets by 2025. waste and emissions. Having 95% of the population at less than 300 m from Building together: in collaboration with an informed, a bike lane by 2018. critical, proactive and empowered citizenry. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Energy and climate change mitigation 18 20 Summary infographic 21 2.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 22 2.2 General context and current situation 22 2.2.1 What will Barcelona’s climate be like in the future? 23 2.2.2 The main effects of climate change on Barcelona 24 2.2.3 Other impacts that climate change has 25 2.2.4 The Barcelona resilience model Resilience 26 2 .3 Measures implemented to make progress on resilience and adapting to climate change and adapting to 26 2.3.1 Improving knowledge and governance climate change 27 2.3.2 Working with city networks to exchange experiences 27 2.3.3 Planning to minimise impacts caused by climate change 29 2.3.4 Progressing with the Climate Plan in terms of rolling out adaptation actions 30 2.4 Future goals and measures Barcelona adapts to the risks and impacts of climate change Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 19 Committed scenario Resilience Current and situation Climate change + 1.6 ºC by 2050 - 14 % Sea level adapting to Main + 1.7 ºC rainfall by 2100 + 46-115 cm impacts by 2100 climate change Passive scenario + 2 ºC by 2050 - 26 % Sea level + 3 ºC rainfall by 2100 + 64-133 cm by 2100 Vision of the future Becoming a resilient city Main capable of challenges Heat waves Droughts Floods Shrinking beaches overcoming current Lines of and future action challenges Worse air Change in energy Loss of quality Heat island effect consumption patterns biodiversity Fires Minimising the impacts of climate change Planning “Climate “Protocol for heat waves” “Guaranteed supply of Plan” “Urban resources” “Flood management” “Conservation Adaptation resilience strategy” of vulnerable species” “Climate refuges” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 20 2.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Managing the resilience and adaptation to climate change of a complex urban system like Barcelona involves overcoming challenges Vision of the future but also presents opportunities. Barcelona wants to become a Barcelona has been working on becoming a resilient city for years. The city’s approach to urban resilience has evolved over resilient city, capable of facing many years. Initially, plans and projects were defined for specific fields, without permanent instruments for intersectoral coordination. current and future challenges However, after observing a series of critical scenarios (particularly in terms of infrastructures and services), cross-cutting work with all and reducing its vulnerability in the players involved (in the public and private sectors) and a holistic, systemic vision of the city was identified as a key objective. all aspects affecting its citizens’ lives. It wants to be a proactive city Cities are extremely vulnerable to these risks as a result of high density populations and the related services. Specifically, that anticipates risks to ensure the Barcelona has become one of the economic drivers of southern Europe and it is the heart of one of the most populous metropolitan city’s functionality and improve its areas on the continent. That, added to an economy that is heavily geared towards the service sector, has led to a high occupation of response capacity. space, putting a burden on urban services and posing significant challenges as regards ensuring the city’s functionality, as well as the security and quality of life of people living in and visiting the city. To achieve this, the risks posed by Barcelona is at considerable risk on account of its geographic location. Barcelona’s population is exposed to different extreme the main challenges faced by the climate impacts that are a feature of the Mediterranean climate (droughts, heat waves, flooding) but made worse by climate change. city must be analysed. These chal- The large green space of Collserola will be affected by the increased risk of forest fires and drought, which, in turn, may compromise lenges may be socio-economic the guaranteed supply of water, which is basic for the city to function, as well as maintaining its green infrastructure and environmental (lack of access to housing, impact services, among other things. of tourism, etc.), technological (guaranteed supply of basic ser- Heat affects the most vulnerable population. Climate change does not affect everybody in the same way: disadvantaged groups vices, outages in the distribution and the homeless are particularly vulnerable to its effects. More specifically, the elderly are most at risk. It is particularly important to network, etc.) or natural (torren- keep this in mind as the number of elderly residents in the city is gradually growing. Likewise, the death toll amongst infants aged under tial rain, droughts, etc.). Within the one increases by 25% on days of extreme heat. last category, the impact of climate There is a risk that the population will fail to adapt due to a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of climate change, so commu- change on the city must be identi- nication, awareness raising and education activities are key. fied and adaptation measures de- signed, in particular nature-based solutions. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 21 2.2 General context and current situation Urban resilience is the capacity of a city to prevent, or, A more committed scenario (RCP4.5) in which the when faced with unavoidable situations, minimise the 2015 Paris Agreement emission reduction targets are impact of natural and anthropic dangers it is exposed achieved. The concentration of GHGs would be higher Rise in P assive scenario to, whether they be regular episodes or stressful situa- than now at the end of the century but the increase temperature C ommitted scenario tions spread over time, and recover in the shortest pos- would be reduced from 2030 onwards, in order to re- sible time, in order to maintain its essential functions. In strict the maximum rise in the overall temperature to that regard, increasing Barcelona’s resilience will be key 1.5 - 2 ºC. +3ºC CO2 as regards adapting to the effects of climate change, in +2ºC addition to other risks. A more passive scenario (RCP8.5) which represents +1.6ºC +1.7ºC CO2 a situation in which the targets set in Paris are not reached, so the GHG concentrations at the end of the 17.6ºC 2.2.1. What will Barcelona’s climate century would be much higher than present levels. The increase in global temperature would be considerably be like in the future? 2015 2050 2100 higher than 2 ºC. Based on research conducted by the AMB, Barcelona Barcelona currently has an average annual tempera- Fall in rainfall Committed scenario Regional and the Catalan Meteorological Service have ture of 17.6 ºC. If the projected increases in temperature Passive scenario analysed how the climate in the region will change and caused by climate change prove correct, Barcelona may what effects this will have on the city. This analysis has experience a 1.6 ºC increase in average annual temper- focussed on two possible scenarios: ature by the middle of the century and 1.7 ºC by 2100, in 600 mm the case of global emissions being reduced in accord- CO2 ance with the Paris agreements (committed scenarios). -14% This forecast could get worse if the current levels of -26% CO2 emissions continue (passive scenario), producing a 2 ºC temperature increase by the middle of the century and 3 ºC by the end of the century. 2015 2100 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 22 Today 2100 2100 (committed scenario) (passive scenario) 2.2.2. The main effects of climate Heat wave change on Barcelona 1 2 4-5 maximum temperatures heat wave every 4 years heat waves a year heat waves a year > 33.1ºC 3 or more The biggest climate change challenges that Barcelona will consecutive days have to face are: Rising temperatures. In Barcelona, a heat wave is Hot day 22 50 80 hot days a year hot days a year hot days a year considered to be a situation where maximum temper- atures exceed 33.1 ºC for three or more consecutive >30ºC days. By the end of the century, in both the committed x2 x4 and passive scenarios, there is expected to be an in- crease in the days and nights with high temperatures and there are expected to be more heat waves, which Torrid day 1 2,5 8,5 will be more severe and last for longer. torrid day a year torrid days a year torrid days a year >35ºC Based on the most recent heat waves (2012 and 2015), the effect of the increase in temperature, which af- x5 x17 fects the city’s neighbourhoods differently, has been studied and cross-referenced against the vulnerability 38 83 112 associated with risk parameters (population aged over Tropical night tropical night a year tropical nights a year tropical nights a year 75, energy performance of buildings, lack of vegeta- tion and insufficient training). According to the map, >20ºC the city areas most vulnerable to heat waves would x2 x3 be the district of Nou Barris and some parts of the Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts and Eixample districts. Torrid night 1 2,5 6 torrid night a year torrid nights a year torrid nights a year Reduced availability of water. The potential effect of climate change on the water cycle is a slight decrease >25ºC in water resources and, in particular, a more significant x2 x6 variation in the availability of resources, increasing the Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 23 frequency of both droughts and flooding. A reduction ues would be 1.15 m and 1.33m respectively. This may increase exposure to episodes of high temperatures of 12% in surface resources and a reduction of 9% in lead to all the city’s beaches shrinking. In some cases, and heat waves, with more serious consequences. To underground resources are forecast by 2050. On the such as Sant Sebastià, the beach may almost disap- mitigate this effect, increasing greenery is essential on other hand, it is estimated that demand for different pear, whilst others would suffer reductions of 30-46% account of its thermal regulating role. city uses will increase by 4%. There will therefore be an in their surface area. additional need for water, estimated at 18 hm3/year in Energy flows. If we take all the sectors into account Barcelona. and consider there will be no variation as a result of 2.2.3. Other impacts that climate climate change, Barcelona would be capable of reduc- Increased risk of floods. It is expected that climate ing energy consumption by 6.7% in the committed change will have two effects that may have an impact change has scenario and 7.3% in the passive scenario. Despite on the city’s flood potential: the change in rainfall, with the overall reduction, a change in the public’s con- an increase in intensity and more extreme rainfall The impact of climate change has also been analysed sumption patterns is forecast with an increase in the events, and an increase in sea level, which may affect with regard to the following aspects: demand for electricity, mainly due to the need for air the functionality of the sewage system in the event conditioning linked to episodes of high temperatures of extreme events. Given these impacts and the cur- Air quality. The projections made so far show an in- as well as new consumption linked to e-mobility. rent level of impermeability, the system is expected to crease in the annual concentration of the three pollut- overflow at some points under both future scenarios. ants analysed. PM10, NO2 and O3. The increase in the Biodiversity. Global warning and the lengthening of Based on three factors (capacity of the sewage sys- number of days of high concentration would be most drought periods may have an impact on vegetation. tem, slope of the terrain and basin area), the areas significant in terms of PM10 particles (up to 41% in the Plant phenology has already been affected and the most at risk of flooding have been identified as Poble- committed scenario and 60% in the passive scenario). scarcity of water intensifies competition among plants, nou, Eix de la Diagonal, Sant Andreu, Badal and Sant In terms of NO2, the increase would be average in both which may suffer water stress, loss of vitality and great- Antoni. scenarios (22%), with the impact most noticeable in er vulnerability to pests and epidemics. In the case of the summer months. The increase in O3 is expected to fauna, these changes could affect particularly vulner- Shrinking beaches. Given the increase in sea level be low, 12-13%. able species, namely, fish, amphibians and butterflies. and the frequency of extreme events, an increase in In contrast, certain pests (mosquitoes, cockroaches, flooding is forecast along with morphological changes Heat island effect. Currently, the most intense and monk parakeets and rodents) are increasing in num- to the beaches and a greater exposure of port infra- most frequent urban heat-island effect in Barcelona ber, harnessed by the change in climate conditions, in structures. By 2100, the increase in the sea level on occurs at night and during winter. Urban monitoring addition to certain species of mosquito that transmit our coast is expected to remain at 0.46 m under the stations register temperatures up to 3ºC (annual aver- diseases such as dengue fever, Nile fever, Zika or chi- committed scenario and 0.64 m under the passive sce- age) higher than those outside the city but differences kungunya. In general, all these changes could contrib- nario. If we take into account the effect of the tide and of as much as 7 to 8ºC have been observed. Climate ute to the simplification of ecosystems and therefore changes in the wind and atmospheric pressure, the val- change will intensify the heat-island effect, as it will reduce biodiversity. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 24 Forest fires. Climate projections show there will be ience committees develop specific projects to reduce Barcelona into a global city pioneer, with the creation of an increased fire risk in the Mediterranean region. the weaknesses identified. Each improvement project, the Urban Resilience Department in 2014. The Depart- Around Barcelona, there are other factors associat- in addition to defining goals and an action plan for ment, which reports to the Urban Ecology Directorate, ed with human activity, urbanisation processes and achieving them, must establish a monitoring and im- is based on three pillars which constitute its three main changes in land use that bear the main responsibility provement system to assess the corresponding degree lines of action and correspond to the three phases that for fires. Given the rise in temperatures and reduc- of achievement. make up the continuous improvement cycle for creat- tion in rainfall caused by climate change, leading to ing resilience: risk management, through the Operations increased water stress and more highly combustible, The work done has generated a working methodology Centre; risk analysis, through the resilience analysis and there will be an increase in fire risk. The areas with the based on active, coordinated participation by all the pub- information management platform, and risk reduction, biggest risk of fires are mainly on the Barcelona side lic and private sector players involved in reducing risk through the resilience committees. of Collserola (Vallvidrera, Tibidabo i les Planes, Horta, and ensuring the city continues to function and turned Canyelles and Torre Baró). Impact on infrastructures. After the beaches, the sanitation and transport systems are the infrastruc- tures that could be most affected by increased flood- ing risks (river, urban, due to a rise in the sea level or sea storms) or fires. 2.2.4. The Barcelona resilience model Barcelona has been actively working on becoming a more resilient city since 2009, when it began to imple- ment projects to reduce the weaknesses detected in infrastructures and urban services. These weaknesses were made particularly evident in 2007 as a result of a series of critical risks (risk of extreme drought, outages in train services, power outages, etc.) by the resilience committees. Organise in sectoral working groups, resil- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 25 2.3 Measures implemented to make progress on resilience and adapting to climate change The majority of impacts caused by climate change in This analysis was supplemented with a report X iden- To integrate the resilience principles in all city trans- Barcelona are existing phenomena that will get worse. tifying the policies, plans and programmes that the city formation, management and maintenance projects Consequently, for some years now, Barcelona has been was already putting into practice to adapt to climate and processes. actively working on becoming a more resilient city, which change. guarantees the safety and quality of life of all its resi- To reduce the city’s weaknesses through preventive dents by incorporating climate change in city planning Finally, in order to draw up the Climate Plan and in co- actions that eliminate the causes or mitigate the im- and management. operation with Barcelona Regional, the future impact of pact of stresses and disturbances. climate change on the city X has been analysed and the main weaknesses identified. The conclusions of the heat To provide the city with appropriate mechanisms for 2.3.1. Improving knowledge and wave study have been particularly relevant. A heat risk the early detection and evaluation of risks. map has been produced, identifying the most vulnera- governance ble areas considering the population, socio-economic To work on improving the response capacity and min- and urban characteristics of buildings. imising the impact and recovery time. Improving knowledge in terms of resilience and adapting to climate change To provide useful information and tools to assist the Barcelona’s urban resilience strategy decision-making process. As part of the preliminary work for drawing up the Bar- celona Climate Change Adaptation Plan, a benchmark- In 2016, the Council approved the government measure ing exercise was carried out in 2014, generally analysing on urban resilience X that encompasses the principles Resilience Atlas the impacts, effects and challenges facing the city and of the Barcelona resilience model and the series of ac- in particular exhaustively analysing the urban strategies tions that are being carried out within this framework, The Resilience Atlas collates, organises and provides for adapting to climate change of 32 cities worldwide. governed by the following strategic objectives: municipal experts with territorial information on Barce- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 26 lona that is considered as being of general interest, in or- that make it possible to share experiences and informa- der to contribute to improving knowledge of the city and tion, such as the following: Participation in the RESCCUE project facilitating its use as a tool in decision-making processes as well as a basis for future studies. Maps generated by ICLEI with the Cities Adapt, Resilient Cities X, Open Since 2016, Barcelona, along with Bristol and Lisbon, City Council-driven studies and geared towards plan- European Day X. has been taking part in the EU project RESCCUE X, RE- ning, analysing weaknesses, or initiatives for compiling Silience to cope with Climate Change in Urban arEas. descriptive territorial information, among other things, C40, network of cities committed to the fight against This project seeks to improve our knowledge about the will be published in this Atlas. The first content published climate change. Recently, Barcelona also adhered to impact of climate change on urban services, with a mul- in it were the results of the Barcelona Climate Change the Women4Climate X programme. ti-sectoral approach, so cities can prepare for the chal- Impact Study. lenges this poses. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Re- duction (UNISDR), with the “Making Cities Resilient” X Over the course of four years, Barcelona will study the New role of the Operations Centre campaign. impacts generated by climate change, particularly those related to water, and will analyse its impact on the city Since its incorporation into the Urban Resilience Depart- The 100 Resilient Cities X programme, as part of and urban systems, considering possible interdepend- ment, the Operations Centre has become a key element which Barcelona has access to the tools, technical encies and cascade effects. in the resilience creation process. Within this context, it advice and other resources for producing a city resil- takes on a new strategic role as the coordination and ience strategy. communication hub in managing any incidents or critical 2.3.3. Planning to minimise impacts situations the city may face for the various players and The UN-Habitat City Resilience Profiling X pro- operators engaged in managing urban services. gramme, with headquarters in Barcelona, which pro- caused by climate change vides local and national governments with the tools and methods needed to assess weaknesses in urban 2.3.2. Working with city networks to environments that contribute to defining and imple- Heat wave action protocols  menting resilience action plans. In collaboration with exchange experiences this programme, “Barcelona’s experience in resilience” In 2004, Catalonia approved the Action Plan to Prevent the (February 2015) and two Resilience Weeks (March Effects of Heat Waves on Health (POCS) X. Implemented 2016 and November 2018) have been organised as each summer, it enables potential meteorological risk situ- Exchanging knowledge with other cities meeting spaces to reflect on and share knowledge ations to be foreseen as far as possible in advance, which and best practices with cities, experts and the main makes it possible to minimise the negative effects of heat Knowledge is exchanged by participating in international multilateral organisations and bodies that promote waves on health as well as coordinate existing measures projects and networks of cities and multilateral bodies resilience on a global scale. and resources to overcome potential heat waves. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 27 In the PEEM for Heat Waves, the Council includes various Prevention and action plans in the event of measures to protect people who are vulnerable to the con- forest fires sequences of extreme temperatures. The heat wave action protocols are automatically kept at the preventive stage The Forest Fire Prevention Programme (PPIF) in the Bar- from 15 June to 15 September. celona Metropolitan Area works on two main lines: pas- sive prevention and active prevention. The first seeks Staff from the Council’s primary-care social services, to reduce the vulnerability to fire and decrease the like- home-care teams and homeless people care centres lihood of a fire starting by planning and taking action receive information and training. on factors that cause fires through awareness-raising and monitoring campaigns and on the characteristics The general public are informed about what a heat of the land. The second defines a weather warning sys- wave is and general recommendations to avoid their tem with fixed, mobile and immediate intervention ac- Bio-trunk in the Jardí de Petra Kelly, Montjuïc. effects are issued. tivities, plus coordination activities in cooperation with other services. The census of people and families at risk and that of of particular interest to biodiversity, etc. (see Section 4.3.2, vulnerable people are updated. Barcelona also has a municipal emergency action plan “Naturalisation of the city”). (PAEM) for forest fires. This plan includes self-protec- The list of care resources and air-conditioned day cen- tion plans for the ten neighbourhoods located within or tres is updated. around Collserola. These plans establish cooperation Monitoring and control of pests and arbovirosis protocols between local residents and the emergen- Vulnerable people are informed of the steps they cy services to coordinate the necessary actions in the Climate change may facilitate the presence of certain pests, need take to protect themselves from the effects of a event of a fire. such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, monk parakeets and ro- heat wave. dents. To avoid this, comprehensive control measures are Conservation of species vulnerable to climate being implemented, such as applying a water management A 24-hour helpline to provide information to those change policy aimed at reducing or eliminating possible mosquito who call, run in coordination with the medical services sources from public roads and the sewage system; moni- when health problems are detected, goes into service. In Barcelona, there are certain species of fauna that are toring mosquito populations to detect the possible arrival particularly sensitive to climate change (amphibians, but- of invasive mosquitoes and monitoring biting activity in un- terflies, bats, birds, etc.),so various steps are being taken favourable periods to detect a possible change in the sea- to help conserve them: introducing tree pits, naturalising sonality of biting (for example, an increase in temperature). pools, planting more sustainable decorative flora, install- ing new biodiversity structures, creating spaces that are In addition, rising temperatures and humidity variations Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 28 could affect some insect populations and increase the Management of floods using sustainable urban draina- vulnerable, can go and enjoy better conditions. A prelimi- risk of certain arboviruses (such as dengue, yellow fever, ge systems, with the network of underground rainwater nary analysis of the potential of these infrastructures and West Nile, chikungunya and Zika viruses) being transmit- retention tanks (see Section 9.3.5, “Flood risk and run-off green areas suggests that they are distributed relatively ted. Monitoring and control protocols have therefore been management”) homogeneously across the city, with the exception of cer- established. tain areas in Zona Franca, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Eixam- PAEM on indequate drainage/flooding (see Section 9.3.5, “ ple. Currently, work is ongoing to identify all these spaces Thanks to the Mosquito Alert app, anybody can report Flood risk and run-off management”) and the need to enhance the existing services or generate possible tiger mosquito or yellow fever mosquito sightings new ones to guarantee an adequate degree of coverage and their breeding sites in public spaces by submitting a for the entire city (100% of the city less than 10 minutes photo. The photo picks up the GPS position and a team on foot from a climate refuge space). is sent to investigate. Since 2014, a map X has been pub- Actions to guarantee the power supply lished that can be used to query and export all sightings The Climate Plan, the best plan of the major received to date. To guarantee access to basic power services and pre- European cities vent power outages, Barcelona has a power outage spe- Actions to guarantee the water supply and cific PEEM and gas outage specific PEEM for cases in- The Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy has grant- manage flooding volving a public electricity distributor, which features ten ed the “Covenant Cities in the Spotlight” award to Bar- energy advice points and the Programme to Promote celona’s Climate Plan in the major cities category. The Municipal water saving measures (see Section 9.3.1, “Sa- Solar Power Generation, in addition to other measures Climate Plan has been praised for the integrity and ef- ving and efficiency to guarantee the water supply”) (see Chapter 1 “Energy and climate change mitigation”). fectiveness of the process and the importance of taking a general, cross-cutting approach that integrates migra- Raising awareness amongst the population to promote tion, adaptation and climate justice and that seeks in- water saving (see Section 9.3.1, “Saving and efficiency to en- 2.3.4. Progressing with the ter-generational implementation. sure the water supply”) Climate Plan in terms of rolling out Drought Status Protocol (see Section 9.3.1, “Saving and effi- adaptation actions ciency to guarantee the water supply”) Technical Plan for Harnessing Alternative Water Resour- Climate refuge spaces in the city ces (see Section 9.3.2, “Harnessing alternative water resour- ces”) Barcelona has dedicated infrastructures and green spac- es which, if a heat event occurs, can serve as climate ref- uges, i.e. a place where residents, particularly the most Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 29 2.4 Future goals and measures Although Barcelona has been working towards becoming People first: the well-being of residents. To decrease vulnerability and increase the city’s resil- a resilient city and adapting to the impacts resulting from ience to the undesirable effects of climate change, the climate change for a number of years, as can be seen in Starting at home: improving efficiency in buildings. Climate Plan has set the following targets for 2030: the large variety of measures that have been implement- ed, the city now as two instruments that will enable it Transforming communal spaces: transforming pub- Increase green space by 1.6 km2 (1 m2 more green- to integrally manage resilience and adaptation to climate lic spaces into healthy, biodiverse, efficient and inclu- ery per current inhabitant) and achieve 34,100 m2 of change. sive settings. green roofs, walls and façades. Climate economy: uncoupling the quality of people’s Increase tree cover by 5% (2037). 2018-2030 Barcelona Climate Plan lives from economic growth, with a circular vision that makes the most of resources and avoids generating Increase adapted tree species from 30% to 40%. In response to the commitment the city made by adher- waste and emissions. ing to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy in Have 100% of the population at least 10 minutes on 2017, Barcelona has drawn up a Climate Plan X, a new Building together: in collaboration with an informed, foot from a climate shelter (facilities and urban parks roadmap to tackle climate change up to 2030. critical, proactive and empowered citizenry. that provide good thermal comfort conditions and which could shelter sensitive people in the event of The Climate Plan establishes strategic goals and meas- heat waves). ures in the short-term (2018-2020) and in the medium to long term (2021-2030) structured around four strategic Have one water garden per district pillars: mitigation, adaptation and resilience, climate jus- tice and promoting citizen actions. To achieve these, the Achieve domestic drinking water consumption of less Plan features eighteen lines of action divided into five dif- than 100 litres per inhabitant a day. ferent areas: Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 30 Increase the use of underground water by 2.7 hm3. It is important for the strategy to be related to a large Schools in the city will be climate refuges number of sectoral programmes, actions and measures Achieve 18 hm3 additional potable water in collabora- being promoted across different areas of the Council and tion with other authorities (2050). The municipal project entitled “Blue, Green & Grey Adapt- that they are interlinked and complement one anoth- ing Schools to Climate Change” has been acknowledged er from the holistic perspective of vulnerability and risk To achieve these targets, the Plan has set out a number by the European Commission as an innovative urban ac- management offered by resilience. The resilience strat- of measures. The most noteworthy resilience and adap- tion and will receive an ERDF subsidy of €4 million. The egy will be supported by the Climate Plan and include tation to climate change actions are as follows: plan, which runs from 2019 to 2022, envisages turning measures to overcome the main impacts, pressures and schools into climate refuges by means of water, greenery challenges faced by the city on social, economic, urban Identify existing and potential climate shelter spaces. and renovation-related measures to mitigate the impact infrastructure and service levels. Map the degree of cover to ensure territorial fairness of heat in summer. and take into account the areas identified as the most The strategy will be developed as part of a co-produced vulnerable to heat before creating new ones. The proposal, which will first be applied as part of a pilot approach, which will require the involvement of key actors test involving ten schools, includes the renovation of play- from both the City Council and external agents, spear- Create water gardens (sprinklers, accessible foun- grounds to increase green and water spaces and improve headed by the Resilience Department. It will benefit from tains, lakes, swimming pools, etc.). These gardens will energy efficiency, so these schools are ready to cope with collaboration with City Resilience Profiling at UN-Habitat have to be assumable as regards water consumption the summer heat. Furthermore, the city’s schools will re- and 100 Resilient Cities. and be spread equally around Barcelona. main open over summer as climate refuge spaces for all the city’s residents. Create the “Barcelona, city of shade” programme, Women4Climate for intervening in public space to create more shaded areas, by increasing the green cover or installing urban Resilience strategy for the city As a result of the City Council’s adhesion to the Wom- furniture, preferably multifunctional (e.g. photovoltaic en4Climate programme organised by the C40 network, pergolas). Itineraries must be identified and mapped In order to provide a framework to all these lines of action, it will offer the Women Mentoring Programme, specially and the creation of shade in private open spaces en- bring together the working methodologies and resources designed for institutions run by women that want to be- couraged. that define the resilience model for the city and define a come established and grow. The programme, which is medium to long term roadmap, work is currently under voluntary for both mentors and mentorees, will consist Take action to increase the reflectance index of way on preparing the resilience strategy. At a global level, of six hours of mentoring. city pavements and terraces and help to mitigate the the strategy is in line with the sustainable development heat-island effect. goals, the New Urban Agenda and the Sendai Framework It will be promoted across the entire More Sustainable for Disaster Risk Reduction, promoted by the United Na- Barcelona network through an informative session to tions. identify possible candidates working on issues related to the Climate Plan. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Resilience and adapting to climate change 31 33 Summary infographic 34 3.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 35 3.2 General context and current situation 36 3.2.1 Different methods of transport for internal and connecting journeys 36 3.2.2 New mobility habits 38 3.3 Measures implemented for more sustainable mobility 38 3.3.1 Towards safe, healthy, fair, efficient and sustainable mobility 39 3.3.2 A Barcelona for pedestrians and cyclists Mobility and urban 40 3.3.3 Promoting public transport: more bus lines for a more connected city 41 3.3.4 Private vehicles, limited and sustainable transport 43 3.3.5 Towards goods delivery with less environmental impact 43 3.3.6 New challenges posed by tourism in terms of mobility in the city 44 3.4 Future goals and measures 44 3.4.1 Strategic mobility planning over the next six years Towards safer, healthier, fairer, smarter and more sustainable mobility Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 32 Mobility Current 8,225,347 and urban situation Daily journeys transport 74.4 % Ecomobility (public transport + bike+ on foot) 64.2 % 35.8 % are internal journeys are connecting journeys Vision of the future Progress towards a Public transport 17.3 % 33.3 % 41.7 % 50.7 % model of safe, healthy, Bike fair, smart and On foot 3 % sustainable 46.4 % 7.2% Lines of Private vehicles 0.4 % mobility action 83.1 % Ecomobility 59 % Ecomobility Promoting cycling Street pacification Containing private Promoting electric “Expansion of bicycle “Superblocks” Connectivity vehicles “Bus-HOV lane” vehicles “Free recharging lanes” “Bicycle-friendly “Expansion of surface “Orthogonal bus “Low emissions zone” stations” “Electrification of buildings” area for pedestrians” network” “Park & Ride” the municipal fleet” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 33 3.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities On this path to sustainable mobility, it is essential to bear in mind geographic, territorial and economic barriers. A number of these barriers Vision of the future represent challenges that must be overcome and others, opportunities that must be harnessed: Barcelona wants to progress Barcelona is surrounded by mountains, rivers and the sea. The Catalan Coastal Range, the Llobregat and Besòs rivers and the Med- towards a model of safe, iterranean Sea determine the development of transport infrastructures. healthy, fair, smart and sus- tainable mobility. It wants It is Catalonia’s capital and the heart of a large metropolitan area. The metropolitan area is made up of a system of polarities of to move towards a city where moderate-sized cities, with significant economic activity and high population density. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in mobil- public spaces are dedicated to ity needs between Barcelona and the wider area, so it is essential to improve the sustainability and efficiency of these connecting journeys. people once again. To this end, It is a stop-off city. Its strategic location, and the fact that it has one of the main airports and ports on the Mediterranean coast, together it is key to increase the areas with the high level of economic activity, have made Barcelona a stop-off city with a high level of traffic. In that regard, the self-protection dedicated to those travelling on plans for mobility and transport infrastructures must be adapted to the evolution of projected future climate scenarios and the potential foot and by bicycle, promoting risks that derive from them. public and collective transport, and reducing the space dedi- It is a dense, compact and complex city. As such, Barcelona is defined by different types of activity concentrated in a limited amount cated to private motor vehicles, of space. This fact, in addition to its mild climate, facilitates journeys on foot or by bike. as proposed in the superblock It is one of Europe’s main tourist destinations. Tourist mobility represents between 10% and 15% of internal journeys and most tour- model. At the same time, the ists go round on foot or use public transport. Tourist demand must therefore be included in mobility planning and management. use of electric vehicles must be encouraged, as must the Managing Barcelona’s mobility network is a complex task. The network’s organisational structure involves various players – compe- switch to more efficient means. tent public authorities, infrastructure owners and service owners – that need to coordinate with one another. Mobility has a huge environmental impact on the city. As is the case with many European cities, the transport sector is the main source of atmospheric pollution, GHG emissions and noise pollution. It also represents a very important source of energy consumption. Reducing travel using private vehicles and making those on the roads as clean as possible is a priority. In recent years, bicycles have become much more popular, thanks to the expansion of the bicycle lane network and adapted ser- vices, efforts to promote this means of transport and the expansion of Bicing public bike-hire services. However, cycling faces two main challenges: theft and coexistence cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 34 3.2 General context and current situation As is the case of many European cities, the main source total. Furthermore, the transport sector is highly de- Rodalies, regional and national, trams, taxis and funicu- of atmospheric pollution in Barcelona is attributable to pendent on petrol, as electric vehicles are still few and lar railway – and underground – metro and Ferrocarrils the transport sector. It is also the main source of GHG far between, although hybrid cars are gaining a more de la Generalitat de Catalunya). emissions and noise pollution and it represents a very important presence in the city. Four per cent of vehicles important source of energy consumption. The transport have an “Ecolabel” (essentially, petrol hybrids) and only In terms of responsibility for road infrastructures, the of people and goods has become the second largest 0.3% are classed as being “zero emissions” (electric ve- State is responsible for the core State and European consumer of final energy, accounting for 27.3% of the hicles). network, the Generalitat of Catalonia for the core Cata- lan network, and the Barcelona Provincial Council for the Different players are involved in the organisational local network. The Barcelonès County Council performs structure of mobility, and cooperation between them overall maintenance work on Barcelona’s ring roads, The transport sector in Barcelona is responsible for: is essential to guarantee safe, healthy, fair, smart and whilst the City Council is responsible for the traffic man- sustainable mobility. The city boasts a comprehensive agement and road safety, including that of pedestrians, 30,6% of the city’s GHG emissions public transport structure, both above ground – bus- cyclists and goods distribution. es (neighbourhood, intercity and tourist), trains (Renfe Almost 60% of NOx emissions and particles More than 80% of noise pollution in the city Competent authority Infrastructure owner Service owner Catalan Government Metro, FGC, Tramvia FGC (includes 7 Renfe Rodalies lines), intercity buses Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) Metro, Bus Barcelona, Bus AMB, Taxi State Government State Renfe network Renfe (State, regional and The public transport networks of Barcelona are 6 Rodalies lines) managed by 4 different administrations Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) Tramvia Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 35 3.2.1 Different methods of transport The total number of journeys has continued to increase 3.2.2 New mobility habits for internal and connecting journeys since 2013, when the minimum for the period in question was recorded. In the case of journeys by bicycle, the up- ward trend has been constant since 2011. Compared to 2012, journeys on foot have increased by According to data from 2017, there are 8.23 million jour- 4%, accounting for 32.4% of internal and connecting neys a day in Barcelona, of which 64.2% correspond to The weight of eco-mobility (journeys on public, non-mo- journeys. New spaces have been created that prioritise internal journeys and 35.8% to connecting journeys (be- torised transport, on foot or by bike) in total journeys pedestrians, such as the superblocks in Poblenou and tween Barcelona and other locations). has increased slightly after a number of years of stabil- Sant Antoni and various streets in the city have been ity, although it remains under the target established in traffic-calmed. Most internal journeys are by bike or on foot, accounting the 2013-2018 Urban Mobility Plan (85.1%). Whilst it is for 49.4% of the total, while most connecting journeys increasingly close to the target (83.1%) in the case of in- Furthermore, the use of bicycles has increased, reach- are by public transport, accounting for 50.7%. Private ternal journeys, there is still some way to go in terms of ing a total of 180,000 journeys per day, 45% up on 2012. vehicles are used much more in connecting journeys connecting journeys (59.0%). The expansion of the bike lane infrastructure has played (41.7%) than in internal journeys (17.3%). a significant role in this increase, growing to 209 km in 5000 5000 4000 Private 4000 vehicle 3000 3000 On foot 2000 2000 1000 Bicycle 1000 Since 2008 private transport has gone decreasing Public progressively, both in the internal journeys and 0 transport 0 those of connection. 2011 2017 2011 2017 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 36 Internal journeys Connecting journeys 2018, as has the number of on-street cycle parking spac- The number of victims (deaths and serious injuries) es, up by 57% (34,988). As for the public bicycle service, 95% of residents have a free recharging station less caused by road accidents has increased compared to Bicing, the number of journeys remains stable, at 13.28 than 2 km or 6 minutes away. the last two years to 253 and is therefore above the tar- million a year. get of 220 victims established in the Local Road Safety Plan (2013-2018). The use of public transport has also grown slightly. 3 logistics platforms with electric vehicles have been set Compared to 2012, the number of journeys on public up. transport has increased by 6.1%. This increase has been accompanied by improvements to the metro and bus The rapid proliferation and growing use of personal network: the length of the metro lines has increased by mobility vehicles (PMV) and cycles with more than two 16% (to 119 km) and bus lanes by 26.8% (201 km). wheels is also worth highlighting. Journeys in private vehicles have increased by 1.5% in internal journeys and 2.8% in connecting journeys. By contrast, the total number of passenger vehicles in Bar- celona has dropped (9.7%) between 1999 and 2015. Likewise, the number of lorries and vans has decreased (11.5%), whereas the number of motorbikes has in- creased significantly (55%). One of the main problems to be addressed is the large number of private motor vehicles on Barcelona’s streets. Despite the fact that they only represent 26.1% of the journeys made by Barcelona residents, cars and motor- bikes, whether in traffic or parked, take up between 50% and 70% of the space on many streets. By contrast, the occupancy rate of cars remains very low (1.19 people/ car). As far as promoting electric mobility is concerned, the municipal electric fleet has increased by 67%, 450 elec- The vehicle fleet of the Guàrdia Urbana has 60 electric motorcycles. tric vehicle recharging stations have been installed and Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 37 3.3 Measures implemented for more sustainable mobility The measures implemented in recent years are aimed at giving greater prominence to pedestrians and cyclists, promoting the use of collective public transport and Safe mobility Sustainable mobility reducing the use of private vehicles, with the goal of improving the quality of the city, road safety and the efficiency of the entire mobility system. 2012 2018 2012 2018 249 -20% 4 out of 100% 3.3.1 Towards safe, healthy, fair, serious injuries serious injuries 7 stations of stations do not meet NO meet EU efficient and sustainable mobility 2 30 -30% target/annual parameters deaths deaths average (NO2 – PM10) 2013-2018 Barcelona Urban Mobility Plan (UMP) This plan X has served as a planning instrument to en- Fair mobility Efficient mobility able a series of actions to be taken in order to move to- wards a safer, fairer and more sustainable and efficient 2012 2018 2012 2018 collective mobility model. It has been structured around four pillars, each of which has been assigned quantita- tive targets: Average frequency Conventional Micro-logistics 12’ of around urban distribution platforms and new Safe mobility: reduce the number of deaths by 30% Average 6’ system technologies and the number of injuries by 20% compared to 2012. frequency with new pilot test in efficiency and bus network Ciutat Vella public spaces Sustainable mobility: meet European Union criteria for NO2 and PM10 at all stations, and reduce the num- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 38 ber of journeys in private vehicles by 21% compared to 2013. More areas for pedestrians Fair mobility: increase bus frequency by approxi- Regulating vehicle access by installing pylons at the en- mately 6 minutes on average. trance to certain streets and creating “30 zones”, where the maximum vehicle speed is 30 km/hr, are two meas- Efficient mobility: create micro-logistics platforms ures introduced in Barcelona to pacify traffic and pro- and new technologies to distribute goods in the city. mote mobility on foot. Compared to 2013, the spaces that prioritise pedestri- 3.3.1 A Barcelona for pedestrians ans has increased by 41%, from 76.2 ha to 107.8 ha in 2017. and cyclists Poblenou’s superblock received an award at the 2018 The superblock model: recovering public spaces European Prize for Urban Public Space. “School path, friendly space” for people “School path, friendly space” is a participatory, city-wide Barcelona is looking to combat the levels of atmospher- Superblocks X have been defined as urban units formed project that promotes the idea of students having safe ic pollution, traffic-generated noise, road accident rates by joining different blocks together, where streets are and friendly routes to take to and from school, with- and the lack of greenery to become a more inhabitable traffic-calmed to recover public space for pedestrians, out having to be accompanied by an adult. This repre- and healthier city. Many of these problems are defined motor-vehicle access is restricted, and priority is given sents an opportunity to develop student autonomy and by the space dedicated to private motor vehicles, which to sustainable mobility along with shared, safe, green shared civic responsibility, as well as recovering spaces accounts for 60% of the public highway. spaces. where people can mix and share a value-based educa- tional framework. To reverse this situation, the “Let’s fill the streets with The first superblock was created in Vila de Gràcia, and life. The implementation of superblocks in Barcelona” since then, additional superblocks have been created Currently, 103 schools have school paths, with a further programme is a tool for reorganising the city in such a in Poblenou, Sant Antoni, Les Corts and Horta. The im- 45 in the process of creating one. Since 2015, 43 schools way that priority is given to pedestrians, followed by cy- plementation of each superblock includes a participa- have joined the programme and it is expected that 18 clists and public transport, in order to turn the city into tory process as part of which local residents and groups more schools will join before the end of the 2018/2019 a place where the streets and squares serve as meeting adapt the model to the specific characteristics and academic year. The programme is due to be updated to and recreational spaces for cultural, economic and so- needs of the area. include improvements as a result of an assessment per- cial exchange. formed in 2017. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 39 ple. This programme also includes the certification of Bicycle Strategy for Barcelona X municipal buildings that can be accessed by bike as part of the “Bike-friendly buildings” X. campaign. To Approved in 2015, it is a strategic instrument contain- date, 7 municipal buildings have been certified and 20 ing the actions to promote the use of bicycles to pick up are undergoing the certification process. from where the PMU 2013-2018 left off, with a target of increasing bicycle journeys by 67% compared to 2011. In order to achieve this, the following actions have been 3.3.3 Promoting public transport: established: more bus lines for a more Expansion of the bicycle infrastructure by 209 km. connected city Increase in on-street parking by 57% compared to 2012. New orthogonal bus network Amendment to the Pedestrian and Vehicle Flow Byelaw In 2012, the New Bus Network was rolled out with 5 new to adapt it to the new situation in Barcelona with a no- lines and, since then, this number has increased as part of table increase in journeys by bike. With the planned expansion of the bike network, successive implementation phases. This process ended 95% of the city’s residents will have a bike lane less in November 2018 with a total of 28 lines (17 vertical, 8 In 2016, the Urban Ecology Manager’s Office published than 300 metres from their home. horizontal and 3 diagonal). This new, more linear set-up the “Barcelona Bike Lane Design Manual”, which de- allows for faster and, therefore, more frequent journeys. fines the criteria for implementing bike lanes in order to Improvements to public transport in terms of bicycle Furthermore, it has made the network more intuitive and improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, reduce access and installation of Bicibox parking at certain easier to use, more efficient and more connective with conflict with pedestrians, improve the connectivity of metro stations. the rest of the public transport network. new bike lanes and address awareness raising, regula- tion and design issues. As part of Barcelona City Council’s programmes and This initiative has gone hand in hand with improvements infrastructures, participatory, educational and promo- to public spaces and accessibility, in addition to expand- Promoting the use of bicycles with the new Bicing ser- tional actions have been held on the use of bicycles, ing the bus lane network by 38 km, creating a total net- vice, which came into operation at the start of 2019: including “Let’s campaign for safe, sustainable mobility” work of 201 km. A wide range of actions have also been wider coverage, 24-hr availability, more bicycles in ser- as part of the “More Sustainable Schools” programme, carried out to ensure priority is given to buses. vice (both conventional and electric) and mixed con- or the “Bike it to work” project as part of the More Sus- ventional and electric stations. tainable City Council programme, to name just a cou- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 40 3.3.4 Private vehicles, limited and sustainable 2016 Electric Vehicle Master Plan  Barcelona City Council has developed a strategic line of action to introduce electric vehicles into the city, thus promoting sustainable mobility and contributing to the re- duction of GHG emissions and fossil fuel consumption, in addition to improving air quality and noise pollution. Notable actions in this line include: Free parking in green/blue zones for users of electric vehicles. The New Bus Network has been popular among regular bus users, with numbers increasing by 7% since 2013. 75% reduction on the mechanically powered vehicle tax. 450 public recharging stations, of which 125 are dedi- Expansion of the metro network  Improving accessibility  cated to motorbikes and 17 are fast charging stations. The southern section of lines 9 and 10, connecting the A wide variety of actions have been taken to guarantee As regards the internal plan, the promotion of electric city with the airport and the Zona Franca district respec- and improve the accessibility of people with reduced vehicles is reflected in the municipal fleet: currently, 21% tively, have now been opened. With these, the metro mobility to collective public transport networks, for ex- (594) vehicles are electric, of which 171 are cleaning and network is now 119 km long and has 156 stations. Fur- ample, at the Putxet FGC station or the Barceloneta met- waste management trucks, and the 107 additions in thermore, following the opening of the L10 Sud line, the ro station. 2017 represented 36% of all new vehicles. Worth special automatic driving network has risen to 33 km, equivalent mention is the recent acquisition of 30 electric scooters to 27% of the network. by the Barcelona City Police Force (GUB), in addition to Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 41 the planned renovation of patrol cars, with 145 hybrid when required, without having to own these vehicles. cars due to be delivered by the end of 2018. TMB has Implementation of the bus-HOV lane This system reduces the individual and social costs of 4 electric buses and is in the process of carrying out a mobility and, therefore, promotes the rational use of pri- pilot test to replace diesel buses with hybrid and electric Bus-HOV lanes seek to promote and enhance the effi- vate vehicles and more sustainable mobility. buses. ciency of collective transport, whether public or private (high occupancy). These segregated and reversible lanes Given the increase in this type of service, the City Coun- In this line, the City Council participates in the Live Bar- can only be used by buses, passenger vehicles with 2 or cil is working on a regulatory framework to minimise celona platform, a public-private platform of entities in- more occupants, vehicles with the Zero, Eco or C distinc- the negative impacts deriving from occupancy of public volved in sustainable mobility that seeks to develop pro- tion (Euro 6 diesel), motorbikes and vehicles for people spaces. jects, strategic policies and new business models, and with reduced mobility. Since 2012, the Barcelona Metro- also create a knowledge network. politan Area has had a bus-HOV lane on the C-58, start- ing on Avinguda Meridiana. 2013-2018 Barcelona Local Road Safety Plan  To achieve the road safety target set out in the 2013-2018 Park & Ride PMU, reduce the number of deaths by 30% and the num- ber of serious injuries by 20% in 2018 and based on an ex- Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) has four Park & haustive diagnosis of accident rates, a range of measures Ride X locations on the outskirts of the city (Plaça del have been put into practice: Fòrum, Rius i Taulet, Sant Genís and Marquès de Mul- hacén). This type of car park is set up close to public Maintaining urban roads in proper condition transport stations with a view to drivers parking their private vehicles and travelling to the city centre using Better signs and information on road works public transport. Rollout of highway code campaigns and preventive measures Promoting sharing services Detection of accident risk sites Carsharing was first rolled out in Barcelona in 2005 and recently, other forms of shared mobility, such as motos- Training actions, such as mobility councils for the elder- 95% of residents have a free recharging station less than 2 km or 6 minutes away. haring and bikesharing have gained popularity. Mem- ly and “School path, friendly space”. bers have access to a fleet of vehicles that are available Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 42 Restricted circulation of vehicles in the low Goods distribution by bicycle or electric bicycle 3.3.6 New challenges posed by emission zone tourism in terms of mobility in the Network of micro distribution platforms where car- Since December 2017, on days with NO2 environmental go bikes play a leading role. city pollution, from Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 8 pm, passenger cars without the DGT environmental la- AreaDUM: a pilot project involving a mobile app, bel and vans prior to Euro1 cannot be driven in the Low AreaDUM, to control loading and unloading zones, Tourism mobility strategy in Barcelona  Emission Zone within Barcelona’s ring roads, an area of has been carried out. Using this app, users can more than 95 km2 that includes Barcelona and the mu- book the zone with details of the time at which it is This strategy X, approved in November 2017, came about nicipalities in the ring-road area. And since December free. as part of the response to the challenges in terms of city 2018, motorbikes and scooters have been included in management, as a result of the increase in the number this ban without distinction. From 1 January 2020, the of tourists visiting Barcelona and the expected increase in restrictions shall apply to all vehicles without distinction. the medium term. Using the city tourist mobility diagnos- tics, actions have been established that must be applied In the event of a pollution episode, these restrictions and that develop the following strategic lines: are complemented by public transport enhancement actions: increase in the overall offer, T-aire, T-verda, ans Include tourism demand in mobility planning and so on (see Chapter 6 “Local air quality”). management. Guarantee environmental sustainability. 3.3.5 Towards goods delivery with A pilot test has been carried out distributing goods on electric tricycles in Ciutat Vella. Ensure greater equality in the distribution of direct less environmental impact and social costs. The distribution of goods and products people need in Make tourism mobility compatible with everyday their everyday lives entails the daily circulation of a large life. number of vehicles in Barcelona. To reduce their impact, we are engaged in ongoing work along the following lines: Respond to the territorial challenges in the destina- tion. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 43 3.4 Future goals and measures The city has two key planning tools that will define the Safe mobility: reducing mobility-related accident main strategic lines to be followed in the coming years. rates. 2016 Healthy mobility: promoting active mobility and 3.4.1 Strategic mobility planning reducing the atmospheric and noise pollution gener- ated by transport. P ublic transport: 39,6% over the next six years Bicycle: 2,1% Sustainable mobility: facilitating a modal shift to O n foot: 32,3% more sustainable modes of transport, increasing the New Urban Mobility Plan for 2019-2024   proportion of clean, renewable energy consumption P rivate vehicle: 26,1% and reducing their contribution to climate change. Barcelona is in the process of drawing up the new Ur- ban Mobility Plan for 2019-2024. This new plan propos- Fair mobility: boosting alternative uses of public es a change in the mobility model that follows the line roads; ensuring accessibility to the mobility system; of the 2013-2018 PMU as regards the main milestones: ensuring fair mobility according to age, physical con- 2024 PMU target increase mobility on foot, generating safe and comforta- dition, gender, income and neighbourhood, and im- ble spaces for pedestrians, and sustainable methods of proving conditions for labour mobility and daily life. P ublic transport: 43,3% mobility, while reducing the use and presence of private motorised transport not only because of environmental Smart mobility: increasing the efficiency of trans- Bicycle: 3,5% pollution and the consequent health problems, but also port systems and use of shared-use vehicles; incor- O n foot: 33,3% due to the high rate of accidents and occupation of pub- porating new technologies into mobility manage- P rivate vehicle: 20% lic space, as well as the harm they cause to the general ment; improving mobility services by introducing public. mobility as a service technologies. The 2019-2024 Urban Mobility Plan will be based on the following pillars: Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 44 MAIN MEASURES FOR EACH METHOD OF TRANSPORT On foot Public transport Promote the roll-out of recharging points for electric vehicles. Expand and improve the surface area of traf- Consolidate the new bus network. fic-calmed zones. Promote and regulate shared vehicle systems. Use more sustainable vehicles in the public transport Improve pedestrian safety. fleet. Promote the “School path” and sustainable, safe Connect the tram networks. mobility to schools Urban distribution Implement and assess the Tourism Mobility Plan. Enhance and reassess pedestrian safety. Consolidate the implementation of the last-mile mi- Promote T-Mobilitat. cro distribution platforms. Incorporate new technologies to enhance manage- ment. By bicycle Private vehicle Extend and improve the network of bicycle routes and safe parking. Manage traffic applying environmental criteria. Improve the efficiency of the public bicycle service. Promote more sustainable and safe vehicles. Promote the use of electric bicycles. Increase the control of noise and air-pollutant emis- sions from vehicles. Promote public transport with access for bicycles. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 45 The measures to achieve these figures are focused 2018-2024 Electric Mobility Strategy X   on expanding the loading infrastructure of vehicles, promoting parking benefits, using preferential lanes Based on the targets of the 2013-2018 PMU and in line or recharging and continuing to work on offering sub- with the new 2019-2024 PMU, the City Council has es- sidies for vehicles that use alternative energy as well tablished a roadmap to make progress with the roll-out as more rebates on road tax. of electric mobility in the city. Based on the diagnosis of the current vehicle situation, in both the private and public spheres, and depending on the performance of the electric market in the coming years, the following targets have been established: Municipal fleet: by means of a gradual regenera- tion process, have a 100% electric municipal fleet by 2030. Public transport: assuming the commitment to only acquire zero emission vehicles from 2025 on- wards and establishing a renewal period of 15 years, by 2040 the public transport fleet will be 100% elec- tric (approximately 1,200 vehicles). Taxi: it is envisaged that AMB will stop approving diesel taxis from 2019 onwards and only approve electric taxis from 2024 onwards. Establishing a re- newal period of 6-8 years, by 2040, all taxis will be electric. Passenger cars, goods vehicles and motor- bikes: the target set for 2024 is for 4% of passenger cars and 8% of motorbikes to be electric. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Mobility and urban transport 46 48 Summary infographic 49 4.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 50 4.2 General context and current situation 50 4.2.1 Planning to conserve and improve the city’s ecological infrastructure 50 4.2.2 Towards a network of new green spaces 53 4.2.3 Rich but vulnerable biodiversity 54 4.3 Measures implemented to set up a functional green infrastructure 54 4.3.1 Increase in the city’s green infrastructure Urban greenery 55 4.3.2 Naturalisation of the city 57 4.3.3 “All hands to greenery” with residents and biodiversity 58 4.3.4 Promoting a new zoo model in Barcelona 58 4.3.5 Monitoring and assessing greenery and biodiversity 60 4.4 Future goals and measures Barcelona wants to naturalise the city Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 47 28.35 km2 17.45 m2 200,000 urban 40,000 in parks Urban Current Urban green situation of green surface area per inhabitant trees and gardens greenery spaces and biodiversity 40 % strictly 60 % forest urban greenery in Parc greenery de Collserola Vision of the future Biodiversity 10 species of 231 83 species of 34 species of Naturalising wild orchids species of breeding birds butterfly the city and conserved common bird inventoried building a in the SOCC functional 10 species of 19 species 74 species green infras- amphibians of reptiles of protected tructure and increase in vertebrae Lines of the population action Awareness raising and citizen Monitoring and Increasing the green Naturalising the city participation “All hands to greenery” assessment infrastructure “Eradication of glyphosate” “School gardens and allotments” “Socio-environmental “Parks, roofs, terraces “Sowing in tree pits” “Making way for greenery” “Citizen services in green spaces” and public roads” “Biodiversity structures” Science” “BUITS Plan” “Water-sun relationships” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 48 4.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities The density and consolidation of Barcelona’s urban fabric is dependent on actions to promote urban green spaces and biodiversity, Vision of the future whilst promoting the involvement of residents to that end. The main conditioning factors and opportunities are as follows: Barcelona wants to naturalise Barcelona is a compact, dense and consolidated city, which makes the creation of new parks and gardens to increase the green the city and build a functional surface area more difficult. To that end, new spaces, like the superblocks, the city block interiors, empty plots, roofs and green walls urban green. This requires the must be sought to improve the quality of greenery through naturalisation. Thus, conceiving greenery as an infrastructure made up of following measures: a wide variety of elements that interact with public and private spaces is essential, in addition to these spaces being connected to one another and with natural spaces in the surrounding area to create a green network. Increase the green space and spread it out to ensure its pres- Barcelona is a Mediterranean city characterised by irregular rainfall and summer heat. The Mediterranean climate is ence in all corners of public and characterised by limited and irregular rainfall, while long periods of drought and very intense rainfall are commonplace. This aspect lim- private spaces to improve resi- its the water holding capacity of vegetation and it is believed that climate change will only worsen this situation. Therefore, the increase dents health and quality of life. in urban green spaces must be capable of supplying mainly alternative sources of water. Vegetation, a key element in mitigating climate change and adapting to it. The temperature regulating effect of vegetation Naturalise green spaces to pro- will help to mitigate the heat island effect and make the city more resilient to heat waves, while contributing to carbon sequestration. mote biodiversity and optimise eco-system services that pro- The predicted effects of climate change on biodiversity. The increase in temperatures and variation in humidity may have vide for and are key in the mit- important repercussions on ecosystems and diversity, promoting phenological changes in the plant cycle, the appearance of invasive igation of and adaptation to cli- species and the risk of pests appearing. Therefore, work is required on conserving species, particularly those that are sensitive to cli- mate change mate change. We are in the process of changing the city model, as part of which greenery will be included as an element that gives structure Include greenery as a structur- to other urban policies, such as land planning, mobility, public health, sustainability, social rights or culture. ing element of new urban pro- jects. Ensure the permeability of green spaces as a strategy to harness water resources. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 49 4.2 General context and current situation Urban green spaces provide environmental services city’s natural heritage, preventing the loss of species and ery (40%), and 16,99 km2 to the municipal area in Coll- that are essential for the city, such as connectivity, bi- habitats, in order to achieve the maximum green surface serola Natural Park (60%). This surface area (including odiversity, microclimatic and water regulation, carbon area and work on connectivity, through green corridors, urban and forest green spaces) is equivalent to 17.45 m2 sequestration or improving noise and air quality, in ad- to obtain the maximum eco-system services and make per inhabitant. dition to affecting social services, such as health, welfare the city more resilient to the challenges of the future. and the relationship opportunities of individuals. The total green surface area has increased slightly each The 2017 Programme for Promoting Urban Green Infra- year and has remained stable since 2017. The decrease The temperature-regulating effect should also be men- structures X spells out part of the Greenery and Bio- in 2010 can be attributed to a change in technical criteria tioned. as this translates into energy savings and makes diversity Plan and also specifies how to achieve those in estimating the green forest surface area of Collserola, green areas an element in resilience and adapting to additional 1.6 km2. Also worthy of particular mention is when it was declared a natural park. the possible effects of climate change, such as more the 2017 Pla director de l’arbrat X, which sets the target frequent heatwaves and accentuation of the heat island of increasing tree cover by 5% and establishing tree se- After a period of growth in green surface area per inhab- effect. lection criteria based on biodiversity and their suitability itant, between 2010 and 2014, there was a slight drop in for the urban ecosystem and climate. In the same vein, this indicator. The two factors that explain this trend are the 2018 Climate Plan X reasserts the municipal com- the stabilisation of green spaces in absolute terms and 4.2.1 Planning to conserve and mitments to greenery and also incorporates the follow- the growth of Barcelona’s population in recent years. ing targets: increasing urban green spaces by 1.6 km2, Since 2014, this indicator has remained stable. How- improve the city’s ecological increasing tree cover by 5% and increasing adapted tree ever, the distribution of public green spaces by district infrastructure species from 30% to 40%. is unequal and mainly concentrated in Sants-Montjuïc, Sant Martí and Horta-Guinardó. If we include Collserola, To that end, in 2015, Barcelona presented the Barcelo- Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the district where this indicator is na Climate Commitment X, in which the city set the tar- 4.2.2 Towards a network of new highest. get of increasing greenery by 1.6 km2 by 2030, in other words by 1 m2 per inhabitant. The 2020 Greenery and green spaces In the city centre, what stand out are the parks and gar- Biodiversity Plan X, published in 2013, established that dens, which account for 70% and represent the basis of nature in the city represents an ecological infrastructure The green surface area in Barcelona comes to 28.35 km2, the urban ecological infrastructure. Particular mention and actions were planned to conserve and improve the of which 11.36 km2 correspond to strictly urban green- should be made of Montjuïc (with its cliffs included in the Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 50 30 20 Total surface area (km2) 29 19 Surface area per inhabitant 28 18 Target Barcelona Climate Commitment 2030 27 17 26 16 25 15 1997 2017 Generalitat of Catalonia’s Inventory of Geological Spac- Since 2015, Barcelona City Council has worked on an 4.2.3 Rich but vulnerable es) and Tres Turons, declared spaces of natural interest, additional indicator to account for the green infrastruc- biodiversity and Parc de la Ciutadella, as an urban green space. ture: the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). This indicator, calculated using satellite images or flights However, the urban green space in Barcelona is mod- with multispectral sensors, makes it possible to monitor In terms of biodiversity, Barcelona has a wonderful nat- est in size, as 57% of green spaces measure less than the evolution of vegetation in the city on a more wide- ural heritage thanks to the magnitude of the Collserola 1,500 m2, and given their location at the heart of the ur- spread basis. range, which frames the city with a mosaic of habitats ban fabric, within reach of residents. Therefore, green that play home to a wealth of different species. It is walls and roofs, city block interiors, plots, allotments, In addition, maps have been drawn up that categorise worth mentioning that the 1992 Habitats Directive said etc., represent a fundamental part of the city’s green in- green spaces depending on their type or function, to as- that three habitats required conservation (dry mead- frastructure. Currently, Barcelona has 20 dividing walls sess systems as a whole in terms of connectivity, com- ows, pine woods and holm-oak woods) transformed into naturalised façades, and, in 2013, the plementarity of uses, resident accessibility, etc. city had 4.3 ha of green roofs. As a result of the green Midway through 2018, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area roof competition, it is expected that this figure will in- preliminarily approved the New Special Environmental crease a further 5,000 m2 in 2019. and Landscape Protection Plan for the Serra de Collse- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 51 Total surface area (km2) Surface area per inhabitant (m2 / inhabitant) Accessibility map for the socio-environmental services of green spaces. The NDVI detects the green cover of all green spaces (private gardens, central reservations, trees lining the streets, etc.) and defines the density and vitality of vegetation. Map of shortcomings in socio-environmental services. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 52 rola Natural Park (PEPNat). The new protection model The great potential of aquatic habitats is also worth is based on promoting eco-system services and con- particular mention. The aquatic flora and fauna of the trolling disturbances that have a negative impact on the naturalised lakes in parks and gardens is very rich. In range’s natural systems. Unlike its predecessor, the plan addition, the creation of an urban network of allotments seeks to promote farming activities based on the devel- has been a very successful experience, and they have opment of a green economy and defining a new model quickly been colonised by field flora and native fauna as- of public and social use to promote responsible leisure, sociated with agricultural spaces. amongst other factors. However, this heritage is constantly under threat from From the Barcelona ecology map (part of an analysis of urban pressures. In particular, amphibians are subject its evolution since 1977) it can be concluded that wood- to constant disturbances, despite benefiting from care- land and urban green spaces have grown and that crops ful management. Some plant and animal species in Bar- The parrot species that have the largest have been converted into having a merely token pres- celona have demonstrated invasive behaviour and are population and repercussion in Barcelona are ence. There are around 200,000 trees in the urban fab- capable of compromising habitats, native species or ur- Myiopsitta monachus (originally from South ric, apart from those in the city’s parks. Among trees and ban heritage, which would entail safety problems and America) and Psittacula krameri (originating in cultivars in the urban fabric and lining the city’s streets risks to health. In terms of flora, the ailanthus is one of Sub-Saharan Africa and India). there are 170 different types. The most common species the species that shows the most invasive behaviour. An- is the London plane (Platanus × hispanica), followed by other phenomenon that poses a threat to plant species the Mediterranean hackberry (Celtis australis), the rose- is the growing impact of pests: the most significant in As regards fauna, some animals are currently under wood (Tipuana tipu) and the Japanese pagoda tree (Sty- recent years are those affecting plane trees (sycamore observation to contain their populations (pigeons, cats, phnolobium japonicum). lace bugs). It must be borne in mind that climate chang- wild boar, parakeet, turtle, fish and billfish), although es may see the arrival of new pests. there is still some way to go in terms of managing spe- cies such as the monk parakeet, rose-ringed parakeet, the Japanese nightingale, the Florida turtle or the mos- quitofish. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 53 4.3 Measures implemented to set up a functional green infrastructure In recent years, Barcelona City Council has worked on Studying, planning and monitoring the green infra- New green hub in Cristóbal de Moura. The rede- implementing measures in order to increase urban structure velopment of this street will convert it into a green, green spaces to mitigate the impact of climate change traffic-calmed space with a landscaped central plat- and adapt to it, in addition to ensuring there is a green form and a wooded area 26 m wide. In total, this will infrastructure that promotes biodiversity and offers 4.3.1 Increase in the city’s green create 3,500 m2 of green space. maximum ecosystem services to residents. infrastructure Transformation of Avinguda Meridiana. The aim of this renovation work is to convert the avenue into Stimulus of the urban green infrastructure a green promenade that prioritises pedestrians, cy- Creation of new green zones clists and public transport and serves as a meeting To achieve the targets set in terms of urban green spac- space. It will add 58,000 m2 of green space to the city. es and biodiversity, the City Council has defined the “Urban Canopy” (Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes). Stimulus Programme for the City’s Urban Green Infra- Work has resumed to convert Plaça de les Glòries structure X, as part of which a range of measures have Catalanes into an area that includes a green space of Living roof terraces and green roofs been proposed between 2017 and 2030 structured around 12 ha with leisure uses and incorporates the around four strategic lines, three lines of direct action Rec Comtal. In 2015, Barcelona City Council published the Guide to and one instrumental line: Living Roof Terraces and Green Roofs X, which seeks to Doctor Pla i Armengol Gardens (Mas Ravetllat). serve as an instrument for promoting a reassessment of Increasing the city’s urban green infrastructure As a result of the joint efforts of the Horta-Guinardó the roofs on city buildings and the use of these spaces District Council and local residents, a project has been by residents. Improving the existing green infrastructure. approved to arrange and improve the gardens on the Ravetllat-Pla estate in order to convert them into a Joint responsibility in caring for urban nature. green block measuring 3.6 ha open to the residents. Green roof competition This initiative seeks to harness the potential of these gardens to highlight the space as a green corridor. Green roofs can include green spaces, urban allotments, Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 54 spaces for social use or rainwater harvesting systems, tial are identified, in other words, to promote biodiversi- and they are compatible with the installation of renew- ty and recover existing native urban flora or strengthen able energy sources. In 2014, the City Council approved flora by planting grass. a government measure to promote living terraces and green roofs. Later, in 2015, around the project and work- ing group on mosaic roofs that came out of the Barcelo- Green dividing walls and producers of energy na Climate Commitment, Barcelona organised a call for tender X to subsidise the creation of ten green roofs on The Dividing Walls Plan provides for the installation of residential buildings, teaching facilities, health facilities vertical gardens and the harnessing of renewable energy or buildings with other uses. All these projects have a on the city’s dividing walls. Its objectives include renat- strong environmental, social and landscaping impact. uralisation and the promotion of biodiversity through non-colonising vegetable treatments and the creation of The ten selected projects will receive a subsidy Assigning spaces in disuse under the BUITS nests and spaces for protected birds. of 75% of the cost of the works and the technical Plan studies required, up to a limit of €100,000. Among the interventions performed, one worth particu- The first call for the BUITS Plan X (Urban Voids with lar mention is the Tarradellas vertical wall, comprising Territorial and Social Involvement) was organised in 250 m2 of greenery on a dividing wall on the corner of 2012. By means of this plan, the City Council allocates Carrer de Berlín and Carrer del Marquès de Sentmenat, temporary use of municipal land sites in disuse to public and the diving walls planned for Plaça de les Dones del non-profit entities or associations so they can carry out 36 and the Muñoz Ramonet gardens. activities there. In 2015, the six successful projects put forward greenery-related proposals and of the 12 active locations from the first call, nine involve uses relating to 4.3.2 Naturalisation of the city urban farming. Barcelona is committed to the naturalisation of its green ECOsolars programme spaces, in other words, converting them into habitats that promote natural processes and the natural entry As part of the ECOsolars programme, empty plots are of flora and fauna through ecological management, with identified, classified and defined as spaces of opportu- a view to achieving a more complex vegetable structure The 14 active spaces can be consulted on the nity capable of being restored, in some cases, as future and optimising ecosystem services. BUITS Plan website. green spaces. Urban plots with renaturalisation poten- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 55 In 2016, a project involving 22 naturalisation actions in (birds, butterflies and other animals), through a selec- green spaces spread across the entire city was launched. tion of plant species that offer feeding options and the Other naturalisation actions have been taken, including creation of refuges. the following: Changes in tree-pruning and lined tree Eradication of glyphosate and reduction in management phytosanitary treatments The 2017-2037 Tree Master Plan for Barcelona X de- As part of the 2016 government measure to eradicate fines 50 actions to achieve its objectives, of which 31 the use of glyphosate in green spaces and public roads have been launched. Of these, it is worth highlighting in Barcelona, in 2017 no chemical herbicide was used in the planting of flowering and fruit trees that are of in- the management of natural plants and tests have been terest to fauna, a more careful approach to pruning with done with different alternative techniques. Based on regard to flowering, fruiting and the fauna cycle, and the this experience, the city has been mapped by type of In all, more than 1,500 tree pits have been diversification of species. space and the most suitable techniques. planted, 822 in 2017 and 737 in 2018. More sustainable decorative flora Sowing in tree pits Naturalisation of ponds Planting flower groups that combine perennial plants, The Municipal Institute for Parks and Gardens has Of the more than 300 decorative fountains dotted shrubs and bushes promotes biodiversity and makes a launched a pilot test, as part of which flowering herba- around the city, some 40 have been naturalised. Thanks more ecological approach to management possible, as ceous plant have been planted in tree pits and this has to actions to both manage ponds and lakes themselves these plants have a much longer duration than tradi- been combined with the release of beneficial insects and the surrounding area, these aquatic spaces have tional seasonal flower groups. Around 7,000 m2 of new to control the pests and diseases that affect the trees, become rich, complex ecosystems. groups of ornamental flowers have been planted in flow- with a view to decreasing the use of phytosanitary prod- erbeds and flower boxes. ucts and converting them into a habitat for fauna. It is planned to continue this experience on account of the Areas of special interest for biodiversity interesting results obtained. Installation of new biodiversity structures The Parc de Joan Miró and Jardins de Valent Petit have been declared areas of special interest on account of More than 80 new fauna structures (insect hotels, dry their biodiversity. These spaces are beneficial to fauna stone spirals with aromatic plans, piles of wood, nest Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 56 4.3.3 “All hands to greenery” with residents Community allotments In 1997, Barcelona set up the Network of Urban Allot- Shared responsibility with city residents in caring for ments, targeting retirees, with different functions and and extending greenery is essential. Their action, in involving different entities. Currently, there are 15 allot- both public and private spheres, has been a significant ment sites X spread around all the city’s districts. contribution. School allotments “All hands to greenery” As part of the “More Sustainable Schools” programme, in The aim of the “All hands to greenery” project is to acti- which schools develop their sustainability plans, around Example of an insect hotel. vate green plots in the city on Council-owned land not in 300 schools X have allotments with learning spaces. use. The project is intended to generate an opportunity for residents to temporarily find a new use for the empty boxes for bats, nests for hedgehogs, etc.) and 392 birds’ plots across the city and to involve social players in their Vertical gardens in schools nests have been set up to provide refuge, food and facil- regeneration and revitalisation. itate the reproduction of urban fauna. Thanks to the agreement between the City Council’s One of the project’s lines of action consists in offering Green Spaces and Biodiversity Department and “la municipal plots that have fallen into disuse to non-profit Caixa” Welfare Projects, 14 schools now have vertical Guide Best gardening practices in Barcelona organisations so they can create a community allotment gardens. The “More Sustainable Schools” programme or garden they manage themselves and to promote ac- offers training and advice to construct these spaces. In 2016, the Urban Ecology Department published Best tivities related to greenery and caring for nature. To that Gardening Practices in Barcelona: conserving and improv- end, a study has been carried out on vacant public plots ing biodiversity X. This initiative is intended to serve as in the consolidated urban fabric across the city where a technical instrument to spread the best practices that there are no plans to build anything or give them a per- help to improve the condition of green spaces and thus manent use in the short term. collaborate in the development of flora and fauna. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 57 4.3.4 Promoting a new zoo model in 4.3.5 Monitoring and assessing Participation and dissemination activities Barcelona greenery and biodiversity Various activities and events are organised in the city to draw the public closer to green spaces and biodiversity: 2018-2031 Strategic Zoo Plan “Green corridors” project “Music in the parks”. Every year the city’s green spaces fill with music thanks to “Music in the Parks”. As a result of a participatory process, a new zoo model Since 2006, Barcelona has been working to promote Since 2016, this has included guided tours to raise has been drawn up, along with the Strategic Plan that a network of green corridors that connect the natural public awareness of the environmental and heritage lays the foundations for Barcelona Zoo become a global spaces of Collserola and the coast with green spaces in values of the parks. benchmark and, at the same time, a meeting point for the urban fabric, facilitating the movement of species research, conservation and the promotion of native, Ibe- and the promotion of environmental services. The first Environmental facilities. Fàbrica del Sol X organis- rian and Mediterranean fauna. The new zoo model pro- green corridor is currently being rolled out, between Ci- es tours to discover the most unique aspects of parks posed is the result of the commitment to animal welfare utadella and Collserola. and gardens with “The art of visiting a garden”, and at the heart of all activities carried out. The conservation to see how the seasons affect different green spac- criteria defined entail the restructuring of the number The intervention on Carrer de Pi i Margall, as part of the es, with “Seasonal sensations”. Sustainable gardening of species currently housed to prioritise native fauna, green corridor, provides an opportunity to extend the and ecological horticulture workshops (“Planting na- those that are highly endangered in nature and those Parc de la Ciutadella – Serra de Collserola Natural Park ture”) are also organised for everyone, with the aim of for which conservation plans are in place. The scientif- axis. An executive project is currently being drawn up for increasing greenery in the home. ic approach will entail investing more in research and Carrer de Pi i Margall. habitat conservation projects, in addition to stepping up “Let’s make way for greenery”. This advertising educational aspects. This transformation will go hand in Study of socio-environmental services in campaign seeks to raise public awareness and inform hand with the renovation of physical spaces. There will Barcelona’s green spaces people of activities to increase the amount of green- be a new layout, with new spaces and improvements to ery and naturalisation of green spaces that are being the other facilities. Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Regional have carried out in Barcelona. This campaign includes new drawn up a study to define the ecosystem or socio-envi- signs to identify the activities. The purpose of the project is for Barcelona Zoo to be- ronmental services that provide residents with access to come a meeting point for research, conservation and green spaces, which will help to design spaces in a way the promotion of native, Iberian and Mediterranean fau- that optimises their use. The study encompassed 326 na. green spaces, including parks, gardens, historical gar- dens, city block interiors and some squares (those with a plant cover of more than 30% and 40% permeable soil). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 58 Study on invasive species in Barcelona and a Study of water-soil relationships proposal for alternative species Barcelona Breeding Bird Atlas In 2013, a study was produced on water-soil relation- Gardening is one of the main ways in which invasive There are 83 species of birds living in Barcelona,accord- ships in the main landscaped areas of the city in order plants are introduced into the natural environment, so ing to the Barcelona Breeding Bird Atlas. The Atlas, cre- to identify the characteristics of the soils and water used Barcelona City Council decided it was necessary to im- ated in collaboration with the Catalan Institute of Orni- to irrigate gardens. Based on the results obtained, rec- plement two lines of action: (i) the identification of inva- thology, the University of Barcelona and Barcelona Zoo, ommendations have been made on aspects linked to sive species and the proposed use of alternative species stands out for its detailed fieldwork. improving the soil, irrigation and water management. with prevention in mind, and (ii) the management and potential eradication of invasive species. As a result of For example, the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems the former, this study X was published in 2014. (SUDS) Committee was set up in 2016, with a Barcelo- na City Council technical team, to define the parameters for contributing to the strategy for harnessing water re- sources in the city. The study included the compilation of SUDS experiences across Barcelona. Improving tree soil and new developments In 2016, a diagnosis was carried out on the soil improve- ment techniques used in designing and maintaining green areas and lined trees, establishing the most suita- ble techniques in each case, in order to preserve, identi- fy and recover fertile, living and functional soils compat- ible with the planned uses and maintenance. The common phylum (Pittosporum tobira) is an invasive plant that is cultivated in gardening due to its large ductility. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 59 4.4 Future goals and measures In order to increase the green surface area in the city Provide the general public with all the information 2017-2030 Programme to Promote the City’s and naturalise green spaces to promote biodiversity on the characteristics of each tree and the services it Urban Green Infrastructure and optimise the ecosystem services that they provide, provides. a key factor in mitigating and adapting to climate change, This measure forms part of the 2020 Greenery and Barcelona City Council has a variety of strategic plans in Ensure that the children in all Barcelona’s primary Biodiversity Plan, which establishes the objective of place. schools appreciate and can identify the trees in their achieving a green infrastructure that offers maximum neighbourhood. ecosystem services. It proposes measures to intensify the generation and naturalisation of green spaces and 2017-2037 Tree Master Plan specifically defines the spaces where this will take place up to 2019. This Plan, approved in 2017, is the strategic document that guides municipal action in planning, managing and conserving all the trees in the city. It features 50 ac- tions divided into 10 strategic lines to achieve the tar- gets set out for 2037: Increase the city’s tree cover by 5%, ensuring that 30% of the city’s surface area is covered by trees. Ensure 40% of tree species are adapted to climate change. Achieve a biodiverse tree heritage in which no single tree species accounts for more than 15% of the total population. Parc de la Ciutadella. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 60 MAIN MEASURES OF THE PROGRAMME Increased greenery (m2) 2015-2016 2017-2019 2020-2030 TO PROMOTE THE CITY’S URBAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Action 1.1. Creation of green spaces 74.602,24 138.710 833.238 Action 1.2. Recovery of city block interiors 11.816,41 38.237,11 8.800 Increased greenery Action 1.3. Temporary landscaping of vacant plots 15.946 16.754,16 30.800 Action 1.4. Interventions in public places 32.760,46 106.060,46 304.700 The six actions established in the first strategic line (cre- Action 1.5. Greening roofs - 5.431 22.000 ating green spaces, recovering city block interiors, tempo- rarily landscaping of empty plots, interventions in public Action 1.6. Greening walls and dividing walls 606,3 3.232 12.100 places, and greening roofs, walls and dividing walls) will TOTAL 13,57 ha 30,84 ha 121,16 ha enable the green surface area to be increased by 44 ha between 2015 and 2019, and achieve 165 ha between Total new green surface area 13,57 ha 44,41 ha 165,57 ha 2015 and 2030. Increasing the biomass of green spaces Conservation of natural spaces The city’s green spaces, in particular its parks and gar- Barcelona has three natural spaces of special inter- dens, and spaces such as Plaça dels Països Catalans, est with regard to biodiversity: the Montjuïc cliffs, Rec Plaça Joan Peiró and Moll de la Fusta, have the potential Comtal and Tres Turons. These three areas are dry to increase the density of plant life. To do so, plant spe- grasslands, which are particularly interesting habitats in cies will be selected that, a priori, are less vulnerable to terms of the biodiversity of flora and fauna. To preserve climate change, and trees and bushes will be diversified these open spaces, their closure due to the sudden or in terms of species, appearance and height, in order to manufactured growth of woody species must be pre- achieve vertical and horizontal continuity. vented. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 61 Civic co-responsibility for taking care of urban Promoting green corridors nature The final push to the green corridor for the Parc de la There are currently public and private space in the city Ciutadella-Serra de Collserola Natural Park axis is grad- that are in a temporary state of abandonment or lack ually taking shape in the new Carrer de Pi i Margall de- of management. As a solution, the City Council wants to velopment. explore the urban custody system by transferring mu- nicipal spaces to social and community organisations so they can occupy them. A regards the private sphere, the Council intends to Harnessing water resources promote landscaping terraces, balconies, roofs and interior patios, installing green roofs and walls in new The city has alternative water resources (fountains, buildings and creating private allotments, by providing wells, groundwater, Rec Comtal, etc.) that are used grants, advice and follow-up. for irrigation and other public uses. As the priority for these resources is to increase the urban greenery, their quality must be preserved and their sustainability in quantitative terms must be guaranteed. For that rea- son, the Alternative Water Resources Plan for has been New greenery model for the city updated (see Section 9.3.2, “Harnessing alternative water re- sources”). One of the actions included in this measure is to plan Barcelona’s green infrastructure as a system, which in- cludes the green corridor network and is in line with the socio-environmental services. To that end, work is under way to create a new greenery model for the city and being coordinated with a review of the Urban De- velopment Master Plan (PDU). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Urban greenery and biodiversity 62 64 Summary infographic 65 5.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 66 5.2 General context and current situation 68 5.3 Measures implemented to improve urban quality 68 5.3.1 Urban planning instruments 68 5.3.2 Urban transformation to a city for people 71 5.3.3 Barcelona’s commitment to social urban development 72 5.3.4 A new perspective on play in public spaces Sustainable 72 5.3.5 Municipal works with a lower environmental impact 73 5.3.6 Coexistence in public spaces land use 74 5.4 Future goals and measures 74 5.4.1 Actions to reclaim public spaces for residents and make them greener 75 5.4.2 Planning instruments for recovering local use of the coast Barcelona, urban planning for the neighbourhoods Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 63 Sustainable Current 2 situation 102.2 km 1,620,809 inhabitants land use Surface area 158.7 inhabitants per ha 63,8 % of the population of Catalonia resides in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area Vision of the future General Metropolitan Plan Territorial Metropolitan Urban Development Master Planning for Barcelona (PGM) Plan for Barcelona (PTMB) Plan (PDU) –in progress- To become instruments a city with 1976 2010 2013 urban planning Residential Facilities Urban Industry Road network Forest parks for the 25 % 11 % parks and infras- 22 % 16 % tructures neighbour- Land uses 13 % (2016) 13 % hoods Lines of action Public works with a smaller Strategic projects “Superblocks” Social urban planning environmental impact “Glòries” “La Sagrera” “Avinguda “Urban planning with a “Making municipal works Planning Meridiana” “The Model prison” gender perspective” greener” “Sustainable urban “Urban Development “The waterfront” “Neighbourhood Plan” planning workshops” Master Plan” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 64 5.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Over the course of history, the city has adapted to the way in which people live. Now it is facing new challenges on account of the Vision of the future new needs of its residents. Barcelona’s goal is to become Barcelona is a dense, compact city, with all the benefits that brings with regard to travel needs and energy consumption. a city with urban planning for However, at the same time, there are clear shortcomings that need to be corrected urgently: the level of air pollution, the lack of neighbourhoods, where the built greenery, the noise generated by traffic, road accidents, the quality of meeting places and so on. city becomes a large metropolitan area with territorial cohesion and This model favours the development of everyday life but it does not necessarily incorporate a gender perspective. environmental sustainability. Urban planning with a gender perspective and which is based on an inclusive model puts everyday life at the centre of its policies and adopts an inclusive approach to respond to the needs of society as a whole, taking into account its gender, age, origin and functional diversity, among other things. The result is a fairer, more equitable and safer city without barriers. The compactness and different uses promote urban vitality on the city’s streets. Streets must be main setting in which children can play and neighbours can come together, as well as for leisure, relaxation, economic exchanges, sport, culture and demonstrations. However, in recent decades, their role as a place for meeting and leisure has declined appreciably, if these activi- ties have not disappeared from the city’s streets altogether, giving way almost exclusively to a traffic function. Barcelona wants to increase its green spaces and guarantee an equal distribution but, as it is a dense and compact city, this is increasingly more difficult, due to the lack of space. New spaces therefore need to be found, such as superblocks, to convert streets into green spaces and improve the quality of greenery through their naturalisation. So it is vital that urban planning and development in the city incorporates more greenery as one of its objectives. There is limited space with permeable soil. The urbanisation process, entailing the construction of buildings and roads, while restricting the space available for urban greenery, has resulted in the land becoming less permeable, meaning alternative solutions are required to retain rainwater. A tourist and stop-off city. Barcelona’s strategic location, and the fact that it has one of the main airports and ports on the Mediterranean coast, together with the high level of economic activity, have made is a stop-off city with a high level of traffic. Fur- thermore, it is one of Europe’s main tourist destinations and this has heightened pressure on services in the city. Barcelona is immersed in a housing emergency. To guarantee the right to housing, a housing policy must be implemented that addresses the current situation and responds to the specific causes that compromise access to housing in the city. Furthermore, progress is needed in building a public housing service. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 65 5.2 General context and current situation Barcelona is one of the most densely populated cities in Urban planning involves an urban plan and, as a frame- Barcelona has various bodies through which it can use Europe. In 2016, 36% of its surface area was occupied by work, Barcelona has the General Metropolitan Plan X its powers to implement the city model. The offices of residential areas and facilities. Green urban areas rep- (PGM), approved in 1976 and still in force, plus the occa- the Urban Model Director and the Deputy Manager for resented 29% of the municipal area, the road network sional amendments in the areas which, over the course Urban Development work on the built fabric, the urban accounted for 22%, while industry and infrastructure of time, have needed a new approach. A review of the fabric, the green network, facilities and public spaces, occupied 13% of the city. PGM is currently under way based on the provisions of carry out strategic projects and oversee heritage con- the Metropolitan Urban Development Master Plan  X servation, as well as compliance with urban develop- Urban development in Barcelona is based on redistrib- (PDU), which entails a general change in the way in that ment regulations, which are drawn up by the Ecology, utive planning that defines the city’s neighbourhoods as urban development in Barcelona is regulated and which Urban Development and Mobility Area. It is worth noting the structural pillar of the territorial system and encour- will be reflected in the subsequent drafting of the Munic- the main advantage of this area is that it brings together ages the creation of a neighbourhood metropolis. That ipal Urban Development Plan (POUM). most of the public players with an impact on the city. requires decisive action to avoid territorial divides, en- Thus, for the first time, there is an overall vision of urban sure the same opportunities in all neighbourhoods and On urban land, the general urban development plan is development, the environment and mobility. create an indispensable local space for social involve- implemented through derived plans, including urban im- ment and the generation of environments that promote provement plans and special urban development plans. The main bodies and companies involved are the Munic- public health and well-being. In that context, defence of ipal Institute of Urban Landscape and Quality of Life (IM- and a commitment to a city’s most-prized asset, public In 2010, the Catalan government approved the Met- PUQV), which is responsible for planning and rationalis- space, becomes a key goal. ropolitan Urban Development Plan for Barcelona X ing public space and the urban landscape; the Municipal (PTMB). This is a planning instrument that seeks to fa- Institute of Urban Development (IMU), which serves as Barcelona, a city undergoing constant transformation cilitate regional planning in the area comprising the Alt a point of reference in neighbourhood transformation and evolution, has instruments and mechanisms to ena- Penedès, Baix Llobregat, Barcelonès, Garraf, Maresme, and regeneration processes, as well as in the manage- ble harmonious and rational planning of its territory and Vallès Occidental and Vallès Oriental counties, which ment of urban development; and Barcelona d’Infrae- uses, with a view to ensuring development in line with covers 3.236 km2 and includes 164 municipalities. The structures Municipals, SA (BIMSA), which is responsible the needs of its residents. purpose of this is to define the metropolitan region of for infrastructure development and service provision, Barcelona as an environmentally sustainable, econom- including building. ically efficient and socially fair reality, as established in Act 31/2010, of 3 August, on the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 66 1. Residential 7. Agriculture Map of land use Old quarter Agriculture in Barcelona Building in enclosed block Rural industry (2011) Isolated multi-family building Greenhouse Terraced housing Single-family building Homogeneous residential 8. Natural spaces Forest or wooded area 2. Industrial Bushes Grassland Industrial Other vegetation River, lake or pond 3. Tertiary Beach Offices or commerce Bare soil 4. Parks Park or garden 5. Facilities Facility 6. Infraestructure Port Airport Railway Motorway or dual carriageway National highway Regional highway Main urban road Interstitial street space Technical service Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 67 5.3 Measures implemented to improve urban quality With a view to progressing towards a new city model the existing city, making it more sustainable, competitive The superblock model: recovering public structured around residents, in recent years, urban de- and healthy to the benefit of the environment and the spaces for people velopment has been a tool for increasing the greenery in quality of life of its residents. the city, promoting sustainable mobility and recovering Barcelona faces significant challenges in terms of air pol- public spaces for people. Subsequently, on a city level, the PDU will give shape to a lution, traffic congestion and the need for more green municipal urban development plan (POUM). spaces. These urban challenges require bold pacifica- tion solutions to make the city a place for living in. This 5.3.1 Urban planning instruments is the backdrop to the “Let’s fill the streets with life. Es- 5.3.2 Urban transformation to a city tablishing superblocks in Barcelona” programme, a tool for reorganising the city based on a new kind of mobility for people and improving environmental conditions, gaining quality Urban Development Master Plan (PDU) public space for people and enhancing the social func- 2016 -2019 Comprehensive Public Space tions of interaction, leisure and health. At the end of 2013, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area Rehabilitation Plan started the process of drawing up a Metropolitan Ur- The model of organising public space in superblocks ban Development Master Plan X (PDU) that is due to be In 2016, Barcelona City Council approved the Compre- seeks to diversify the characteristics of habitability, mo- completed between 2021 and 2023. Its preparation is hensive Public Space Rehabilitation Plan, which sets out bility and biodiversity in Barcelona’s streets to reclaim structured around three pillars: debate and technical re- comprehensive reactions in 140 spaces and roads to the a public space in environmental conditions suited to flection, promoted by thematic workshops with groups end of 2019, with an investment of €115 million. the lives of people who live in the city. The superblocks of specialists; the constitution of the plan’s drafting X programme seeks primarily to set up a network of team; and communication and participation, essential During the Plan’s first two years, 93% of the actions en- streets in which residents take priority in terms of mo- elements that must make it possible to enrich the plan visaged have been carried out or started. As a result of bility and the use of public space, limiting motorised with the concerns and desires of institutions, groups these actions, a total of 7,450 m2 greenery has been ob- transportation and promoting a shared, green and safe and residents. Unlike the PGM-76, the new plan is more tained, 883 trees have been planted, 65,513 m2 of streets space. focussed on transformation more than urban develop- have been renovated, 1,985 new lights and 1,163 bench- ment, as there is now a limited amount of land pending es and seats have been installed, and 16 new children’s planning and occupation. It is an opportunity to rethink play areas created. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 68 Horta. Rolling out the superblock in Horta’s old quar- ter will recover 2,832 m2 and include the pacification of four streets: C/ Fulton, C/ Horta, C/ Feliu i Codina and C/ Chapí. Street furniture will also be replaced and there will be more greenery with the addition of new flower boxes. Work is already under way and it is ex- pected to finish in July 2019. Hostafrancs. This includes the pacification of C/ Con- sell de Cent, with just one lane for motor vehicles and a dual bicycle lane. It also includes pacifying C/ Torre d’en Damians and C/ Rector Triadó, between C/ Con- sell de Cent and C/ Creu Coberta, to give priority to pedestrians. New green hub in C/ Cristóbal de Moura The reurbanisation of C/ Cristóbal de Moura seeks to transform this street into a traffic-calmed green space In 2018, Poblenou’s superblock received a special mention in the European Prize for Urban Public Space. with less traffic, a healthier space with areas that en- courage neighbourhood activities linking Parc Central El Poblenou. The Poblenou superblock was imple- tion, streets and squares around the market, make up del Poblenou and Parc del Besòs. In addition to the cen- mented in September 2016. Two years later, it has re- a total 5,000 m2 of public space for residents to enjoy. tral reservation, 26 m wide, landscaped and lined with claimed 25,000 m2 of new space for local residents, In the second phase, planned from October 2018 to trees, there will be 3.5 m pavements, a bike lane and a increased the green spaces (from 9,722 m2 in 2016 to May 2019, more than 21,000 m2 will be reclaimed. service lane. 18,632 m2 in 2018) and provided play areas (2,483 m2). La Maternitat i Sant Ramon. Creating the super- Sant Antoni. As a result of the first phase of imple- block in Les Corts, which was completed at the end of menting the superblock programme in Sant Antoni, 2018, involved redeveloping and pacifying 6,000 m2 on the area round the new market has a large square three streets: C/ Conxita Supervia, C/ Regent Mendieta measuring 1,800 m2 which, along with the intersec- and C/ Benavent. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 69 stages correspond to the central area, including the tun- Transformation of Les Glòries nels, which cannot be completed until 2021; the coastal La Sagrera, rail and urban transformation side, which depends on work to link up the tramlines; The transformation of Les Glòries X seeks to convert and the mountain side, which depends on progress with Work on the La Sagrera station X resumed at the start the current space into one for people. Following demoli- the Special Plan. of 2018. This will cover 38 ha of railway tracks for a large tion of the flyover, the road works are currently focused central park of over 40 ha. The plans also include build- on building the tunnels to pacify traffic and promote The design for remodelling of this space was the subject ing more than 10,300 flats, 40% of them protected (so- sustainable mobility. of an international call for tenders and the winning bid cial) flats, along with offices, shops, hotels and various (Canòpia Urbana) provides for the construction of a cen- facilities around the new station. The complexity of the project and the limitations on the tral park spanning 9.5 ha with refuges for fauna, a new infrastructure work mean that it has to be carried out in avenue for pedestrians and cyclists, infant play areas, a The project places a lot of emphasis on vegetation, with stages and different areas. The first of these stages cor- leisure-sports space for young people and an area for more than 10,000 trees to be planted, combined with responds to the Gran Clariana park. This area occupies dogs, as well as public housing and educational and cul- shrubs, grass and low absorption paving. around a quarter of the total surface area. The following tural facilities. Avinguda Meridiana, a new traffic-calmed green artery Avinguda Meridiana currently acts as an urban motor- way which around 100,000 vehicles and 10,000 pedes- trians use every day. Consequently, the City Council and local residents want to remodel it between Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes and the Nus de la Trinitat junction, to create a new traffic-calmed, green promenade prioritis- ing pedestrians and sustainable modes of transport. This transformation has involved the urban planning of everyday life. A technical, participatory study has been carried out with the intention of getting the neigh- bourhood view and that has spotted roads that need to be developed as roads that link the neighbourhoods Les Glòries around the avenue in an effort to overcome the barri- er it currently represents. These intersections generate Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 70 hubs, spaces where pedestrian crossings are prioritised nications cables and drainage pipes. In addition, speed 5.3.3 Barcelona’s commitment to and which, at the same time, are spaces that identify the limits will be applied to bicycles, service vehicles, cars, social urban development neighbourhoods and serve as a strategy for pacifying motorbikes and scooters. traffic. The work, which began in 2018 and is expected to end in March 2019, will provide 58,000 m2 of green The first phase, between Passeig de Fabra i Puig and space, new bike lanes and leisure spots. Carrer de Sant Adrià, was completed in 2018 and the Urban planning with a gender perspective second, between Carrer de Sant Adrià and Carrer de Joan Torras, will continue until May 2019. The budget for The government measure X on urban planning with a Improvements to Via Laietana this work is €4.9 million. gender perspective includes a package of measures for integrating a gender perspective into all urban planning Work has begun on improving the space for pedestrians policies to achieve a fairer, more equal, safer city without and walking between the Gothic quarter and the Sant Remodelling Carrer de Pere IV barriers: Pere, Santa Caterina i Ribera neighbourhood. It is part of the overall process of remodelling Via Laietana to make The transformation of Carrer de Pere IV into a pleasant, Integrating a gender perspective in the city’s major it more friendly, with more public space for pedestrians traffic-calmed street that prioritises pedestrians is now transformation projects, such as Avinguda Meridiana, and more sustainable mobility. To that end, a participa- into its second phase, which encompasses the section the superblocks, the New Bus Network and the Neigh- tory process involving local people, traders and associa- running from Rambla de Prim to Carrer de Josep Pla. The bourhood Plan. tions is already under way. transformation, as was the case between Carrer de Bil- bao and Carrer del Roc Boronat, will do away with the Drawing up a map of the city based on exploratory current three lanes and introduce a new one-way sys- walks as an element of diagnosis. Pacification of Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu tem with a traffic lane and a service lane. On the moun- tain side, there will be a separate two-way bike lane. Pilot project in the Gràcia district to draw up an every- The renovation of Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu will pri- day network map featuring facilities, services and ac- oritise the space for pedestrians, with a central strip at These actions seek to recover space for pedestrians, cessible, safe routes. least 3.5 metres wide on the same level as and connect- with wider, more pleasant pavements (approximately 15 ed with the pavements and adjacent streets to facilitate m on the mountain side and 5.45 m on the sea side), the Pilot project to boost the Bon Pastor i Torrent de Es- accessibility. The shopping hub will retain the existing planting of lime trees, the installation of lighting and new tadella Industrial Estate with gender, mobility, safety lined trees and plant life will be enhanced with more street furniture and the adaptation of pedestrian cross- and employment policies. shrubs and flowerbeds. Spaces with new street furni- ings and traffic lights. ture will also be created for pedestrians to sit and the paving will be also be renewed, as will the telecommu- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 71 Review, with a gender perspective, of the provision Assigning spaces in disuse under the BUITS and location of urban elements that comprise the fur- Plan niture in the public space. In 2012, the City Council launched the Urban Voids with Producing a school mobility plan with a gender per- Territorial and Social Involvement Plan (BUITS Plan X) spective. with a view to reviving plots of land in the city that had fallen into disuse by means of temporary activities of Producing a gender criteria manual for technicians public interest run by public or private non-profit organ- who compile and/or supervise planning figures and isations, thus encouraging civil society involvement in projects for the public space. regenerating and reviving the urban fabric. The activities carried out and the uses are put to are of public interest In addition, the Urban Planning Manual for Everyday or have a social purpose. The installation of children’s games in Plaça del Sol, Life X was recently published to provide planning crite- in Gràcia, has proved a success, going by the use chil- dren are making of them. ria and diagnostics tools, from a gender perspective, for the technical staff responsible for urban planning and 5.3.4 A new perspective on play in the staff who prepare public space and facility projects. Thus, between 2018 and 2019, 39 spaces are due to be public spaces renovated with new play criteria and elements of univer- Neighbourhood Plan: without sal inclusion, creating 10 new play areas and 20 recrea- neighbourhoods there is no Barcelona tion spaces, of which 2 will be co-created with children: Barcelona plays things right Parc de la Pegaso in Sant Andreu and Parc Central in This programme X, rolled out in 2016, seeks to reverse Nou Barris. the inequalities between the city’s neighbourhoods by This measure X, approved in February 2018, seeks to means of a series of actions in the social, educational, promote a change by recognising the social importance In order to give shape to the measure and establish a economic and urban spheres, with a clear cross-cutting of play in public spaces and to transform these play are- working plan for the medium term, the City Council is and transformative vision, and in collaboration neigh- as so they foster free, autonomous play among children, adopting a participatory and cross-cutting approach bourhood residents. As regards urban planning, the while making them inclusive spaces, open to all ages, and working with the Institute for Children and Adoles- actions are aimed at overcoming shortcomings, poor genders and cultures with general accessibility criteria. cents to create the Plan for Play in Public Spaces in Bar- quality housing and the lack of infrastructures. There At the same time, it seeks to promote physical activity celona up to 2030. are currently ten plans in place spanning a total of 16 and contact with nature. neighbourhoods. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 72 5.3.5 Municipal works with a lower Four more are due to be opened in 2019, enabling the environmental impact Sustainable urban planning workshops target to be reached. With a view to incorporating socio-environmental crite- After a pilot test lasting two years, the space for dogs on ria into the urban planning process that have a holistic, the Llevant beach is now established and will open every Greening municipal works systematised and comprehensive vision of the city, the year during bathing season. It covers 1,250 m, separated City Council has launched the sustainable urban plan- from the rest of the beach by fencing, and has a capacity The Technical Instructions for the Application of Sustain- ning workshops, several of which have been held with for up to 100 dogs ability Criteria in Public Works Projects X (2015) seek to staff from different Urban Ecology Area departments minimise the environmental impact of municipal works taking part. At these sessions, the criteria for improving and pursue energy self-sufficiency and environmental the approach to urban planning are assessed, analysed Amendment to the terrace byelaw excellence in public space and construction projects. and defined by using a practical case as an example, The instructions establish the application of the Mayoral with a view to obtaining an initial list of sustainability cri- The purpose of this amendment is to make the criteria Decree for Greening Public Works (2009), which calls for teria and a methodology enabling them to be included in required for authorising terraces more flexible as regards the production of an environmental report and a green- the urban planning process. the percentages of pavement occupancy and free spaces. ing plan for actions with a budget equal to or higher than €450,000. To ensure universal accessibility, the byelaw establishes 5.3.6 Coexistence in public spaces there must be a space of 1.80 m between the façade and As a result, most construction, public space and infra- the terrace which, “preferably”, but not mandatorily, must structure project contracts drawn up by BIMSA, which be in front of the establishment. In the case of “emblem- account for about half of all municipal works, include en- atic” terraces that back onto the façade, accessibility al- vironmental criteria on the source of timber, energy and New dog walking spaces ternatives will be studied. water self-sufficiency, increasing greenery and biodiver- sity, and promoting the circular economy. To comply with the 2014 Byelaw on the Protection, Own- In addition, the size of terraces on streets with raised ership and Sale of Animals in Barcelona, which requires pavements is more flexible. As a guide, a maximum occu- Work is under way on amending the instructions to in- all dogs to be on leads in all spaces with the exception pancy of 50% is maintained, although it allows for them to clude actions arising from the government measure on of the dedicated dog walking areas, the City Council set occupy between 40% and 60% of the pavement, depend- the Transition towards Energy Sovereignty and the Cli- itself the target of ensuring that all the districts had a ing on each case. mate Plan (see Section 10.4.1, “New actions and objectives for minimum dog walking space of 700 m2. Five new areas continuing to make progress on greening the City Council”). have been created and two others renovated in 2018. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 73 5.4 Future goals and measures With the involvement of residents, Barcelona City Coun- In addition, diagnosis work has begun in the following ar- posal to convert it into an open neighbourhood space cil has implemented new projects to improve the hab- eas: in the area around Sagrada Família, Fort Pienc, the and a facility hub for the city. itability of public spaces, by pacifying them, promoting area around the old Model prison, Sant Andreu, Pros- social uses and increasing greenery and biodiversity. peritat, Sant Gervasi-Via Augusta and Poblenou. The transformation X process includes a school, a nurs- ery, 150 council flats, an old people’s home, a space for social and solidarity economy initiatives and a semi-un- 5.4.1 Actions to reclaim public La Model opens up to the city derground sports centre. One of the galleries will be preserved as a memorial space, paying homage to its spaces for residents and make them After 113 years, the Model prison was closed in the sum- history, and a youth facility. All of that surrounded by greener mer of 2017 and handed over to Barcelona City Council. 14,000 m2 of green space. Work is due to start at the Following a participatory process involving local resi- end of 2020. dents and entities, the City Council has drawn up a pro- Superblocks expand across Barcelona In the coming years, the model of organising the public space in superblocks is expected to be rolled out across as much of the city as possible. Work is currently under The transformation way in three new areas: C/ Consell de Cent - C/ German- of La Model must etes (Esquerra de l’Eixample), C/ Girona and the sur- make the most of the rounding area (Dreta de l’Eixample), and Sant Gervasi de large space which Cassoles (Sarrià - Sant Gervasi), where a driving group will be freed up for has already been set up and work is under way on the public use to create a new open park Implementation Action Plan with the relevant groups: that will serve as a residents, schools, traders and facilities, among others. green lung for the surrounding area. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 74 relax, while the space for vehicles will be reduced to a 5.4.2 Planning instruments for Boost to Parc dels Tres Turons single lane. At the Drassanes end, a new urban space recovering local use of the coast will be created, with places to sit and relax and two large Barcelona has rekindled the development of Parc dels green areas. Work is due to start at the end of 2019 or Tres Turons to consolidate it as a major green lung for the start of 2020. the city. In September 2018, the City Council organised Coastal Plan a call for tenders to give a unique vision to the overall improvement of this major green space spanning 123 Can Peguera The City Council has started work on drawing up a stra- ha. Ecological values will define the range of actions to tegic plan for the city’s coastal areas, a tool for planning be taken, so the future of the park will be decided by The 2015 General Metropolitan Plan amendment has and managing the urban spaces on the waterfront. The landscape criteria, along with greenery, water and ener- not affected Can Peguera’s classification as a barri de plan covers the coastal neighbourhoods, ports, beaches, gy management criteria. cases barates or “cheap housing neighbourhood”. In fact, facilities and free spaces. The ultimate goal is to establish it is the last of these neighbourhoods. Its land and build- a new consensual approach to define strategic areas, pro- The winners will be announced in March and will be ings are all publicly owned and it conserves a low-den- posals and specific actions that respond to each of the asked to draw up the blueprints. sity urban fabric with some very special characteristics, existing challenges along whole seafront, based on the where memory and social structure play an important concerns and needs of people that live, work and spend The new Rambla, reclaimed for the city’s role. their free time there. To that end, a participatory process residents was launched in December 2018 with local residents, or- When the decision was taken to conserve the neighbour- ganisations and other entities affected. In order to reclaim the Rambla and for Barcelona’s res- hood, a lot of thought went into what its comprehensive idents to make it their own, work has been performed renovation should involve, from the point of view of pub- The new Port Olímpic: a civic space dedicated on the remodelling project in 2018. The proposed trans- lic spaces and facilities as well as the houses. As a result, to the sea formation drawn up by km-ZERO, in which residents and energy renovation has also been included and the aim is different institutions have been involved, provides for a to use the neighbourhood as an example of sustainable The Port Olímpic Master Plan has been drawn up with a series of cultural, social and planning measures. construction, adapted to current regulations and habit- view to leaving its current model of uses, based on night ability requirements. This is reflected in the Future Plan, life and tourism, behind in order to reclaim the marina Pedestrians will play a more prominent role on the new drawn up following an exhaustive diagnostics process for resident uses and integrate it into the city. Rambla, with wider pavements and new places to sit and and a lot of work with local residents. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 75 The planned interventions will enable people to en- joy a public space of much higher quality, much more open and permeable, with better connectivity between the levels. For that, the marina breakwater will be traf- fic-calmed, vehicle access ramps will be removed and a new promenade will be built on the Moll de Gregal wharf. This will double the public space from the current 23,800 m2 to more than 48,000 m2. Replanning its uses will boost nautical activities, sport and popular science, with a municipal water sports cen- tre, a new centre for disseminating maritime knowledge and an expanded Sailing Centre. The total investment will come to €39 million, which will be financed by the Port Olímpic itself through income from the sale of premises and moorings. Work is due to start at the end of 2019 and last until 2022. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Sustainable land use 76 78 Summary infographic 79 6.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 80 6.2 General context and current situation 80 6.2.1 Consensual planning of urban mobility 81 6.2.2 Failure to improve air quality in the city 83 6 .2.3 Atmospheric pollution by PM2.5, cause of 424 deaths on average a year 84 6.3 Measures implemented to improve air quality 84 6.3.1 Planning to reduce atmospheric pollution 84 6.3.2 Reducing motorised transport, key to improving air quality Local air quality 86 6.3.3 Fostering sustainable mobility 86 6.3.4 Municipal service vehicles, increasingly cleaner 86 6.3.5 Actions coordinated with other sectors 87 6.3.6 Monitoring the effects of atmospheric pollution on health 87 6.3.7 Information transparency and communication 88 6.4 Future goals and measures 88 6.4.1 Towards zero-emission mobility Barcelona, cleaner air to guarantee the health of residents Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 77 69.0 % 71.7 % Local air Current by road traffic by road traffic quality situation 9.5 % 0.7 % by industry by industry Main sources of NO2 PM10 atmospheric 8.7 % 5.2 % pollution in by port activities by port activities Vision of the Barcelona 12.8 % 22.4 % future pby other sectors by other sectors Improving the quality NO2 PM10 PM of air 2.5 (current WHO annual (current WHO annual (current WHO annual breathed limit: 40 μg/m3) limit: 40 μg/m3) limit: 25 μg/m3) in the city Traffic stations compliance Urban area stations exceedance Lines of action Planning “Programme Reducing motorised Information of measures against transport Sustainable mobility transparency and atmospheric pollution” “Low emission zone in “Public transport” Effects on health communication “Action Protocol for High Barcelona” “Superblocks “Bicycles” “Electric “New monitoring “Air quality website” Pollution Levels” and pacification” vehicles”” system” “Alerts service” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 78 6.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Vision of the future Therefore, Barcelona wants to improve the quality of air breathed in the city and ensure it stays within the maximum values defined by the European Union and the WHO. To achieve this, it is adopting structural measures to reduce the emission of polluting elements in the city with the main goal of decreasing average annual values and, at the same time, preventing episodes of high pollution. As traffic is the main contrib- Barcelona, like other Europe- uting factor to the high level of certain atmospheric pollutants in Barcelona, it is essential that we move towards more sustainable mobility an cities (Paris, London, Ber- and become a city with fewer emissions and more greenery, in order to ensure the health and quality of life of residents. lin or Rotterdam), exceeds the average annual NO2 con- All that means new action strategies must be adopted at all levels to improve the air quality in the city and the metropolitan area. The main centration limits established challenges are as follows: by the European Union and the recommendations of the Barcelona is the heart of a major conurbation where around 8.2 million journeys are made per day. Although the weight of World Health Organisation ecomobility (journeys made on public and non-motorised transport, on foot or by bicycle) in total journeys has increased slightly, the high (WHO). level of traffic on streets remains a problem that must be addressed. In terms of PM and PM con- Barcelona is the heart of a large urban system with a high level of integration and inter-dependence between the city, the Barcelonès 10 2.5 centrations, although the annual county, the metropolitan area and the metropolitan region, and there are constant dependencies and functional exchanges. European Union limits are be- Barcelona has specific features on which the spread of pollution is dependent. Firstly, the complex terrain where Barcelona is ing met, they remain above the located encourages the accumulation of pollution. Secondly, on account of the density and height of buildings, there is a screen effect in reference levels set out by the terms of pollution generated by traffic. Thirdly, specific unfavourable meteorological circumstances compromise the atmospheric disper- WHO. sion capacity of pollutants, increasing their concentration and causing one-off episodes of high pollution. Barcelona is studying the relationship between health and atmospheric pollution. The inhalation of suspended particles and nitrogen oxides released by combustion vehicles, diesel in particular, is associated with significant reductions in life expectancy. Scientific research on the impact of atmospheric pollution on health, the environment, noise, temperature and active transport represents an op- portunity to achieve a healthy urban lifestyle. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 79 6.2 General context and current situation Emissions released by transport, those generated by the gets set by the European Union include promoting, sions and immissions. Although road traffic is not the Port, industry and other sectors, such as the domestic incentivising and boosting urban and intercity public main emitter in the city, it is the main contributor to and tertiary sectors, determine the level of atmospher- transport; promoting modal exchange, energy diversifi- NO2 and PM10 immission levels, given the distribution of ic pollution in Barcelona. However, air pollution is also cation and the rational use of private vehicles; making emissions across the city as a whole. caused by emission sources some way away from the vehicles on the roads greener and incentivising energy city, the so-called “regional contribution”. improvements. 6.2.1 Consensual planning of urban The Political Agreement to Improve Air Quality in the The results of the studies drawn up as part of the Bar- Barcelona Conurbation sets out, in the territorial scope celona Air Quality Improvement Plan  X (2015-2018) mobility of 40 municipalities, a series of actions in all sectors, demonstrate that the mobility sector is the main cause in particular mobility, aimed at reducing NOx and PM10 of air quality problems in the city, both in terms of emis- Based on the source of pollution, the most effective emissions in order to re-establish air quality and meet strategy for improving air quality is to take action on the limits established in European legislation and grad- road traffic and that is exactly what the Urban Mobility ually meet the limits recommended by the WHO. Guar- Origin of immissions NO2 PM10 Plan X (PMU) is doing, to make further progress towards anteeing the quality of the air we breath is equivalent to (2013) (average) (average) a model of safe, healthy, fair, smart and sustainable mo- protecting health and the environment. Background 13,0% 71,0% bility. Barcelona is adapting its urban space to ensure a more equitable distribution for the various methods Generated in Barcelona 87,0% 29,0% To reduce local atmospheric pollution levels, action of transport, by opening cycle lanes, improving the bus must be taken on emission sources in the affected areas Road traffic 60,0% 20,8% network and giving priority to people travelling on foot, that, generally speaking and on a global scale, occur in Industry 8,3% 0,3% with wider pavements and traffic-calmed streets offer- economically dynamic urban hubs. The Action Plan to Port activity 7,6% 1,5% ing convenience and safety. Improve Air Quality up to 2020, sets out additional envi- ronmental measures for these circumstances, which are Other sectors 11,1% 6,4% As part of the fight against air pollution, adopting coor- called “environmental pollution episodes”. dinated action strategies at all levels (local, Metropoli- tan Area, Catalan government, Spanish government and Traffic is the main cause of air quality problems in Some of the specific measures being implemented by the city. European Union) is essential. Thus, the PMU fits in with the Catalan government to achieve the air quality tar- and is adapted to current legislation and the various su- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 80 pra-municipal plans, such as the Mobility Master Plan for 6.2.2 Failure to improve air quality in European legislation also regulates and establishes le- the Barcelona Metropolitan Region X (2013-2018) and the city gal limits on the concentration levels of carbon dioxide the Metropolitan Urban Mobility Plan, currently being (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine suspended particles drafted. If we take into account the fact that 55% of the (PM10 and PM2.5), tropospheric ozone (O3) and sulphur vehicles on Barcelona’s roads are from outside the city, The establishment of thresholds for each atmospheric dioxide (SO2). In addition to legal regulations, the WHO it is essential that planning for mobility and its conse- pollutant seeks to avoid, prevent and reduce their harm- has also established limits on air pollution levels. quences is carried out on a broader scale than the mu- ful effect on human health. This principle is reflected in nicipal level. regional, Spanish and European atmospheric pollution In order to make a representative assessment of the city’s legislation. The benchmark legislation in Spain to assess air quality, the Air Pollution Monitoring and Forecasting Likewise, the City Council has created the Committee to air quality is Act 34/2007, of 15 November, on Air Qual- Network (XVPCA), jointly managed by the Catalan gover- fight Air Pollution in Barcelona X (2015) to address at- ity and Protecting the Atmosphere, and Royal Decree nment and the Barcelona Public Health Agency, includes mospheric pollution issues in cooperation with entities 102/2011, of 23 January, on Improving Air Quality. various measuring stations located according to the proxi- and players in the sector (municipal services, municipal groups plus different social, ecological, mobility, health The European Union has defined legal limits for the concentration of NO , PM and PM , and the WHO has and scientific entities and organisations), propose ac- 2 10 2.5 established recommended limits for health, which in some cases, are tighter than the legal limits. tions and define action protocols in the event of envi- ronmental pollution episodes. The necessary consensus between the municipal government, its social partners and the general public has a multiplying effect that can European Union World Health Organisation make a major contribution towards achieving a healthi- er city. The Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) and the NO2 Hourly average: 200 μg/m3 Hourly average: 200 μg/m3 Catalan government (Generalitat) are invited to take part Yearly average: 40 μg/m3 Yearly average: 40 μg/m3 in the Committee as well, as a way of boosting inter-au- PM10 24-hour average: 50 μg/m3 24-hour average: 50 μg/m3 thority unity in the fight against air pollution. And the Yearly average: 40 μg/m3 Yearly average: 20 μg/m3 City Council plays an active role in the Barcelona Con- urbation Air Quality Committee, as well as the working PM2.5 Yearly average: 25 μg/m3 Yearly average: 10 μg/m3 groups set up by the AMB and the Generalitat. 24-hour average: 25 μg/m3 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 81 mity and gradient of emissions received. In all, there are 11 stations in Barcelona that measure the main elements which make up environmental pollution and which can affect people’s health. If we look at air pollution concentration data since 2001, we can see that the annual average concentrations of NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 have begun to rise again, following a gra- dual decrease in these pollutants, since 2011, when the effects of the financial crisis started to take hold in terms of the improvement in certain environmental parameters, such as air pollution or waste generation. NO2 As regards NO2 throughout the period between 2001 and 2017, the health protection threshold set by the European Union and the reference level defined by the WHO have been exceeded at traffic stations and also, to a significant degree and generally speaking, at the urban background stations in Poblenou and Ciutadella. It is es- timated that 70% of Barcelona’s population are exposed to levels higher than those recommended by the WHO. PM10 Barcelona has 11 stations of the Air With regard to PM10, although the annual threshold de- Pollution Monitoring fined by the European Union is being met, the annual and Forecasting Urban background stations Network Moderate traffic stations reference value set out by the WHO is still being exceed- Very intense traffic stations ed at both traffic and urban background stations. It is estimated that 98% of residents are exposed to levels higher than those defined by the WHO. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 82 In terms of the daily limit (50 µg/m3), the number of days 6.2.3 Atmospheric pollution by per day of NO2 not been exceeded, on average 90 deaths in which it has exceeded the daily reference level set by PM , cause of 424 deaths on and 67 hospitalisations for cardiovascular causes could the WHO and the European Union has increased, both 2.5 average a year have been prevented each year. In terms of the of PM2.5 for traffic and urban background stations. levels, had the level of 10 μg/m³ per day not been excee- ded, 162 cardiovascular deaths and 1,368 respiratory ill- PM2.5 For a number of years, the Barcelona Public Health ness emergencies could have been prevented each year. Agency has been analysing the impact of air pollution on Thus, the measures must seek to permanently reduce Although the concentration of PM2.5 remains below the the health of Barcelona’s residents. Exposure to atmos- motorised traffic. annual limits set by the European Union for 2016 (25 µg/ pheric pollution is directly related to a decline in health, m3) and 2020 (20 µg/m3), it remains above the WHO ref- in both the short and long term. Polluted air causes lung In Barcelona, 424 deaths per year can be attributed to erence levels. cancer, has clear effects on cardiovascular and respira- exceeding the PM2.5 thresholds recommended by the tory diseases, contributes to the onset of asthma and WHO. In the case of NO2, this figure increases to 961 diabetes, slows down foetal growth, delays brain devel- deaths. opment and pulmonary function in children and short- ens life expectancy. The data trend in this period establishes a correlation between the level of pollution and deaths it causes. The The results show how the impact on health caused by years in which the density of fine particles was highest pollution over the course of the year is much higher than (PM2.5) were when there were the most deaths, 594 the impact caused by pollution episodes. Over the past (2011), 706 (2012) and 529 (2015). 10 years, it is estimated that, had the level of 40 μg/m³ 70 C ity annual average NO 1400 60 2 D eaths attributed 60 C ity annual average PM 1200 50 to PM2.5 10 50 C ity annual average PM 1000 A nnual average PM 40 2.5 2.5 40 L imit values for NO and 800 D eaths attributed 2 30 to NO 30 PM10 (EU) 600 2 20 L imit values for PM 20 Annual average NO2 2.5 (EU) 400 10 200 10 0 0 0 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 83 μg/m³ Number of deaths μg/m³ 6.3 Measures implemented to improve air quality Motorised transport is the main source of atmospheric to reduce the levels of the two most problematic pollut- 6.3.2 Reducing motorised transport, pollution, as it is the main contributor to NO2 and PM10 ants currently in the city: suspended PM10 particles and key to improving air quality immission levels. Thus, to improve air quality in the city nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Based on a time horizon set for and protect residents’ health, measures must be ap- 2020, 58 actions have been defined. plied that are specific to each neighbourhood, the city Restrictions on the circulation of the most as a whole and the metropolitan area to gradually re- polluting vehicles duce the number of vehicles on the road and facilitate High Pollution Action Protocol the switch to more sustainable methods of transport. Thanks to the joint efforts of Barcelona City Council, the In recent years, the City Council has promoted a series This protocol, approved in January 2018, is an internal Barcelona Metropolitan Area and the municipalities with- of measures that encompass different sectors involved. coordination instrument included in the Basic Municipal in it, since December 2017, during NO2 environmental pol- Emergency Plan that regulates the actions to be taken lution episodes on working days from Monday to Friday, when high levels of NO2 and PM10 pollution are detected. between 7 am and 8 pm, passenger vehicles not showing 6.3.1 Planning to reduce the DGT label and vans prior to Euro1 cannot travel in the It establishes that, in the event of an NO2 episode, tem- low emissions zone within the Barcelona ring roads, an atmospheric pollution porary restrictions shall apply to the circulation of the area spanning more than 95 km2 which includes Barce- most polluting vehicles in the low emission zone with- lona (with the exception of Vallvidrera, Tibidabo and Les in the Barcelona ring roads and that, to facilitate user Planes, and the industrial area of Zona Franca) and parts Programme of Measures to Control Air Pollution mobility, extraordinary measures shall apply to public of Sant Adrià de Besòs, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplu- transport, namely a 10% increase in the overall supply of gues de Llobregat and Cornellà de Llobregat. Given the results of the air quality assessment X in Bar- public transport in the metropolitan area or the activa- celona in 2015, which suggested that atmospheric pollu- tion of the T-aire card. From December 2018 onwards, this restriction shall ex- tion in the city had not only not been curbed but that it pand to motorbikes, scooters, motorbikes and quadricy- had increased and the main culprit was road traffic, the cles that do not have the DGT label. It is expected that City Council drew up the 2015-2018 Barcelona Air Qual- this will gradually apply to all types of vehicles, with a view ity Improvement Plan and, in 2016, the Programme of to implementing the structural measure from 1 January Measures to Control Air Pollution X. The measures seek 2020. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 84 Regulated parking In the event of a pollution episode, it is also planned that on-street parking rates will increase for non-residents in blue and green zones to €2 an hour for all vehicles, with the exception of those with the DGT “Zero Emissions” la- bel, which will be charged €0 an hour. This measure will take effect when the corresponding changes to current parking meters have been applied. Changes in the city model The roll-out of superblocks in four city districts and the implementation of other traffic-calming measures, such as those on Avinguda Meridiana or Carrer de Pere IV, for example, make it possible to increase the space for non-motorised mobility and reduce atmospheric pollu- tion (see Section 5.3.2, “Urban transformation towards a city for people”).”). Park & Ride Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) has four Park & Ride X locations on the outskirts of the city (Plaça del Fòrum, Rius i Taulet, Sant Genís and Marquès de Mul- Low Emissions Zone Area excluded Roads excluded hacén). This type of car park is set up close to public transport stations with a view to drivers parking their pri- vate vehicles and travelling to the city centre using public transport. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 85 6.3.3 Fostering sustainable mobility that they have scrapped a polluting vehicle without the 6.3.5 Actions coordinated with other DGT environmental label. sectors Fostering public transport and bicycles The T-aire is a special card for use on days when the NO2 pollution-related environmental episode protocol is acti- To encourage people to leave their private vehicles for vated. The price is the same as two journeys with the T-10, Port and airport, committed to air quality sustainable, public transport, the new orthogonal bus and a 10% discount is applied. network has been completed, new bus lanes have been The Port of Barcelona has taken actions to help improve created, the metro network has been expanded with the air quality, such as the incorporation of discount schemes opening of the L10 Sud (south line), the cycling infrastruc- 6.3.4 Municipal service vehicles, for the cleanest vessels or the installation of a liquefied ture has been expanded, as has the Bicing network, and natural gas (LNG) point for lorries and other vehicles. Fur- other measures have been adopted to promote cycling increasingly cleaner thermore, the City Council has signed the declaration for (see Chapter 3, “Mobility and urban transport”). creating an emission control area in the Mediterranean, bearing in mind that maritime pollution is responsible for Making the municipal vehicle fleet greener 9% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the city’s air. Promoting electric vehicles The City Council is working to make the municipal vehicle As regards the airport, which has four air pollution meas- In accordance with the Electric Vehicle Master Plan (2016), fleet a low emission fleet: currently, 24% of vehicles are uring stations, it is worth highlighting the gradual replace- the following actions have been taken to promote the use electric (703) and 7% are hybrid (208). In 2017-2018, 217 ment of fossil-fuel vehicles with electric vehicles and the of electric vehicles: free parking in green or blue zones electric vehicles and 166 hybrid vehicles were acquired, optimisation of aircraft taxiing operations. for users of electric vehicles, 75% rebate on mechanically 58% of all acquisitions. This is the result of applying the powered vehicle tax, and the creation of 450 public and Technical Instructions for the Application of Sustainability free recharging stations (see Section 3.3.4, “Private vehicles, Criteria in Vehicles X (2015), which establish a range of Corporate Travel Plan limited and sustainable”). priorities in the motorisation of vehicles. The Metropolitan Transport Authority, in which Barcelo- More specifically, by making cleaning and waste collection na City Council participates, is promoting the adoption Discounted public transport contracts in Barcelona greener there has been a notable of the Corporate Travel Plan X (PDE). This is a series of reduction in the environmental impact of the municipal actions intended to optimise the mobility of workers Two new public transport cards were created in 2017. The vehicle fleet. In 2018, 94% of contract vehicles were pow- and visitors, encourage the use of alternative modes of T-verda provides for unlimited, free travel for three years ered by low environmental impact technologies, including transport to private vehicles, rationalise the use of cars on public transport in the six tariff zones operated by biofuels. (If they are excluded, the figure is 62%). Twen- and manage the goods transport. ATM. It can be obtained by anyone who can demonstrate ty-two per cent of the fleet are electric vehicles. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 86 6.3.6 Monitoring the effects of package with a range of educational activities for teach- atmospheric pollution on health ers or different subjects and levels of education. In cooperation with the Barcelona Public Health Agency and the Barcelona Education Consortium, the “Breath- New monitoring system ing Schools” programme was created in 2018 with a view to reducing pollution around schools and improv- The Barcelona Public Health Agency has developed a ing awareness of the problems pollution poses to the monitoring system that makes it possible to measure, school population. monitor and report the effects of air pollution on the health of Barcelona’s residents. The new system makes it possible to estimate the impact of pollution on health, both in the event of an episode and by exposure over the course of the year, in addition to estimating deaths attributable to atmospheric pollution. 6.3.7 Information transparency and communication Environmental education and awareness raising tools Actions targeting different groups of people have been rolled out as part of a communication programme. Worth particular mention is the creation of an air qual- ity website X with a map that provides information on current and forecast concentrations of NO2 and PM10; a free atmospheric pollution alerts service X via email; the guide X Mobility and Air Quality and an educational Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 87 6.4 Future goals and measures Improving the quality of the air inhaled each day in Bar- 6.4.1 Towards zero-emission celona and achieving the acceptable levels allowed by mobility Promoting more sustainable means of transport legislation is the main priority that will mark the imple- mentation of future structural measures and policies in One of the main aspects of the 2019-2024 Urban Mobili- having a positive impact on human health and the envi- Widening the restrictions in the low emissions ty Plan is sustainable mobility, in other words, facilitating ronment. zone the switch to more sustainable means of transport and transport energy consumption, in addition to increas- The institutional commitment acquired at the 2017 Air If the targets in the new Urban Mobility Plan and the Air ing the proportion of renewable and clean energy con- Quality Summit to reduce atmospheric pollution and Pollution Concrol Plan are achieved, one in five private sumed. The new plan will focus on promoting travel on improve air quality between the Catalan Government, vehicles will stop driving on Barcelona’s streets between foot, by bicycle and on public transport over travel by Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Metropolitan now and 2020. private vehicles (see Section 3.4.1, “Strategic planning of mo- Area, the Barcelona Provincial Council and 40 local rep- bility over the coming six years). resentatives, establishes two strategic lines that must From 1 January 2020, the circulation of all vehicles with- be followed: restricting use of private vehicles and in- out the DGT label will be banned on workdays from centivising public transport to reduce emissions linked Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 8 pm. As of 1 Jan- Consolidation of the superblock model to transport by 30% in the coming 15 years. uary 2025, this ban will extend permanently to all the municipalities within the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Another action to improve the city’s environmental qual- ity is to continue making progress on reorganising the As demonstrated by the 2017 study X charactering ve- public space by consolidating the superblocks. These ur- hicles and their emissions in the metropolitan area, act- ban structures reduce through traffic on certain roads ing on 20% of vehicles on the roads has an effect on 60% and allow for a traffic-calm city with more green spaces, of immissions in the city. in other words, a city with cleaner air (see Section 5.4.1, “Ac- tivities to restore public spaces to residents and making them greener”). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Local air quality 88 90 Summary infographic 91 7.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 92 7.2 General context and current situation 93 7.2.1 Traffic, the main source of noise in the city 93 7.2.2 Updated noise map 95 7.3 Measures implemented to improve acoustic quality 95 7.3.1 Assessment and planning tools for defining the action plans 96 7 .3.2 Information and raising public awareness for less noise and respect for others Acoustic quality 99 7.4 Future goals and measures 99 7 .4.1 A new strategy for improving noise quality in the city in a participatory manner Barcelona is reducing noise pollution to become a healthier city Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 89 Current Traffic, Acoustic 22.8 % Road length Road length the main of the population exposed to exposed to quality situation During source of noise exposed to >55 dB (A) >65 dB (A) the day 2012: 89.2% 2012: 42.7% 2017: 80.2% 2017: 33.5% > 65 dB (A) Vision of the future Improving Traffic, 32.6 % Road length Road length Barcelona’s At night the main of the population exposed to exposed to acoustic source of noise exposed to >45 dB (A) >55 dB (A) 2012: 90.9% 2012: 58.9% quality to 2017: 87.5% 2017: 51.3% become a > 55 healthier city dB (A) Lines of action Control and monitoring Awareness raising Assessment and planning “Sound level meters in amongst residents Education at schools “Plan to reduce noise pollution” public spaces” “Sound “Barcelona Sona” “Sssplau More “Strategic Noise Map of Barcelona” limiters at festivals and “Pilot tests in popular Sustainable Schools “Noise and Health working group” concerts” night-life areas” micro network” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 90 7.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Reducing noise pollution has been one of Barcelona City Council’s environmental objectives for more than 20 years and the aim is Vision of the future to invert the general trend of gradually rising noise levels in large urban hubs. This trend is compounded by the challenges posed by the geographical, historical and cultural features of an eminently Mediterranean city like Barcelona. On the other hand, growing Barcelona wants to improve the awareness of the issue has opened up a wide variety of opportunities to overcome this challenge. city’s acoustic quality to live in a healthier environment. Like all Barcelona is a dense city with a high density of vehicles. This means that a high percentage of the population is exposed to major cities, the sound of Barcelona is very high levels of noise. like the beating of a drum. This sound becomes noise when it exceeds Noise is a risk factor for health that is often underestimated. In addition, noise perception is subjective and can have dif- thresholds that can affect the peace ferent impacts on different people. and relaxation of residents. This noise Public awareness of noise has gradually increased, so the City Council is making efforts to improve the city’s acoustic quality undermines the quality of our sur- by rolling out a wide variety of actions. roundings and has a demonstrable impact on our health. Planning and ci- Night-life is no longer a localised, seasonal activity but now part of life in more districts and is present all year round. vility are the main pillars for achieving The intensification of tourist activities has increased noise pressure generated by traffic, the use of public spaces and well-being and reducing decibels. leisure activities that involve tourists. Furthermore, the proliferation of tourist apartments makes it difficult to control and take action against these sources of noise. Regulating these activities must make it possible to act more effectively and arrange these activities in such a way that respects the rights and duties of everybody. The new Strategic Noise Map enables us to get a better understanding of noise in the city and represents an opportu- nity to adopt more effective measures for reducing noise pressure on residents. Noise pollution regulation and control actions are having a positive and notable impact on reducing noise levels. Improving noise quality is a cross-cutting objective in the city. Noise management is not only addressed by ad hoc policies. It also fits in with the Council’s other policies, such as promoting electric vehicles and sustainable mobility, creating superblocks or covering major infrastructures. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 91 7.2 General context and current situation Barcelona is a soundscape made up of sounds from mul- which has recently been updated, and the 2010-2020 and monitoring noise pollution and setting criteria for tiple sources, ranging from nature to the roar of an en- Noise Pollution Reduction Plan X. good noise quality in the city. The OMA also establishes gine. The flurry of activities, both day and night, means immission limits that apply to each noise sensitive area. that noise levels can undermine the quality of life of city The regulatory framework rolled out in recent years in residents. There is considerable evidence that associates Catalonia, Spain and Europe regulates aspects such as exposure to noise with effects on health, such as sleep the methodology for measuring noise levels, urban zon- disturbance, stress and risk factors that can lead to car- ing based on noise immission thresholds and the duties of diovascular diseases. In that sense, sound management is central and local government as regards managing noise. a priority for ensuring people who live in and use the city Supra-municipal agglomerations of more than 250,000 enjoy a healthy environment. inhabitants must produce (and revise every 5 years) stra- tegic noise maps and the corresponding action plans to In recent years, public awareness has increased, so Bar- reduce noise pollution, particularly in areas where the In certain noise sensitive areas, the immission celona City Council is making efforts to improve the city’s limits set out in the regulations are exceeded. At a munic- threshold increases by 5 dB(A) for existing acoustic quality by rolling out a wide variety of actions. ipal level, the Barcelona City Council Environment Byelaw urbanised areas. These efforts are reflected in the Strategic Noise Map X, (OMA) X establishes the regulations aimed at preventing Immission thresholds established by the Barcelona City Council Environment Byelaw Thresholds recommended High noise Moderate noise Low noise by the WHO sensitivity area sensitivity area sensitivity area Outdoor, day 65 dB (A) Outdoor, day Ld (7 am to 9 pm) 60 dB (A) 65 dB (A) 70 dB (A) Outdoor, night 40 dB (A) Outdoor, evening Ld (9 pm to 11 pm) 60 dB (A) 65 dB (A) 70 dB (A) Outdoor, night Ld (11 pm to 7 am) 50 dB (A) 55 dB (A) 60 dB (A) Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 92 ECOLOGIA URBEACNOAL OGIA URBANA SOROLSLO TROTLALL T DOITAA L DI A S OROLSLO TROTLALL T NOITAL NIT Daytime sound map Night-time sound (2017) map (2017) > 80 dB(A) 75-80 dB(A) 70-75 dB(A) 65-70 dB(A) 60-65 dB(A) 55-60 dB(A) 50-55 dB(A) 45-50 dB(A) < 45 dB(A) 17 17 7.2.1 Traffic, the main source of have is that nightlife causes the most nuisance, despite 7.2.2 Updated noise map noise in the city being the second objective cause of noise. Data from the new map, gathered in 2017, suggest that Noise caused by night-life is mostly caused by people the percentage of the population exposed to average Data from the new Strategic Noise Map demonstrate travelling through an area to reach night spots and by and high levels of sound during the day, more than 65 that traffic is by far and away the main source of noise the agglomeration of people in public spaces in these dB(A), is 22.8%. At night, this percentage rises to 32.6%, in Barcelona both during the day and at night. However, areas. The noise generated outdoors from inside these taking levels of more than 55 dB(A) as a reference. The it is so pervading that it has become an environmental venues is irrelevant considering the control and correc- districts with the highest percentage of exposure to noise to which we have become accustomed and it no tive measures required by the City Council. In some ar- these noise levels, both during the day and at night, are longer generates complaints like other more one-off, eas, especially Ciutat Vella, night-life is a factor all year Eixample, Gràcia and Les Corts. localised sources of noise do. The perception residents round, regardless of the season. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 93 These values cannot be compared with previous edi- tions of the map, as a new European methodology has been rolled out for assigning residents to different noise Day 7 am to 9 pm Evening 9 pm to 11 pm Night 11 pm to 7 am levels, which distinguishes homes according to whether 0.3 % 3.9 % they face the street or block interiors. In addition, it is 18.1 % based on a more accurate identification of block inte- 22.5 % 50 % Percentage of the 44 % riors and characterisation of their uses, meaning that population exposed almost 4,000 block interiors are now taken into account, to different levels of 28.7 % instead of 1,000. noise by time period (2017) 33.2 % 31.9 % 67.4 % By contrast, the results concerning sections of streets exposed to noise are comparable. Both during the day and at night, the general trend in comparison to 2012 < 55 dB(A) 55-65 dB(A) 6 5-75 dB(A) > 75 dB(A) values is a decrease in the streets exposed to high lev- els of noise. During the day, the road length exposed to noise of more than 55 dB(A) has decreased from 89.2% in 2012 to 80.2% in 2017. At night, the change registered over the same period for exposure to noise of more Percentage of road length exposed to different noise levels. 2 012 than 45 dB(A) has been from 90.9% to 87.5%. Comparison by time period, 2017-2012 2 017 The factors that have contributed to this improvement have been the changes in the layout of the city, crea- 30% ting more space on pavements and in pedestrianised streets, the increase in users of sustainable methods of transport, the reduction in industrial sites and their 20% levels of activity, and a lower percentage of overground railway lines. 10% 0% <45 dBA 45-50 dBA 50-55 dBA 55-60 dBA 60-65 dBA 65-70 dBA 70-75 dBA 75-80 dBA >80 dBA Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 94 7.3 Measures implemented to improve acoustic quality The City Council’s objective is to improve the acoustic map, we now have more accurate and realistic informa- quality of the city by means of a comprehensive ap- tion on noise levels in the city, making it possible to as- An action plan that works proach in all municipal areas, with cross-cutting actions sess the impact of noise pollution reduction measures that embrace mobility, public works, night-life and infor- better. The measures set out in the Noise Pollution Reduction mation and awareness raising tools. Plan X are effectively contributing to a gradual improve- A working group on the relationship between ment in the city’s acoustic quality. Apart from the ac- noise and health tions to reduce traffic included in the new urban plans 7.3.1 Assessment and planning tools for the city, a series of actions have been implemented Besides the work to update the Strategic Noise Map, the and consolidated that range from controlling and reg- for defining the action plans “Noise and Health in Barcelona” working group was set ulating noise generated by various activities to raising up at the end of 2017 . The objective of this group was public awareness of this problem. A new more accurate and detailed strategic to discuss the noise situation in the city and its direct noise map impact on the health of city residents, as well as con- Main milestones of the Noise Pollution Reduction Plan tributing to resolving the problems detected. The idea The City Council has updated the Strategic Noise Map is to outline the situation, share what is being done and Noise Pollution Control and Monitoring System. A total of Barcelona X, which reflects the noise situation in the decide what more can be done, globally and across the of 125 measuring devices have been set up in various city and provides an idea of progress over the past five board, by all those involved, in order to adopt measures public spaces to constantly measure sound levels. years. The Strategic Noise Map combines the map of the and take specific action for each activity sector that can These enable us to monitor noise levels in some city existing noise situation, which geolocates the noise val- reduce noise levels in the city. leisure areas, carry out mobility studies (traffic, buses, ues measured, and the noise capacity map, which classi- trains, etc.), update the noise map, monitor implemen- fies each section of road depending on the target noise The group’s conclusions and the results of the new Stra- tation of the superblock scheme, evaluate activities quality value. With the methodological improvements tegic Noise Map will serve as the basis for creating the that cause conflict and so on. and technological advances applied in creating the new new 2020 Noise Pollution Reduction Plan. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 95 Installation of sound limiters at festivals organised by The Ciutat Vella Uses Plan takes noise into the City Council. Between 2015 and 2017, the noise consideration was kept down at 2,166 concerts, and in 2018, at more than 1,000 concerts and 414 events. During the process of drawing up the current Ciutat Vella Uses Plan X, the Barcelona Public Health Agency carried Carrying out acoustic characterisation studies in var- out a Study to assess the impact of noise from night- ious places to find out the best location and layout of time leisure activities on the health of people in Ciutat concert stages, bar terraces and/or the acoustic feasi- Vella X. This was the first comprehensive sound X-ray bility of holding these types of activity in such spaces. of the district in order to assess the impact of nightlife noise on local residents’ health and quality of life. Carrying out sonometric inspections of premises:: 350 a year. Among the wide range of actions carried out, cleaning and waste collection times at night have been changed Remote management of sound limiters installed in to protect residents’ rest time, following a pilot test in city establishments open to the public, as well as seal- Carrer d’Escudellers in the summer of 2017. ing off TVs and Hi-Fi systems. Currently 653 activities are monitored and another 100-150 are added every year. 7.3.2 Information and raising Reports on acoustic conditioning projects, measures public awareness for less noise and to check event sound levels, sealing off limiters. respect for others Response to complaints from residents. The districts respond to residents and around 1,500 inspections Campaign to reduce noise caused by nightlife The network of outdoor sound level meters, com- prising fixed and mobile sensors, makes it possible are carried out each year. Control measures are also to monitor sound levels in the city. applied to ensure proposals for activities to be held in The aim of this campaign, which has been carried out public spaces are accompanied by the corresponding every year since 2001, is to work on joint responsibili- acoustic reports. ty with the noise generators and residents. It calls for collaboration through awareness raising, information and education to continue making progress with the strengthening of coexistence. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 96 More specifically, the following actions are carried out the square and, above all, to establish the percentage of by the team of promoters from June to October: inform- noise generated by terraces and the percentage gener- ing residents, handing out campaign material, informing ated by other people occupying the public space. nightlife venues and asking them to support the cam- paign by putting up their campaign collaborator sticker and monitoring public spaces. The areas targeted in- Discovering Barcelona’s sound heritage clude the areas round street terraces and the entranc- es and exits to various venues as well as public spaces. Each year, the City Council organises a series of activities The districts where most work is done include Eixam- to commemorate International Noise Awareness Day ple, Sants-Montjuïc and Gràcia, and the Gothic and Sant (held on the last Wednesday in April), including “Barce- Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighbourhoods in Ciu- lona Sona”, held simultaneously across ten of the city’s tat Vella. districts. People are invited to discover the sound of the hidden beauty in our sound heritage, for example, the During 2018, more than 70,000 residents and over bubbling of a fountain or the ringing of a bell, which are 20,000 tourists received information and around 77,000 often masked by traffic noise. These sounds are record- lollipops were handed out, in addition to other merchan- ed in a synchronised manner and then included in the dising material. More Sustainable Barcelona Map, a virtual platform that collects social and environmental initiatives in the city. Pilot tests for reducing noise caused in public This initiative enables residents to discover how Barce- spaces at night lona really sounds. Plaça del Sol is a public square in the Gràcia district that ‘Sssplau’, an educational idea to raise suffers from a high level of noise pollution. In 2018, a awareness of noise ing their impact on health and learning and looking for a pilot campaign was organised involving a series of ac- compromise to take joint actions that can improve acous- tivities to improve acoustic quality. The most notable This project, which is part of the “More Sustainable tic quality. Participating schools produce noise maps for ones included a programme of activities and play area Schools” programme, seeks to raise school students’ the school and the surrounding area and monitor sound for children in the square; the fixed police presence awareness so they participate in improving the sustain- levels using a network of luminous displays. The project from Sunday to Thursday during the spring and summer able management of their surroundings. Following an was first run in the 2014-2015 school year and in 2017- months; a campaign to raise awareness of noise caused analysis of the circumstances of each school, it seeks to 2018, 17 schools took part. by nightlife; drawing up a study to quantify the sound identify spaces and times of the day that are more prob- levels generated by each of the acoustic focal points in lematic in each one, identifying the noises, understand- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 97 Campaigns for reducing noise caused by vehicles Since 2005, the City Council has organised campaigns to reduce the noise generated by vehicles, through vol- untary controls at different locations across the city to measure the noise they generate, and how their owners can be made aware of it and adopt the corresponding measures. More than 300 motorbikes took part in the two campaigns in 2018 (161 in the first and 278 in the second). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 98 7.4 Future goals and measures 7.4.1 A new strategy for improving blenou, Sant Antoni, Maternitat i Sant Ramon, Horta, noise quality in the city in a Monitoring noise in superblocks Hostafrancs, Consell de Cent - Germanetes, Carrer de Girona and the surrounding area, and Sant Gervasi de participatory manner Noise monitoring is expected to take place in eight su- Cassoles. perblocks, which are currently at different stages: Po- Assessment of the Noise Pollution Reduction Plan Given the Noise Pollution Reduction Plan is due to come to an end in 2020, it is planned to assess and update it with the following objectives in mind: Include new actions that respond to the new needs that have arisen in the city. Place greater emphasis on the executive part: draw up specific plans for areas that exceed the thresholds. Assess the effectiveness of measures implemented and redirect actions that have not obtained the ex- pected results. Simplify the plan to make it more agile, grouping ac- tions shared with other plans (such as the Urban Mo- bility Plan) and explaining the synergies. Rethinking priorities, time frames and indicators. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Acoustic quality 99 101 Summary infographic 102 8.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 103 8.2 General context and current situation 103 8.2.1 Stable waste generation 104 8 .2.2 Different selective waste collection methods for a diverse and dynamic city 105 8.2.3 Stagnation in source separation habits 106 8.2.4 Everything has its place: the best destination for each type of waste 108 8 .3 Measures implemented to reduce waste generation and improve Waste prevention selective waste collection 108 8.3.1 New strategic tools to boost the 2012-2020 Municipal Waste Prevention Plan and management 110 8.3.2 Promoting selective waste collection 111 8.3.3 From communication to action 112 8.3.4 Cleanliness: civility and respect for shared spaces 113 8.4 Future goals and measures 113 8.4.1 Progress towards zero waste 114 8.4.2 Green points 2.0: reinventing green points 114 8.4.3 New cleaning work centres Barcelona, towards zero waste Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 100 2013 Waste Current 1.23 kg/inhab./day prevention situation Waste 2013 2018 2018 and generation 730,285 t 799,981 t 1.36 kg/inhab./day management Selective waste 2013 2017 collection 32 % 36 % Green points 2013 2017 Vision of the future 741,086 942,164 visits visits Achieve zero Level of improper Domestic: Commercial: waste by not waste in the 2013 2018 2013 2018 generating organic fraction 21.10% 15.61% 8.44% 6.91% waste Waste but 100% treatment 55.8 % 35.5 % 4.5 % 4.2 % harnessable Mechanical Material Energy Controlled resources Lines of and biological recovery recovery landfill action treatment Planning “2012-2020 Prevention “Remenja’mmm” “More Reuse “Reusable Selective waste Municipal Waste Sustainable Schools: Waste Prevention drink cups” collection “Door-to-door Prevention Plan” Plan, More Sustainable Wrappers, We “Reusable bottles” in Sarrià” “New cleaning “Zero Waste strategy” eat it all!” “Repair workshops” “Renova campaigns” and collection contract” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 101 8.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Vision of the future The environmental impacts deriving from the current consumption model mean that waste prevention is a primary issue. Refraining from generating waste entails avoiding the additional consumption of resources, whether by manufacturing new products or managing waste generated. The challenge of obtaining zero waste, reducing waste generation by promoting selective waste collection, the prevention, Barcelona wants to achieve recovery and reuse of resources and raw materials involves creating a new consumption culture that promotes the adoption of low waste zero waste: not generate waste generation habits and, at the same time, facilitates progress towards a circular economy. To achieve these objectives, a series of important but 100% harnessable resourc- challenges must be overcome. Therefore, harnessing the opportunities offered in the new regulatory, social and technological context is es. From the perspective of a essential. circular economy, less waste will mean more opportunities and Upturn in waste generation and stagnation in source separation habits, while regulatory targets are increasingly more de- better conditions for increasing manding. However, new targets and regulatory changes for certain products are expected, such as single-use plastic items, which the amount and quality generat- may boost the transformation of consumption habits and waste generation. ed, enabling it to be reincorpo- rated as resources in production Reuse is still very much a minority approach. Nonetheless, the general public’s perception can be changed in favour of waste cycles or natural systems. Waste prevention and reuse by using communication strategies based on their inherent social and environmental values as well as the more prevention must be based on a classic economic and commercial appeals. The fledgling roll-out of exchange and repair networks must be consolidated with a new gradual and profound change in method for harnessing resources that does away with the disposable culture. consumption models and hab- The diversity of the urban fabric, vitality, uses and demographic composition of Barcelona has an impact on the quality its. Therefore we must continue and quantity of selective waste collection and how clean the city is. The model the new contract proposes, which will govern these raising awareness and promot- services in the coming years, provided for flexibility mechanisms to adapting cleaning and collection systems to the circumstances of ing joint responsibility between each neighbourhood with efficiency and effectiveness criteria. the public and other social and economic players. The incorporation of smart and innovative technologies will make it possible to improve the way waste collection works; to obtain more knowledge on which to base solutions; to decrease the environmental impact of management, and increase its trans- parency. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 102 8.2 General context and current situation The vitality and diversity of a city like Barcelona calls The Programme for Waste Prevention and Resource 8.2.1 Stable waste generation for considerable effort in cleaning and waste collection. Management Programme in Catalonia (PRECAT20)  X Responsibility for cleaning public spaces and municipal puts the emphasis on waste prevention, with a target After a period in which waste generation fell dramatically, waste is assumed by Barcelona City Council and these or reducing waste by 15% and food waste by 50%. The coinciding with the start and deepening of the financial cri- services are carried out by means of management con- milestones in terms of recycling and harnessing waste sis, successive increases have been recorded since 2013, tracts and agreements with social entities and compa- go one step further than the European regulations cur- reaching 799,981 tonnes in 2018, an amount similar to that nies. But this responsibility is shared with all residents rently in force, setting a target for increasing selective recorded at the turn of the century. However, generation and organisations in the city, as proper management of municipal waste collection in Catalonia of 60% by 2020. per person is somewhat lower and, despite increasing waste starts by generating as little waste as possible and since 2013, levelled of at around 1.30 kg/inhab./day (1.36 cleaning public spaces starts by not getting them dirty in The 2017-2025 Metropolitan Municipal Waste Manage- kg in 2018). In spite of that, the volume is still above the the first place. ment Programme X, which is currently being drawn up, targets set in both the Municipal Plan (1.27 kg per day/per reinforces these targets and introduces a focus on the capita in 2018) and the “Zero Waste” strategy (1.2 kg per Cleaning and waste collection policies and services are circular economy, the prevention and reuse of waste, day/per capita). implemented in accordance with the management hi- the principles of zero waste and recognition of waste erarchy established by the Framework Waste Directive, prevention and management as a tool for mitigating cli- In 2017, the actions set out in the Municipal Plan have which prioritises, in the following order, prevention, mate change. Finally, the 2012-2020 Barcelona Munici- made it possible to prevent the generation of 2,531,53 preparation for reuse, material recovery (or recycling, pal Waste Prevention Plan X, in collaboration with the tonnes of waste, mainly clothing collected for reuse. Al- including composting), other types of recovery (such as “Zero Waste” X, strategy, establishes the municipal ob- though this is a modest figure when compared to the energy recovery) and elimination (including incineration jectives in this regard, which are focussed on reducing total waste generated, it demonstrates that prevention and controlled disposal in landfills). At a European level, waste generation, increasing the quality and quantity is a tool that still has huge potential for development in the recently approved regulatory changes establish very of selective waste collection, above all organic matter, the case of most waste fractions. ambitious targets in terms of municipal waste preven- and making city residents jointly responsible for proper tion and recycling. These are, for the most part, already waste management. included in waste prevention and management plans for Catalonia, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and Barcelo- na City Council. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 103 Total municipal waste M unicipal waste per inhabitant, per day Most waste avoided corresponds to the textile fraction (76.7%). 1,6 900.000 1,5 Clothing 76,7% 850.000 Paper and cardboard 11% 1,4 800.000 Bulky waste and electrical and electronic appliances 4,3% 1,3 750.000 Toys 3,1% 700.000 1,2 Organic matter 2% 650.000 1,1 Others 1,5% Glass 1,3% 600.000 1,0 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 Light packaging 0,2% 8.2.2 Different selective waste For the most part, waste is deposited in organic mat- and fairs have separate waste collection services for collection methods for a diverse and ter, glass, light packaging, paper/cardboard and gen- organic matter, paper/cardboard and the remaining eral rubbish containers. In 2017, door-to-door selec- fraction. dynamic city tive waste collection began in the old quarter of Sarrià district, with very positive results. Bulky (furniture and junk). Households benefit Barcelona is a diverse city, both in terms of its uses and from a free, street-side bulk waste collection service, its urban fabric. These conditioning factors pose a chal- Commercial X. This is waste generated by business- which is provided on a specific day of the week in each lenge to the waste collection service, which must adapt es classed under commercial collection, such as shop- zone. A household collection service is also available to each neighbourhood to ensure that selective waste ping centres, key economic centres and industries in exchange for a public fee. collection is effective and efficient. The different types of with waste similar to the waste generated under this collection and the flexibility of the service must facilitate category. Commercial waste collection circuits collect Other collections. Waste in the city’s public parks this. organic matter, glass, paper/cardboard and general and gardens is divided into organic matter and other rubbish. waste. At Mercabarna, in addition to organic matter Domestic  X. This corresponds to the collection of and general rubbish, paper/cardboard is collected. waste generated by households and businesses and Markets. The 40 municipal markets, with the excep- Dead animals are also collected (for the most part by activities not included under commercial collection. tion of Mercabarna, and the other street markets social organisations). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 104 Tonnes Kg per inhabitant, per day In addition to these types of waste collection, the City In recent years, Barcelona has introduced improvements 8.2.3 Stagnation in source Council offers residents different services to separate to municipal waste collection and management services, separation habits less frequent waste that is valuable or harmful and that which have made selective waste collection progressive- must not be deposited with other waste. In addition, re- ly easier to access and enhanced awareness, meaning cycling spaces are also made available for specific items that reuse is gradually becoming a more prominent op- Since the deployment of the first organic containers and to prevent them from being disposed of as waste by al- tion. In addition, the awareness raising campaigns rolled commercial collection in 2001, and their subsequent lowing them to be reused: out have been reflected in greater participation by the growth, selective waste collection has progressively general public and the creation of a favourable social expanded. The peak in gross selective waste collection Green points X. Waste that cannot be deposited in context. This is a process that is only possible thanks came in 2010 and 2012, coinciding with the culmina- selective waste collection containers is collected sep- to the collaboration of hundreds of institutions, entities tion of the implementation of organic material collec- arately, mitigating the harm that certain waste can and companies across the city. tion across the city and the expansion of the network cause and increasing recycling figures. Green points are also responsible for separating objects that are in good condition, to prepare them for reuse. O rganic matter Packaging % selective waste collection Paper/cardboard Bulky material • Zonal green points (PVZ). These are large-scale environmental facilities located on the outskirts of Glass Other collections the city. Although the service is free for individuals, it is particularly aimed at the commercial and services 350.000 sector. The city has seven zonal green points. 60% 300.000 50% • Neighbourhood green points (PVB). These facil- 250.000 ities are smaller in size and located within the ur- 40% 200.000 ban fabric. They are designed for smaller, domestic 30% waste. There are currently 25 PVBs. 150.000 20% 100.000 • Mobile green points (PVM). These trucks perform 10% 50.000 all the functions of a green point. They stop at differ- ent places in the city at particular times, so they are 0% 0 closer to the public. There are 96 PVM vehicle stops. 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 105 % selective waste collection Tonnes of green points. Nonetheless, over the past five years, more options there are for optimising collection routes the stabilisation of the biodegradability of the organic source separation has decreased slightly compared to and obtaining greater returns from the materials recov- matter present in this fraction and the flows of waste the record set in 2010, spurred by a reduction in the ered. The proper management of waste collected de- from other management channels. collection of organic matter and paper and cardboard, pends largely on correct separation at source. plateauing at around 36% (37.7% in 2018). Despite this, Energy recovery. Applicable to waste with energy the percentage recorded is still well above the preced- The main management methods that can be applied to content, whether directly from other materials or the ing period. This scenario reflects the consolidation of municipal waste are as follows: flows of waste from other management channels. recycling habits but, at the same time, stagnation that must be rectified if we are to achieve current targets. Preparation for reuse. Green points across the city Controlled disposal. This entails the disposal of solid specialise in preparing domestic appliances, comput- waste at controlled landfills. In the case of Barcelona, Alongside waste collection using containers, commercial ers, mobile phones, furniture, clothing and books for all waste sent to these landfills is first subject to me- collections and other selective waste collection systems reuse, among other items. This task consists of the se- chanical and biological treatment. in place across the city, the network of green points has lection and preliminary preparation of items so that continued to grow both in number of facilities and num- they can continue to serve the purpose they were Taking these management channels into account, below ber of visits and waste deposited. designed for in safe conditions for the future user. is a brief description of the destinations of the main ty- Thus, items in good condition are dedicated to social pes of municipal waste in Barcelona. programmes and second-hand initiatives organised 8.2.4 Everything has its place: the by social organisations, whilst those that cannot be There are two possible ways of treating organic mat- reused are set aside for recycling. ter: composting or methanisation. The first, is used to best destination for each type of produce compost, an organic, high-quality fertiliser; waste Material recovery. Waste can be transformed again whilst the second generates methane to generate en- into material to manufacture new products. Material ergy. Through the ordinary collection circuits, the City The environmental impact of waste aside, the impacts recovery includes recycling materials that form part of Council is promoting composting in neighbourhoods of collecting and subsequently handling these materials organic matter, glass, paper/cardboard, light packag- by installing community compost bins at some green must be considered. Waste prevention is more effective ing, bulk materials, green point waste and other spe- points. In addition, a large number of schools trans- in reducing these negative impacts to a minimum (such as cific collections. form their organic waste into compost to fertilise their the emissions associated with the energy consumption school allotments and the Parks and Gardens service required for their collection and treatment, occupancy of Mechanical and biological treatment. This is a ba- also follows this procedure for urban allotments, with space and the impact on the landscape of containers or sic procedure applied to other material, based on the each plot having its own small compost bin. treatment facilities). The lower the amount of waste, the mechanical separation of recoverable material and Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 106 Packaging is selected at selection plants based on the Other material is processed at ecoparks, where, be- type of material and from there, they are sent to recov- fore being sent to controlled landfills or the energy re- ery units. covery plant, it is subject to mechanical and biological treatment to recover as much material as possible and Paper/cardboard that is collected from containers stabilise organic content to reduce methane and lea- and as part of commercial collections is sent to author- chate emissions. ised recovery units, where they are converted into large bales of shredder paper then used to manufacture items. Glass collected on a selective basis is sent to recycling plants, where it is cleaned, unnecessary materials are removed and it is ground into glass dust, which is then used to manufacture new objects. Bulk materials collected as part of municipal collec- tions and from green points are sent to the wood and bulk management plant in Gavà, where they are shred- ded to make agglomerated tiles or allocated to the gen- eration of energy. Waste from electrical or electronic devices is col- lected from green points or distributors themselves. If they are not fit for reuse, this waste is treated at spe- cialist centres to eliminate any harmful substance and recover as much recoverable material as possible. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 107 8.3 Measures implemented to reduce waste generation and improve selective waste collection Barcelona is working to reduce waste generation and in- Reducing the generation of waste to below 1.20 kg/ crease and improve the selective collection of waste that inhab./day. From disposable cups to reusable cups could not be avoided. The actions implemented over the past year have an impact on improving management and Achieving the figure of 60% recycling of urban waste. Single use items are a significant source of waste and communication and the joint responsibility of residents. drinks cups are a prime example of this. Consequently, Achieving the collection of a high-quality organic mat- the use of reusable cups at establishments and events ter, with a maximum improper waste content of 8% by in the city has progressively increased in recent years. 8.3.1 New strategic tools to boost weight. The system involves users paying a one euro deposit, which is refunded when they return their cup. The de- the 2012-2020 Municipal Waste The zero waste philosophy is about reducing the gener- posit system, with no end cost to the public, enhances Prevention Plan ation of waste until everything is reintroduced into the the value of cups whilst preventing neglect. It was first production cycle or natural systems. It involves focusing used at community celebrations, like those in Gràcia and “Zero Waste” strategy, the path towards on the circular economy, whereby the entire life cycle of Sants, at la Mercè festivities and facilities managed by excellence X products is envisaged, from design to use and recovery, Barcelona Serveis Municipals, such as Tibidabo, the Zoo, and they are considered resources that can be rehar- the Olympic Ring and Parc del Fòrum. The “Zero Waste” strategy approved by Barcelona City nessed at all times. Council in 2016 is structured around prevention of waste Since 2018, this system has also been used at beach at source, reuse, improving selective waste collection (in The “Zero Waste” strategy includes 49 actions as part bars, which represent key spaces in terms of raising particular organic matter) and the joint responsibility of of nine areas of action. Some are already in operation, awareness of marine litter and preventing the genera- residents. This strategy is in line with the 2012-2020 Mu- such as the clothing and toy exchange networks, repair tion of this type of pollution. nicipal Waste Prevention Plan and goes one step further workshops, community compositing, the “Where does by establishing even more ambitious targets: my waste go?” exhibition or ecological purchasing and At the beach bars and main festivities in the city (Mercè, making municipal facilities greener. Gràcia, Sants, etc.), in 2018, approximately 225,000 reus- able cups were used, representing savings of more than 500,000 single-use cups. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 108 With a view to going even further and consolidating this consumption model. It is calculated that in Catalonia, ‘Renova’ exchange networks X, a new home for practice, a study has been implemented for the use of 262,471 tonnes of food is wasted that could be used to clothing and toys   reusable cups in bars and businesses. In addition, for feed more than 500,000 people a year. To overcome this races like the Cursa de Bombers, Cursa dels Nassos and problem and seek innovative solutions, Barcelona City “Renova la teva roba jove” (Get some new clothes, Cursa de Sant Antoni, where cup reuse is not feasible, Council has organised a number of initiatives or has par- youngster) is a clothing exchange network for clothes the Barcelona Sports Institute has promoted the re- ticipated in them: that people don’t wear any more but which are still in placement of water bottles with paper cups and work is good condition. This promotes responsible consump- continuing along this line to implement this initiative at “Remenja’mmm”  X. This campaign, promoted by tion, waste prevention and sustainability. It takes place other races. the organisations BCN Comparteix el Menjar and in spring and autumn coinciding with the seasonal Pont Solidari, encompasses more than 30 restaurants change of wardrobe at different facilities and organisa- across the city who offer diners the option of taking tions across the city and anyone who wants to can take Reusable tableware lending service X home whatever they’ve been unable to finish, whilst part. This campaign has a version that is specially aimed implementing strategies to prevent waste (planning at the general public aged between 12 and 35, which is Public celebrations, festivals and events often use sin- orders, recipes that make best use of food, size op- organised by youth organisations and facilities. Some gle-use plastic plates, cups and cutlery, which end up tions adapted to customer orders, etc.). spaces organise activities to encourage young people to being thrown away as rubbish (in the grey containers) participate, such as fab labs, where they can customise and are therefore not recycled. So, since 2017, the city’s Meals that make use of food X. “Els Dinars de So- garments. institutions have access to a new free reusable table- brats” (Leftover Lunches) have been organised every ware lending service. This service is managed by social year since 2012 in a different neighbourhood. These “Renova les teves joguines” (Get some new toys) is an and occupational integration institutions and includes communal meals make good use of leftovers and initiative to promote conscious consumption and waste full tableware for up to 500 diners. Since this service show solidarity. They focus on how food is wasted by prevention that takes place in November and December, was rolled out, approximately 50 lending services (up to putting the leftover food generated by commercial es- 31 December 2018) have taken place and the reusable tablishments to good use. tableware has been used by almost 10,000 people. “Ens ho mengem tot!” X. This “We eat it all” project, part of the ’“More Sustainable Schools” programme, Food is not thrown away, we find a use for it also plays a key role in terms of reducing food waste: education and promoting good eating habits. The There are two sides to food waste: it is a significant sixth edition was held in the 2018-2019 academic year. source of waste generation and drains natural resourc- Thirty schools with more than 12,000 students took es, in addition to being an ethical shortcoming of today’s part in 2016-2017. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 109 offering an alternative to Christmas shopping, and also Selective waste collection in the old quarter in May. It is mainly held at children’s centres, playrooms of Sarrià increases threefold thanks to joint and neighbourhood or civic centres. At fab labs, users responsibility can print toy parts that need to be repaired in 3D and free of charge. In February 2018, a pilot door-to-door selective waste collection test in the old quarter of Sarrià X was rolled Extending the life of domestic appliances via out. Six months after it was implemented and following repair networks and workshops a lot of work to provide information and promote the new collection system amongst local residents, selective Barcelona City council has launched a repair-workshop waste collection has tripled. The type of waste that has programme X at civic and neighbourhood centres. This Repair-workshops programme. grown most is organic matter, the collection of which programme is intended to provide people with the nec- has increased by almost ten times (from 1.9% of the total essary knowledge for repairing their own PCs, mobiles, to 24.5%) with impurity levels of just 2%. The collection tablets etc., and small electrical appliances. Its aim is to 8.3.2 Promoting selective waste of light packaging has increased from 5.1% to 13.2% and prevent waste from electrical and electronic appliances collection paper and cardboard from 6.4% to 9.5%. Although glass in Barcelona being generated to save on raw materials in is still collected from containers, this has also increased, the production of new appliances, reducing waste gen- from 5.1% to 8.8%. Therefore, the general rubbish frac- eration and encouraging society in the “DIY” culture. The New cleaning and waste collection contract tion has decreased considerably and selective waste programme is supported by the “Millor que nou, 100% approved with social and environmental criteria collection is 18 per cent higher than the city average (in- vell” X and “Reparat, millor que nou” X networks within creasing from 19% to 55.8%). the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. In 2018, the specifications for the tender of the future cleaning and waste collection contract  X were ap- These excellent results have been made possible thanks In addition to this programme, in 2018, the first technol- proved. A service has been defined that adapts to the to residents sharing responsibility for the scheme. Like ogy waste management centre was opened in Poblenou. changing needs of a city like Barcelona, and which will all pioneering initiatives, it has not all been smooth sail- This centre, located in an old Modernista industrial unit be groundbreaking in terms of innovation, efficiency ing. Therefore, a committee has been established by the owned by the Council that has been refurbished for the and management transparency. Amongst the environ- Neighbourhood Council, comprising residents, traders, purpose and is managed by the Trinijove Foundation, of- mental measures included, worth particular mention is institutions and the City Council, to permanently moni- fers work to more than a dozen young people at risk of the inclusion of zero-emission and electric vehicles (and tor the system and propose solutions to improve it. social exclusion who work in the fields of recycling and the ban on diesel) as well as the harnessing of available reuse of new technologies, with mobile phones, tablets alternative water resources, such as groundwater and and computers. more efficient flow reducing application systems. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 110 cussing on the management and reuse of waste, along with a second-hand shop. New facilities have also been acquired that will make it possible to progressively in- crease the territorial scope of action of the free house- hold collection service offered. 8.3.3 From communication to action Communication plan to improve the collection of organic matter in neighbourhoods X Between February and July 2017, a communication cam- paign was carried out in four neighbourhoods in the city Pilot door-to-door selective waste collection test in the old quarter of Sarrià. as a pilot test to improve the collection of organic mat- ter, both in terms of quantity and quality. Based on a preliminary study that took into account the neighbour- Expansion of the green points network to Alencop, a pioneering project to enhance the hoods’ features and organic matter collection rates, provide a closer service dignity of scrap iron collection and promote its the neighbourhoods chosen for the pilot test were La reuse Barceloneta, Les Roquetes, El Putxet i el Farró, and El The network of green points X is an essential element in Guinardó. These are four neighbourhoods with very dif- guaranteeing correct waste management as a whole. In Alencop X is a social initiative cooperative created in ferent realities, as well as unequal results with regard order to provide a service that is closer to residents, the 2015 that currently comprises 25 members from a doz- organic waste collection. network has expanded the number of neighbourhood en different sub-Saharan nationalities. The coopera- green points to a total of 25. The most recent to have tive’s work focuses on collecting scrap iron and unused As part of this campaign, carried out with the involve- been opened are the green points in Mercat del Ninot, electrical appliances from households for their reuse, ment of eight informers – two per neighbourhood – and Mercat de Sant Antoni and Sarrià, with further points to as well as raising awareness about waste. The project two coordinators, a Guide to improve selective waste be opened in Vallcarca, Sants and Vall d’Hebron in the was promoted by Barcelona City Council and receives collection X has been created, in addition to neighbour- coming years. its support and advice. After three years in operation, hood green points being used as a reference for envi- new lines of activity has been rolled out in 2018 X, fo- ronmental education. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 111 Awareness raising campaign to improve partimBCN, has been to call on residents to assume joint cleanliness in the city responsibility; four illustrators are participating in this initiative, contributing different styles of art that express The campaign, carried out in 2017 and 2018, has fo- diversity and add great visuals to this long-term commu- cussed on two lines of action. On the one hand, 256 crit- nicative action. ical points identified have been monitored in order to adapt the service and understand the causes of the lack A new energy efficient cleaning work centre of cleanliness. On the other hand, specific actions have beneath Parc de Joan Miró been taken with residents, businesses and neighbour- hood organisation to promote best practices in terms Cleaning work centres are basic facilities for managing of pet ownership and hygiene, the usefulness of green road cleaning and serve as a base for the staff and ma- points, separating organic matter and free street-side terial involved in all road cleaning tasks. In 2018, an open collection times for old furniture. In 2017, there were day was held at the new cleaning work centre beneath 100 information staff on the street and over the course Parc de Joan Miró  X, which joins other underground of 2018 a team of 20 environmental information officers centres in Horta and Sant Gervasi. The new facilities, have visited 5,062 businesses and informed 33,784 peo- Wrappers” X, “Ens ho mengem tot!” X and “Compostem however, are an example of energy efficiency and min- ple. i aprenem” X, programmes, in addition to customised imum consumption, in addition to boasting the highest advice offered to each school for their own projects. levels of comfort. With a surface area spanning 3,556 m2, Compared to 2017, all indicators for residents’ and busi- it has the capacity for 300 operators and 60 service ve- ness habits have improved, with 68% of critical points hicles. The building uses geothermal energy, harnesses having improved their state of cleanliness. 8.3.4 Cleanliness: civility and respect groundwater and purifies grey water for reuse; further- more, to build the centre, debris from the square’s old Schools in the city work to prevent waste and for shared spaces paving was used. Thus, this is a space that harnesses improve waste management the resources in the surrounding area and minimises the impact on the landscape. The work centre has re- Environmental education plays an essential role at #CompartimBCN ceived recognition in the shape of four green leaves of schools in ensuring that care for the environment takes the Green Building Council España (GBCe) environmen- root, in a lasting way, amongst future generations. As In order to promote the correct use of public space tal certificate. part of the “More Sustainable Schools” programme, work for the well-being of residents, starting in the summer is carried out on projects relating to waste prevention of 2018 a campaign X was rolled out on cleanliness, and correct waste management: the micro networks as beaches and coexistence in the city’s neighbourhoods. part of the Waste Prevention Plan X, “More Sustainable The aim of this campaign, which uses the hashtag #Com- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 112 8.4 Future goals and measures The coming years will be marked by urgent and neces- 8.4.1 Progress towards zero waste More commercial collection of organic matter. sary legal changes at all levels to promote waste pre- Door-to-door commercial collections will be extended vention and high-quality selective waste collection. New to 1,000 establishments that generate organic matter formulas are required to reduce waste and radically and that currently use collective street-side contai- increase selective waste collection on all fronts: tax in- New cleaning and waste collection service ners. centives, waste generation charges, the implementation of new systems, such as deposit, return and refund sys- The new cleaning and waste collection contract will be a Cleaner and quieter vehicles. Priority will be given tems, the expansion of joint responsibility to producers key component in putting the “Zero Waste” strategy into to the fleet of zero-emission vehicles to reduce noise of more types of waste or a ban on different single-use practice. The improvements achieved as part of this new and improve air quality. A positive outcome of this will plastic products, are an example of the changes yet to service will be as follows: be to reduce the fleet’s emissions, based on the fact come. that light vehicles must be electric and refuse collec- Waste collection and cleaning adapted to each tion vehicles must not be diesel. Through both the Municipal waste prevention plan neighbourhood. The new contract is more flexible 2012-2020 and the “Zero Waste” strategies, Barcelona and adapted to the different uses of public spaces and Greater control and more transparent manage- City Council is proposing new actions to continue mak- to climate change. ment. Waste collection and cleaning devices will be ing progress towards a more efficient and rational use fitted with new technology to provide information on of resources, on the basis of waste prevention and by New selective waste collection systems. Based their use and improve their efficiency and effective- means of the circular economy, with reuse and recycling on the experience of the door-to-door waste collec- ness. Furthermore, in the medium term, systems will as the cornerstones of these policies. tion pilot project in Sarrià, the new contract provi- be rolled out to promote waste prevention and re- des for the option of introducing or amending was- cycling amongst residents, such as waste generation te collection systems, in particular, the extension of charge systems through the identification of users. the door-to-door system to other parts of the city. In These technologies will also make it possible to en- addition, other recyclable plastic and metal waste may hance public control over the service and provide re- be deposited in yellow containers as well as light pac- sidents with information as a new way of the public kaging. taking control of contracts. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 113 Implementation of actions as part of the “Zero 8.4.2 Green points 2.0: reinventing Waste” strategy   green points In recent years, the “Zero Waste” strategy has become a catalyst for all waste prevention and management ac- Spaces promoting transparency and tions in the city. Besides the actions already implement- environmental education ed, the strategy provides for other projects that are cur- rently being studied or evaluated. A large part of these The city’s green points are home to digital devices that projects have been included in drawing the new clean- disseminate environmental information and activities ing contract, whilst others will be rolled out progressive- in the city, informing users about the destination of the ly, such as the creation of a zero waste observatory or waste collected and the way in which selective waste the implementation of more deposit, return and refund collection works. Using these elements, and with sup- system systems. port from workers at these facilities, the aim is for green points to become benchmarks in terms of environmental education and communication in the city’s neighbour- 8.4.3 New cleaning work centres A city council with less plastic waste hoods. The role of green points as reuse centres both at the facilities and through spaces and entities, such as the In line with the objective of creating a cleaning work Based on the technical specifications for the procure- fab labs, will continue and be reinforced. centre per district, as a minimum, new centres are due ment of food and events services, and the new European to be set up in Gràcia, Eixample and Sants-Montjuïc. directive on single-use plastic, the City Council is in the These centres will respond to the cleaning needs of process of drawing up instructions to prevent the use Communal compost points these districts with minimum disruption to residents of single-use cups, tableware, bottles and other plastic and ensuring their integration in the landscape, in the items at municipal offices and services, in addition to the In order to increase the quantity and quality of the se- urban fabric and energy efficiency. distribution of bottled water. The instructions establish lective waste collection of organic matter, certain green that, all municipal offices and services, must prevent the points may become spaces where this type of waste is use of bottled water and single-use plastic cups and in- also managed. They will do so through communal com- cludes a series of new recommendations to promote the post projects, as is the case at the green points in La Bar- consumption of tap water. celoneta, Sagrada Família, Folch i Torres and Fort Pienc. There are other compost bins in Porta and Coll-Vallcarca (Bosc Turull). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Waste prevention and management 114 116 Summary infographic 117 9.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 118 9.2 General context and current situation 119 9.2.1 Different water resources to satisfy demand 120 9 .2.2 Decrease in the consumption of drinking water by municipal services thanks to the use of alternative resources 121 9.2.3 Treatment of 100% of wastewater in Barcelona 122 9.2.4 Need for additional drinking water in Barcelona 123 9.3 Measures implemented to decrease water consumption Water cycle 123 9.3.1 Savings and efficiency to guarantee the water supply 124 9.3.2 Harnessing alternative water resources 125 9.3.3 Quality of drinking water guaranteed and improved 125 9.3.4 Wastewater treatment and the protection of basins and the coast 125 9.3.5 Run-off management and flood risk 127 9.4 Future goals and measures 127 9.4.1 A ctions to resolve the availability of water resources in the city Barcelona makes progress towards sustainable water management Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 115 2013 2017 Water Current 66.19 % domestic 94.67 hm3 96.14 hm3 cycle situation Water of total drinking of total drinking water 27.76 % trade consumption water and industry 6.05 % municipal services Vision of the 2013 future Sustainability Index for 2013 2017 the leveraging of 19.95 % Ensure the 108.42 108.26 alternative water 2017 resources by municipal 18.25 % availability and l/inhab./day l/inhab./day services sustainable of domestic of domestic (groundwater consumption/ water water total water consumption) management of water and EDAR del Besòs sanitation for Sanitation 100 % 65 % all and protect purified EDAR del Baix Llobregat water as a water 35 % Lines of highly valuable action resource Savings and efficiency “Leveraging Awareness raising Quality and sanitation Flood management of alternative water resources” “Promotion of water “Improving the quality of “Sustainable urban drainage “Savings in greenery management” savings” “Activities and drinking water” “Sanitation systems” “Network of “Cleaning and drainage” disseminated materials” Master Plan” retention tanks” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 116 9.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Vision of the future Barcelona, like any other city in the world, intervenes in the natural water cycle, both in terms of demand for drinking water and the disposal of wastewater. The concentration of residents and economic activities generates a need for drinking water that cannot be covered with the water resources available in the surrounding area (end of the Llobregat and Besòs basins), meaning that it must look Barcelona protects water as for water further afield and construct infrastructures and transport networks. Consequently, it is necessary to employ planning and a highly valuable and indis- management strategies and policies that, in accordance with sustainability principles, help to save water and use it responsibly, and pensable resource. Therefore, make efficient use of all water resources available. the city’s priority is to reduce the consumption of drinking water, As a Mediterranean city, water management in Barcelona is a very complex issue. In Mediterranean areas, like Barcelona, close the water cycle, optimise water resources are precious, due to irregular rainfall and occasional periods of drought. Furthermore, there is a flood risk caused by the use of groundwater, promote torrential rain and the high level of impermeability in the city. the use of rainwater, regenerat- ed water and grey water, and fa- One of the main impacts expected of climate change is the impact on the water cycle. A slight decrease in water resources cilitate water infiltration into the is predicted, in addition to greater variability in its availability, with an increase both in droughts and floods, as well as an increase in subsoil. To achieve that requires demand. This will aggravate the deficit in the supply that the city is already suffering today. integrated management of the Without taking desalination plants into account, the city’s water supply system is deficient. Resources are either lower water cycle, which encompasses than or very close to existing demand one out of every fours years. This fact is currently resolved thanks to reserves accumulated in supply, drinking fountains, lakes previous years, but supply can only be guaranteed for one year. and decorative fountains; drain- age of the city through drainage Alternative water resources are key in guaranteeing future demand. In the context of climate change, it will be essential to systems, rainwater retention replace the use of drinking water with alternative water resources (groundwater, regenerated water, grey water, rainwater and sea- tanks and sustainable urban water) in areas in which the quality of drinking water is not required. drainage systems (SUDS), and Barcelona, a city aware of the need of savings and the efficient use of water resources. Barcelona’s commitment has result- integrated management of the ed in the implementation of a number of measures aimed at reducing water consumption, actions that have been especially signifi- coast and beaches. cant in municipal services and facilities. However, the role of residents in this process needs to be stressed, as overall and personal consumption has decreased significantly. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 117 9.2 General context and current situation Barcelona suffers from recurring episodes of drought Competences of the administrations in the field of the water cycle in the city of Barcelona that are turning potable or drinking water into a very val- uable resource and putting our capacity to maintain the city’s water supply at risk. Moreover, the city has a very Catalan Barcelona Metropolitan Barcelona City high degree of impermeability (72% of the municipal to- Government Area (AMB) Council tal). Hence, Barcelona City Council spares no efforts in managing water resources in an integrated manner and Water planning to close the water cycle. Wholesale supply Retail supply * Responsibility for water management in Barcelona is Leveraging concessions shared between different bodies. Generally speaking, ** responsibility for the supply of wholesale water lies with Management of alternative water *** the regional administration, through the Catalan Water resources (municipal uses) Agency, whilst the Barcelona Metropolitan Area is re- Monitoring and inspection sponsible for distribution to users. Tariff approval The City Council therefore has no direct responsibility Rainwater management for the supply of drinking water, although it oversees wa- Sewerage system ter management in general or, in the event of a drought, Wholesale sanitation promotes the actions required to reduce excessive mu- nicipal consumption and organises awareness-raising Actions in risk of drought campaigns. Together with the regional government, the Coastline management Generalitat of Catalonia, the City Council also acts as a health authority that monitors the quality of piped water * Barcelona City Council delegates this responsibility to the AMB. through the Barcelona Public Health Agency. ** Barcelona City Council has a concession to leverage underground water for the supply of municipal uses where permitted. The City Council is also responsible for planning and *** The AMB manages the production and distribution of regenerated water from Llobregat treatment plant (EDAR). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 118 managing the city’s alternative water resources through tion and final quality of the water. The water supply from of regenerated water include seawater intrusion barrier, the public municipal water company, Barcelona Cicle de these resources is managed jointly throughout the met- maintenance of the river’s environmental flow, agricul- l’Aigua, SA (BCASA). ropolitan area. It needs to be borne in mind that there is tural irrigation, maintenance of wetlands, industrial use, currently a deficit of drinking water in the inland basins. street cleaning, sewage systems, irrigation of green are- BCASA is committed to ensuring the sustainable man- as and toilet flushing, among others. agement of water in Barcelona, as well as optimal sanita- Since 2009, the Prat de Llobregat desalination planthas tion conditions for the urban cycle. It also supports the been ready to ensure and complement the demand for The leveraging of grey water in new buildings and facil- City Council in terms of improving solidarity in access to drinking water in exceptional circumstances. It enables ities can contributes to the reduction in drinking water water, with initiatives relating to reduced consumption the introduction of 60 hm3/year. consumption and offers a high water, energy and re- and the promotion of responsible consumption in every source saving potential, as it is a nearby water resource. sector. Underground resources, which are used for non-drink- Grey water is obtained by leveraging shower and bath ing purposes, are taken from the aquifers of the Llobre- water and when swimming pools are emptied. Once gat and Besòs deltas, as well as the Barcelona Plain. The treated, it can be used for toilet flushing, sprinkler irri- 9.2.1 Different water resources to gradual abandonment of industrial wells has meant that gation, cleaning, and so on. The leveraging of grey water the water table has gradually risen. In some places it has offers water saving potential of 30% of the drinking wa- satisfy demand almost returned to its natural levels, which has led to ter used in the domestic sector. problems in basements, car parks and public services, The sources of the city’s water supply mostly come from such as the metro system. This large volume of water Rainwater represents an essential contribution to irri- surface water, although in recent years there has been a has become a source of water resources for municipal gate green spaces and supply the water table, despite significant increase in groundwater. uses. Currently, the leveraging of groundwater comes to the irregular nature of the Mediterranean rain system. around 1.3 hm3 per year and, based on technical and Therefore, its contribution varies from one year to the Surface resources used for human supplies come from economic criteria, the leveraging threshold is 4.4 hm3/ next. For example, whilst in 2013 it accounted for 55% the Ter and Llobregat rivers. Water from the Llobregat is year (concession volume). of all irrigation water (2.58 hm3), in 2017 it accounted for controlled by the La Baells, La Llosa del Cavall and Sant 48% (2.39 hm3). Ponç reservoirs and purified at the Sant Joan Despí and As regards the water reuse potential, Barcelona has three Abrera plants before being introduced into the water wastewater purification stations (EDAR), although only Rainwater can be leveraged in terms of the roofs of build- supply. In turn, water from the Ter is obtained via the the Prat del Llobregat EDAR applies tertiary treatment ings. Barcelona is currently trying to boost the collection Sau-Susqueda-El Pasteral reservoir network, which is (since 2008) and is able to offer regenerated water. The and use of rainwater for urban services and public facili- treated at the Sant Joan Despí drinking-water treatment potential outflow of regenerated water from the EDAR ties (watering green areas, urban allotments, green walls plant. The two networks are interconnected to form the is 3.25 m3/s, although under normal circumstances, the and green roofs, filling ornamental fountains, cleaning Ter-Llobregat system, in order to ensure the distribu- plant works at 10% of its capacity. The compatible uses streets, supplying fire stations); for residential use (fill- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 119 ing toilet tanks and washing machines, watering gardens decrease in consumption in recent years, the figure has to 5.81 hm3, 2.68 hm3 less than in 1999, in other words, and private allotments, swimming pools, etc.), and for in- grown slightly since 2015. down by 31.53%. Between 2007 and 2008, the de- dustrial use (cleaning vehicles and industrial areas, filling crease was more than 51% due to the drought decree. water tanks for firefighting purposes). The domestic sector accounted for 66.19% of consump- This sector has seen the greatest reduction, due to tion (63.63 hm3 year); trade and industry for 27.76% more efficient use of water and the use of alternative (26.69 hm3), and municipal services for 6.05% (5.81 hm3). water resources, mainly underground water. 9.2.2 Decrease in the consumption There has been a reduction in tap water consumption of 12.75% in households and 19.21% in trade and industry Total consumption by municipal services in 2017 of drinking water by municipal since 1999. (drinking water plus groundwater) came to 7.11 hm3, services thanks to the use of 1.68 hm3 less than in 1999, in other words, down by alternative resources In the domestic sector, consumption per inhabitant 19.12%. The consumption of groundwater compared to and day followed the same trend as overall consump- total consumption represents 18.3% (1.30 hm3), a 4.3 tion and came to 108.26 litres in 2017, in other words, times increase on 1999 (from 301,730 to 1,298,026 m3). Total tap water consumption in Barcelona in 2017 came 24.64 litres less than in 1999. Barcelona City Council uses groundwater for watering to 96.14 hm3, 163.6 litres/person/day, in other words, parks and gardens (38.02% of the total in 2017), street 18.32 hm3 less than in 1999. Although there has been a Consumption of tap water by municipal services came cleaning (23.23%), ornamental fountains (26.75%), sew- 120 215 140 100 195 135 130 80 175 125 120 Domestic 115 60 155 Trade and industry 110 M unicipal services 105 40 135 Inhabitant 100 1999 2017 1999 2017 Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 120 tap water consumption (hm3) Tap water consumption per inhabitant and day (litres) domestic consumption of drinking water per inhabitant and day (litres) 9 21 sewerage system: in other words, both wastewater and 8 18 rainwater is transported through the same pipes. The 7 sewerage system sends water to wastewater collec- 6 15 tor-interceptor pipes which take it to the EDARs to be 5 treated. When it rains and these pipes reach their max- 12 4 imum capacity, urban drainage water may be diverted 3 9 directly to the receiving environment. 2 Tap water 6 1 G roundwater The sewerage system is 1,874 km in length, of which 3 Sustainability index 1,576 km are owned by the City Council, serving 1.6 mil- 0 1999 2017 lion residents and the commercial and industrial estab- lishments located in more than 81,500 premises within the city’s 100 km2 surface area. er cleaning (8.99%) and other uses, such as sports facil- will be to continue increasing this ratio following the The two most important purifiers that treat water in Bar- ities and supplying fire stations (3.01%). trend set in recent years. celona are the Besòs EDAR (65%) and the Baix Llobregat EDAR (35%). The Vallvidrera EDAR, which is much smaller, The increase in groundwater consumption by munici- exclusively serves property developments in the area. pal services and the reduction in demand for tap water 9.2.3 Treatment of 100% of has resulted in a significant increase in the sustaina- Once water is purified and the quality conditions set out bility index, considered as the proportion of ground- wastewater in Barcelona in the Water Framework Directive are met, it is intro- water consumed compared to total water consumed duced into the system again, where it may be collected (groundwater plus drinking water). The urban sanitation of wastewater includes the collec- (depending on its location) or regenerated (with addi- tion, evacuation, treatment and control of wastewater tional, more intensive treatment than performed during In 2017, this ratio came to 18.25%, while in 1999 it came through a sewerage system, purifiers and other second- purification) for reuse. In that way it is possible to use to 3.43%. Recently, this has been affected as control of ary facilities. this water for a second time before discharging it. consumption and the efficiency of most water depths supplied with groundwater has improved, which has The city’s sanitation system starts at points of use, resulted in water savings. On the other hand, in 2017 whether domestic, commercial, industrial or munici- the consumption of drinking water by other municipal pal. The sewerage system collects wastewater through services decreased, as was the case of municipal mar- drains and rainwater through sinks and flood collection kets, the zoo and other buildings. As a result, the aim points in the Collserola region. Barcelona has a unitary Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 121 Water consumption of mu- nicipal services ( hm3) Sustainability index (%) 9.2.4 Need for additional drinking iation in its availability and an increase in demand. More Furthermore, it is also expected that climate change will water in Barcelona specifically, a 12% reduction in surface resources and result in rising sea levels and a change in the rain sys- 9% in underground resources is forecast by 2050, along tem, with an increase in the intensity of rainfall and a with a 4% increase in demand for different uses. There concentration of extreme events, causing an increase in In the Mediterranean environment, one of the most im- will therefore be a general need for additional potable the risk of flooding, morphological changes to beaches portant effects expected of climate change is the impact water resources in the metropolitan area of 34 hm3 a and greater exposure of port infrastructures (see Chapter on the water cycle and the consequences that this may year, with Barcelona’s need estimated at 18 hm3 a year. 2 “Resilience and adaptation to climate change”). have on the management of the entire water cycle at a territorial level and in particular in urban environments. In the annual water cycle balance, water introduced into the cycle is estimated at 200 hm3, of which 60% corre- sponds to tap water (surface water from the Ter-Llobre- gat, underground water from the Llobregat and Besòs wells, and desalinated water), with 30% coming from rainwater and 10% corresponding to underground wa- ter that cannot be used as drinking water. The supply system faces a threat in the event of a drought. Droughts occur cyclically and there are circum- stances in which resources are close to or lower than demand. Supply using reserves from reservoirs can only be guaranteed for a year. The expected effects of climate change on the water cy- cle are a slight decrease in water resources, a larger var- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 122 9.3 Measures implemented to decrease water consumption In recent years, the City Council has promoted a wide they are encouraged to implement water saving and selection of plant species that need less water also ne- range of measures that have made it possible to reduce efficient use measures. eds to be taken into account. The Greenery and Bio- the consumption of drinking water, in particular by mu- diversity Plan, the Stimulus Programme for the City’s nicipal services, guaranteeing supply in the event of a Saving water at public fountains. The 1,688 drin- Urban Green Infrastructure and the Tree Master Plan drought and reducing the risk of urban flooding and the king fountains in the city are fitted with timed taps and are based on sustainable water management. impact of diversions to the receiving environment. flow regulating devices. Raising awareness among residents to Efficient management of green spaces. Thanks promote saving water 9.3.1 Savings and efficiency to to smart remote irrigation management, water con- sumption in parks and gardens across the city has The City Council has taken a wide range of actions to guarantee the water supply dropped by 25%. This system, implemented in 2013, raise awareness among residents about saving water is based on adapting irrigation to plant types and the and responsible use, in addition to increasing knowledge theoretical needs of each green surface, on the quan- of the most important municipal actions to this end. Reducing municipal consumption tification of useful rainfall, the control of actual water that reaches the plant and a faster leak detection ca- The “More Sustainable Barcelona” programme has cre- Reducing consumption in buildings and muni- pacity. The use of groundwater for irrigation and the ated promotional material and performed a wide range cipal facilities. The City Council has implemented of activities, including “Com funciona Barcelona. El cicle a range of initiatives to progressively reduce water de l’aigua a la ciutat”, for adults and school children; the consumption, such as replacing inefficient systems publication of informational material such as L’Espai de with water saving devices, the installation of waterless Mar or L’aigua i la ciutat; the creation of resources with urinals or the roll-out of awareness-raising campaigns the Fonts de Barcelona mobile application or the “More amongst municipal workers, as part of the “More Sus- Sustainable Barcelona” map; the presentation of exhibi- tainable City Council” programme. tions or the City Council’s adhesion to World Water Day, as part of which a range of actions were taken. Saving water at schools. As part of the “More Sus- tainable Schools” programme, schools are provided Of the 493 ha of irrigated green space, 302 ha are On the other hand, the “Water Brief” programme seeks currently irrigated automatically. with teaching equipment relating to saving water and to place an emphasis on water heritage, in addition to Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 123 talks, meetings and seminars, including tours of the It identifies available water resources, analyses the uses sewerage system and rainwater tanks across the city, Improving system redundancy and needs they can satisfy based on their chemical and tours taking in wells, fountains and springs, and visits to biological characteristics, sizes up potential demand landmarks including the Rec Comtal and the tunnel con- This is based on drawing up contingency plans for different and establishes the infrastructures required to harness necting Casa de l’Aigua in Trinitat Vella to Casa de l’Aigua pressure levels to guarantee supply and ensure the perfor- them. in Trinitat Nova. mance of connection work to upstream tanks in the Llo- bregat-Besòs basins. That enables the water supply to be The measures implemented over the years have giv- guaranteed in the event of an incident in any of the supply en rise to a significant reduction in the consumption of Minimising losses in distribution networks. drinking water by the Environment and Urban Services municipal services. Some of the measures rolled out to reduce losses in the distribution of drinking water include sectioning, reno- 9.3.2 Harnessing alternative water vating and repairing the distribution network, installing Use of groundwater for irrigating green areas high precision electric meters to detect leaks, informing resources users of them and correcting them more quickly. The irrigation of green spaces represents one of the main Technical Plan for Using Alternative Water consumptions of groundwater in Barcelona, amounting Resources (2017-2022) to 503,589 m3 in 2017. The sustainability index for green Drought Protocol (2018) spaces in 2017 came to 19.08%. This Plan, drawn up in 1998 and updated in 2009, 2013 In compliance with the Special Action Plan in the event and 2017, seeks to decrease the consumption of drinking Use of groundwater for urban cleaning and of alerts and potential droughts (PES) created by the water in the city. The 2017 edition added new lines of ac- cleaning the sewerage system Catalan Water Agency, the City Council has drawn up a tion to promote alternative nearby resources, in addition Drought Protocol (2018), to replace the Municipal Action to further harnessing underground water addressed in In recent years, the consumption of tap water to clean Plan in the event of drought. The protocol sets out all previous plans. The lines of action included entail har- the streets and the sewerage system has reduced thanks the actions that municipal services and external services nessing regenerated water, grey water, rainwater from to the harnessing of groundwater. In 2017, 79% of street must take in the event of a drought, taking into consider- the roofs of buildings, rainwater from the headwaters of cleaning and 99% of sewerage cleaning was performed ation not only the measures provided for in the regula- Serra de Collserola, the inclusion of sustainable urban using groundwater. tions in force, but also preventive and proactive extraor- drainage systems in public spaces and directly harness- dinary measures for more efficient water management of ing seawater. water and to raise public awareness. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 124 Alternative water resources for ornamental 9.3.4 Wastewater treatment and the fountains and ponds protection of basins and the coast Besòs Agenda (in preparation) Ornamental fountains and ponds, and other water fea- The Besòs Agenda seeks to define a joint action strategy tures across the city, prioritise the use of underground based on consensus between the five municipalities that water over drinking water. In addition, they are equipped Barcelona Sanitation Master Plan (PDISBA) make up the Besòs area, in order to highlight the potential with recirculation systems and have physico-chemical or of this region and face the current social, economic, envi- biological treatment systems to maintain the quality of The main objective of the Master Plan is to study the ronmental and urban planning challenges, in cooperation the water needed. existing network, including the performance of surface with institutions and associations in the area. The Agenda run-off and its interaction with the sewerage system, as sets out the future horizon of the area and proposes a well as incorporating all the measures to make the city roadmap for getting there, based on a participatory pro- 9.3.3 Quality of drinking water more resilient to rainfall, setting up strategies to protect cess involving all the players. underground bodies of water and the receiving medium guaranteed and improved (coastal waters, rivers, streams). 9.3.5 Run-off management and Municipal emergency action plan for the risk Improving the quality of drinking water of accidental pollution of marine waters flood risk The technological improvements introduced from 2009 This emergency plan seeks to provide a response to any Flood management with the network of onwards at water treatment plants in the Llobregat ba- accident that results in the pollution of urban coastal rainwater retention tanks sin (ultrafiltration and inverse osmosis membranes, as waters, either because of direct discharge from the sew- well as desalination by electrodialysis reversal) have erage system or a spill from a ship or coastal industry. To overcome the flood risk to which the city is exposed, made it possible to achieve a significant improvement The likelihood of sanitation system discharges during the City Council has developed a strong network of rain- in the organoleptic and physico-chemical quality of this strong rainfall is significant, so actions needs to be es- water collectors and retention tanks located at strategic water. These technological advances have helped to tablished to guarantee the quality of bathing water. points: 15 rainwater retention tanks, of which 12 serve reduce the salinity of the water produced, improve its an anti-flood function, 1 serves an anti-unitary sewerage taste and its organoleptic properties in general, reduce system discharge function and 2 are lamination basins its hardness and further increase its safety. or flood areas for extraordinary rainfall. These tanks serve a dual protection purpose: Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 125 To protect the city in the event of intense rainfall: they Recently, a study has been carried out which compiles fines the municipal services coordination and operational serve a peak discharge lamination function, retaining and analyses SUDS experiences in Barcelona, in order to model in order to minimise the effects of flooding. The rainwater and preventing floods. develop criteria and lines of action. City Council has added an annexe for waves (Protocol for the Plan for risk of inadequate drainage/flooding due to To protect the receiving environment: first rainwater, Action plan in the event of inadequate bad sea conditions), as a result of surges that periodically which has the highest pollutant load, is retained in the drainage or flooding affect the city’s coast, which, in addition to leading to the anti-unitary sewerage system discharge tanks and movement of sand, place the safety of people at risk and driven to the purifier. Barcelona has a municipal emergency action plan due cause harm to beach fixtures. to the risk of inadequate drainage or flooding, which de- Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) With the dual objective of improving drainage problems associated with the increase in the watertightness of ur- ban spaces and improving the harnessing of rainwater, in recent years, the City Council has promoted the imple- mentation of SUDS in different green spaces across the city. The SUDS serve a similar function to natural filtering pro- cesses, storing and leaching run-off water, acting in a sep- arate and complementary manner to the network of col- lectors and tanks. They offer a wide range of benefits to the city as they increase the green surface area, capture rainwater from the surrounding areas to help plant life to flourish and leach water into the subsoil to recharge the aquifer. In addition, the water captured by the SUDS does not go into the sewerage system, reducing the volume of discharges from the unitary system into the receiving Parc de Joan Reventós has a sustainable drainage system that collects rainwater through various kinds of environment and reducing the peak discharge reaching draining surfaces, which filter it while purifying it, before it eventually reaches the subsoil. In the event of a downpour, the water is kept in the retention area or anti-flooding areas created for that purpose. purifiers during rainfall. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 126 9.4 Future goals and measures One of the main challenges is to ensure an efficient and Improving and expanding the leveraging of groundwa- Taken together, these measures would provide 21 hm3 optimised water cycle, both at a city level and also in the ter to supply 70% of the total demand of municipal per year and, therefore, satisfy expected demand, in- metropolitan area. This will become even more signifi- services with this type of water. cluding the additional 18 hm3 set out in the 2050 Climate cant in the future as, on account of climate change, a Plan. That aside, it is worth noting that the desalination reduction in water resources is forecast together with Harnessing regenerated water, in such a way that in plant is available as a source of water, although in the increased demand. residential, commercial and industrial buildings which context of climate change, where the aim is to increase have access to the general network of regenerated adaptation and resilience, its use to cover the increase in In this context, the challenge is to make guaranteed wa- water and do not use other alternative water resour- demand for water has been ruled out, as the infrastruc- ter supply for human consumption demands compatible ces, connection is mandatory. ture consumes a large amount of energy and money. with maintaining rivers in a good hydromorphological and ecological state. Achieving this objective requires Harnessing grey water, on a mandatory basis for new exhaustive knowledge of the entire water cycle. constructions and comprehensive renovations of buil- 2018-2030 Barcelona Climate Plan dings (>16 households), hotels and sports complexes, to achieve savings of 30% in drinking water consump- It is also worth noting that one of the strategic objectives 9.4.1 Actions to resolve the tion. set out in the 2030 Climate Plan X is to reduce water consumption to achieve domestic drinking water con- availability of water resources Harnessing rainwater from roofs, on a mandatory ba- sumption of less than 100 litres per inhabitant per day. in the city sis for buildings with non-crossable roofs and without To achieve that target, the Plan has set out a number of any other way of harnessing alternative water resour- measures: Technical Plan for Using Alternative Water ces. Resources (2017-2022) Increase soil permeability by defining a sustai- Harnessing rainwater upstream, providing for the nable urban drainage strategy for Barcelona that The new alternative water resource plan sets out the construction of 10 tanks with a capacity of 60,600 m3 offers design recommendations in a manual, mainte- following lines of action to achieve the objectives pro- for municipal uses. nance protocols (with professional training to ensure posed: it is done correctly) and sets out recommendations on Treating rainwater in public spaces using SUDS to ma- how to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness using nage 85% of rainfall episodes. monitors and sensors. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 127 Have a city supply plan for Barcelona. Promote the use of grey water in new housing de- velopments and renovations or for industrial purpo- ses, and study its inclusion in future versions of the Municipal Urban Environment Byelaw. Study the feasibility of producing regenerated wa- ter at the Besòs EDAR to feed the Besòs aquifer, in order to maintain the river’s ecological flows and feed the purification plant. Utilise regenerated water from the River Llobre- gat for the industrial uses of the Zona Franca Con- sortium and for recharging the aquifer. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Water cycle 128 130 Summary infographic 131 10.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 132 10.2 General context and current situation 132 1 0.2.1 Barcelona City Council, setting the benchmark in sustainable public procurement 132 10.2.2 Coordination and networking at different levels 133 10.2.3 Increase in procurement of environmental products and services 135 10.2.4 M unicipal workers committed to the environment 135 10.2.5 Growth in sustainability certifications Greening municipal 136 10.3 Measures implemented to make the City Council greener and promote activities the green and circular economy 136 1 0.3.1 Sustainable public procurement for the city’s sustainable development 137 10.3.2 Best environmental practices in internal operations 138 1 0.3.3 Meeting of municipal workers committed to the environment 139 1 0.3.4 Municipal bodies and offices with strategic internal sustainability plans (PESI) 140 10.3.5 Making city events greener 141 10.4 Future goals and measures Barcelona City Council, 141 1 0.4.1 New actions and objectives to continue advancing towards a greener an environmental benchmark City Council for the city Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 129 Current 100% 84% of wood 89% of Greening situation of electricity consumed is from office paper municipal Procurement procured is sustainable forestry consumed is activities green operations recycled <90% 56% of the municipal of the food served in municipal fleet of vehicles is powered nursery schools comes from by low environmental Vision of the ecological agriculture impact technology future Reduce the 7 municipal buildings 62-80% of selective waste collection negative are “Bicycle friendly at municipal buildings compared to 36% environmental building” certified elsewhere in Barcelona impact associated with municipal 9% reduction in tap water consumption by activities and municipal services compared to 2007 lead the change towards a more sustainable Lines of model by action Best sustainability Sector planning example practices in internal “Strategic Internal operations “Local Networking and Sustainability Plan for Greener events Sustainable public procurement power generation” exchange of Prevention and Safety “Reusable cups at “New mayoral decree” “Prevention of waste experiences Management, Urban community “Sustainable Public Procurement and promotion of the “JornadA+S” Ecology and the celebrations, BSM Plan” “Technical instructions for circular economy” “Ten recognised Barcelona Institute of installations and environmental procurement” “Sustainable mobility” best practices” Culture” sports events” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 130 CERTIFICAT 10.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities Vision of the future For some time now, the City Council has been staunchly committed to introducing sustainability criteria in its activities and manage- ment approach. The main opportunities and challenges to be overcome are as follows: Barcelona City Council wants The City Council is moving towards a new organisational culture with more cross-cutting management. The City Council to reduce the negative envi- manages more than 1,000 buildings and employs nearly 12,000 workers, spread across a wide number of departments and divisions, ronmental impact associated which have decentralised procurement budgets. Coordination, monitoring and expansion of the sustainability strategy throughout with its municipal activities the organisation is one of the main challenges of the “More Sustainable City Council” programme. and lead the change towards a more sustainable model The City Council has a long tradition of internal greening. In 2001, the government measure on making municipal services by example. To achieve this, it greener was approved, giving rise to the “Green Office” programme. Since then, and following the creation of the “More Sustainable is working towards a green and City Council” programme in 2006, internal greening and sustainable public procurement have been consolidated. circular economy, promoting Public procurement is acquiring a strategic role. At a European level, public procurement is becoming an instrument of political equality and transformation to- strategy for moving towards a low-carbon, circular economy. In addition, Barcelona City Council is of sufficient size for its actions to wards a fairer society, using its have a real impact on environmental improvements in the city, besides setting an example for other sections of the population. potential as a responsible con- sumer and being consistent with The More Sustainable City Council programme forms part of the Citizen Commitment to Sustainability. After an intense the message transmitted to res- participatory process, Barcelona defined its Agenda 21 in the 2002-2012 Citizen Commitment to Sustainability, subsequently updat- idents. ed to 2012-2022. The City Council, as the first organisation adhering to the Commitment, has reasserted its leadership and role in the More Sustainable City Council programme. The City Council has defined new sustainable public procurement regulations. Since the first government measure on making municipal services greener, the greening of all municipal procurement has been consolidated with successive government measures, mayoral decrees and other regulations that have reinforced the inclusion of environmental criteria in the procurement of works, products and services. Recently, thirteen sets of instructions have been approved to apply sustainability criteria in the pro- curement of products and services and the Environmental Public Procurement Guide has also been produced. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 131 10.2 General context and current situation As part of the transition towards sustainability, Barce- specify their inclusion in public procurement. The May- 10.2.1 Barcelona City Council, setting lona City Council is primarily responsible for promoting oral Decree for responsible public procurement with the benchmark in sustainable public policies and programmes that include environmental social and environmental criteria was also approved in procurement and social criteria. This strategy is essential in reducing 2013. the negative impact of public activities and promoting a green, circular economy, using the Council’s potential as A participatory process to promote sustainable public Acknowledgements received. The City Council has received a responsible consumer as well as the example it sets. procurement. The More Sustainable City Council pro- a wide range of acknowledgements for its role in this area, gramme is led by the Sustainability Strategy and Culture notably publication of the municipal nursery schools din- The approval of the government measure on making Department at the Urban Ecology Manager’s Office and ing room service X (2014) and the More Sustainable City municipal services greener in 2001 gave rise to the cre- works in collaboration with other areas, districts and Council programme  X (2016) as best practices by the ation of the “Green Office” programme. Based on the municipal institutions to promote environmental im- European Commission; selection of green electricity pro- positive experience of this programme, in 2006 the City provement initiatives within the municipal organisation. curement by municipal facilities and the “Bicycle friendly Council developed the More Sustainable City Council The strategic objectives and lines of action were defined building” certification of municipal buildings as innovative programme X. Thus, the programme switched from the in 2010 at the More Sustainable City Council Convention, environmental experiences by the Catalan local govern- “Office” to the “City Council”, as the work environment in- an internal participatory process lasting one year that in- ment Good Practices Bank X; and the 2018 European ini- cludes offices, but also the procurement of works, prod- volved more than 300 council workers. Seven years later, tiative award X and the 2018 European initiative award for ucts and services; and from “green” to “sustainable”, as in November 2017, JornadA+S was held, to celebrate the sustainable procurement for the Procura+ network. more ethical and social aspects, such as fair trade, are success stories of the initiative and set new priority com- taken into consideration. mitments. Greening all municipal procurement is one of the main goals of this programme. 10.2.2 Coordination and networking This change has been reinforced with the approval of three government measures: one on making municipal at different levels contracts greener (2006) to mainstream the inclusion of environmental criteria in procurement and which con- As part of the internal plan, the More Sustainable City tains the amendment to standard procurement specifi- Council programme has a range of working groups that cations, and two on responsible procurement (2008 and meet on a regular basis to address topics such as green- 2013) to include environmental and social aspects and ing initiatives in general, the sustainable procurement of Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 132 wood or vehicles, or buildings. Occasionally, other specif- 10.2.3 Increase in procurement cy, restricting sound and harmful substance emissions ic groups are created to address aspects such as making of environmental products and and recycling production material. Prerequisites have events greener or innovative procurement. also been included to ensure compliance with employ- services ment rights in the supply chain of products, after sign- In the external plan, the City Council is a founding mem- ing up to the international Electronics Watch initiative. ber of the Procura+ X campaign organised by ICLEI (Local Based on the environmental criteria established in the Governments for Sustainability) and actively participates in Technical Instructions for the Application of Sustainabil- Events. For a number of years now, the districts of regional and international projects and networks created ity Criteria X in the procurement of products and ser- Gràcia and Sants-Montjuïc have replaced single-use to share experiences and best practices and to promote vices identified as a priority, the main results obtained cups with reusable cups at their annual festivals and, local environmental policies: SMART SPP X, Eurocities X, are as follows: since 2015, BSM has followed this example too at its Electronics Watch X, the Network of Cities and Towns Pro- events and facilities. The Barcelona Sports Institute gressing Towards Sustainability  X (Barcelona Provincial Electricity. Since 2015, 100% of the electricity con- has also promoted the replacement of plastic bottles Council) or the Catalan Network for Ethical Public Procure- tracted by the City Council has been green electricity with paper cups at certain sports events it organis- ment X, among others. Furthermore, it also collaborates with a renewable source guarantee or high efficiency es and has made efforts to make other major events closely with other key actors in the city, such as universi- cogeneration guarantee. greener. ties, manufacturers’ associations, suppliers, NGOs, and so on. Communication elements. Over the course of 2017, Wood. Between 2013 and 2017, of the 1,668 m3 of the Communication Department at the City Council wood acquired and for which information is available, Collaboration with the main Catalan public authorities. requested the production of 7,800 mono-material 84% was sourced from forestry businesses with the In 2017, a green public procurement working group was set polypropylene banners (without PVC) and the string sustainable management certificate. up by the main Catalan authorities, made up of represent- used for the seams was also polypropylene, meaning atives from Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Metro- it can be reused or recycled for banners in the future. Paper. Eighty-nine per cent of the office paper used politan Area, Barcelona Provincial Council, the Association In addition, 64% of municipal agencies and districts at municipal and district offices in 2017 was recycled; of Catalan Towns and Cities, the Consortium of Catalan have used recycled paper to produce communication and at 16 municipal and district offices, recycled paper Universities and the Generalitat of Catalonia. The group’s items, and the Framework Agreement for the Procure- accounts for more than 80% of all paper consumed. aim is to ensure the coordination, exchange and harness- ment of Graphic Arts Material calls for the use of re- ing of resources between Catalan public authorities in the cycled paper (or non-recycled paper from sustainable Textiles. The inclusion of environmental and social promotion and implementation of green procurement forest sources). criteria in uniform procurement specifications sets a across Catalonia. benchmark. The uniforms worn by BSM, Parks and Computer equipment. Computer equipment ob- Gardens, the City Police (GUB) and the Fire Preven- tained by the Municipal Information Technology Insti- tion, Extinction and Rescue Service staff include en- tute meets the criteria for energy saving and efficien- vironmental and social criteria, so they comply with Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 133 the requirements to limit the presence of chemical mental improvement of the fleet: 52% of the light fleet Consumption of wood from sustainable substances and respect workers’ rights set out in the are low emission vehicles (47% with the Zero or Eco forestry businesses International Labour Organisation declaration during label). If we take all vehicles into account, including the production process. In addition, BSM has intro- trucks and other special vehicles, the result is 51%. duced measures to minimise packaging and to use Worth particular note is the greening of the City Po- 100% recycled packaging materials. lice (GUB) fleet, with 60 electric scooters and 157 hy- 80% brid cars; the BCASA fleet, with 128 electric vehicles; Public works projects. Most draft construction pro- the BSM fleet, with 111 vehicles, and the cleaning and 60% ject, public space and infrastructure contracts involv- waste collection service, with 278 electric vehicles. ing BIMSA, which accounts for about half of all munic- 40% ipal works, include environmental criteria regarding 20% the source of the wood, energy and water self-suffi- ciency,increasing greenery and biodiversity, and in fa- 0% vour of the circular economy, amongst others. 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Municipal fleet of vehicles Food services. More than 90% of the food served in municipal nursery schools comes from ecological agriculture In addition, the specifications also include Consumption of recycled A4 paper Electric 24% environmental criteria concerning tableware, the Diesel 23% cleanliness of facilities and waste management. L PG/CNG 19% 100% Waste collection and cleaning services at munic- Petrol 13% 80% ipal buildings. The contract, in addition to criteria Biofuel 13% relating to selective waste collection, provides for the 60% Non plug-in use of less toxic products, 100% recycled toilet paper hybrid 6% 40% and paper hand towels, and environmental training P lug-in hybrid 1% for staff, among other aspects. 20% Bi-fuel or dual-fuel Vehicles. In 2018, of the 328 vehicles (motorbikes, gas 1% 0% cars, quadricycles, vans and trucks) incorporated into 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 the municipal fleet, 78% were low-emission and 31% were electric. This process is reflected in the environ- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 134 10.2.4 Municipal workers committed Paper consumption: each year, a report is drawn up 10.2.5 Growth in sustainability to the environment on the consumption of recycled and non-recycled pa- certifications per. Compared to 2016, in 2017 almost all agencies and directorates reduced paper consumption. Compared The application of best environmental practices in inter- to 2013, consumption has fallen by 3.73%, from 50,674 Implementation of environmental management sys- nal operations represents a commitment to conserving packets to 48,783 in 2017. tems at municipal institutions. Another support tool the environment, while generating energy and financial for internal greening processes and sustainable public savings and improving the quality of life in the workplace. Waste generation and selective waste collection: procurement are environmental management systems, every four years, an audit is performed on certain mu- including EMAS and ISO 14001, in particular to establish Energy consumption: in 2018, the city’s districts and nicipal buildings to quantify waste generation and se- environmental improvement initiatives and indicators the City Council managers’ offices consumed 55.2 MWh lective waste collection. The most recent audit, in 2016, to monitor the environmental impact of processes and of electricity and 14.7 MWh of natural gas. There are demonstrates an overall reduction in the amount gen- activities performed. Currently, four municipal organisa- currently 60 municipal buildings and facilities with pho- erated, mainly on account of the significant decrease tions are ISO 14001 certified. The Urban Ecology Man- tovoltaic generation systems and a dozen pergola gen- in paper and cardboard, in addition to the strong re- ager’s Office, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, erators have been installed in city parks and squares. sults in terms of the selective waste collection of these Clavegueram de Barcelona and Barcelona de Serveis In addition, a further 10 systems are being set up on materials. However, there is still significant room for Municipals. existing buildings and another 17 have been sent out to improvement in the selective waste collection of light tender, such as Cotxeres de Sants and Escola Bosc de packaging and organic matter. Montjuïc. Bicycle friendly buildings: the City Council has sev- Water consumption: in 2018, the city’s districts and en municipal buildings certified as “Bicycle friendly the municipal managers’ offices consumed 488,834 m3. buildings” and, currently, around 20 more buildings Consumption by municipal services has decreased are undergoing audits to obtain this certification. The from 8,158,331 m3 in 2001 to 5,605,975 m3 in 2015, al- requirements correspond to bicycle accessibility to though this has since levelled off (consumption in 2017 the building, indoor and outdoor parking spaces for was 5,812,870 m3). This drop can be attributed to man- bicycles, signage concerning access by bicycle, poli- agement improvements and the gradual increase in cies to promote bicycles in the workplace and other the consumption of groundwater: in 1999, 301,730 m3 additional services offered to cyclists. was consumed and in 2012, 1,269,752 m3, levelling off thereafter. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 135 10.3 Measures implemented to make the City Council greener and promote the green and circular economy 10.3.1 Sustainable public and facilitate the introduction of environmental criteria procurement for the city’s Making major urban service contracts greener when drawing up the specifications for the acquisition sustainable development or supply of goods, services and works, the City Coun- Major urban service contracts, as may be the case of cil has produced the Environmental Public Procurement lighting, sewerage, paving or fountain maintenance ser- Guide (2017) X, with technical instructions and environ- Technical environmental procurement vices, in addition to others, have systematically been in- mental criteria for other procurement outside the scope instructions cluding the priority environmental criteria defined in the of application of the instructions. technical instructions. In 2015, the More Sustainable City Council programme Creation of the first Sustainable public created Technical instructions for the application of sus- New mayoral decree and Environmental procurement plan tainability criteria X to respond to and complement the Public Procurement Guide 2013 government measure on responsible public pro- In compliance with the new Mayoral Decree, the first curement with social and environmental criteria. The in- In 2016, approval was given for the setting up the Pub- Sustainable Public Procurement Plan X has been drawn structions propose specific environmental criteria that lic Procurement Committee X at Barcelona City Council up with the objectives that the municipal organisation must be applied in the acquisition and procurement of was created as a space for debate and reflection with as a whole must achieve in 2018 in this area. Specific product groups and services defined as priorities: elec- the city’s social, economic and environmental partners. targets have been established for each set of technical tricity, communication elements, computer equipment, In 2017, the City Council approved the new Mayoral instructions. For example, more than 90% in the case of events, wood, office equipment, paper, textile products, Decree X on responsible and sustainable public pro- recycled paper across the City Council as a whole. public works projects, food services, cleaning services curement, which contains the technical environmental and waste collection from buildings, and vehicles. procurement instructions approved in 2015. Thus, the It is planned to continue with the Sustainable Public administrative clauses must include environmental and Procurement Training Plan, thanks to which it has been social criteria and requirements for reducing the impor- possible to disseminate the content of the decree and tance of the financial bid the guides to almost the entire organisation. A computer application is also being rolled out to monitor contracts. To promote the implementation of the instructions Furthermore, a project is being worked on to create a Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 136 virtual community in the field of sustainable public pro- (64%), the improvement of urban greenery (16%) and Measures for saving water and responsible curement to exchange of ideas, proposals and best waste management (11%). These policies have created use practices. an annual average of over 5,200 direct temporary jobs, and at least 1,380 permanent jobs. To reduce water consumption at municipal buildings, New technical instructions on sustainability in inefficient systems have been replaced with water sav- exhibitions The study also proposes future initiatives that would ing mechanisms (Presto system for taps and double dis- further boost economic development, job creation and charge systems in cisterns), waterless urinals have been Following the production of technical instructions and the environmental benefits of the 12 areas analysed. installed and mechanical cleaning is now employed at in response to the 2013 Mayoral Decree on responsi- markets. ble public procurement with social and environmental criteria, the Barcelona Culture Institute (ICUB) opted to 10.3.2 Best environmental practices City-wide, measures have been implemented to increase improve the quality and efficiency of its facilities and its the leveraging of groundwater used to clean the streets activities, to decrease its environmental impact on the in internal operations and sewerage system, and to irrigate parks and gardens, surrounding area and offer a better work space and while flow-regulating devices and purifying systems have experience to both employees and users, through ad- Energy saving and local energy generation been installed at ornamental and drinking fountains. Au- equate environmental management. As a result of this measures tomated irrigation and drip systems have been installed process, the ICUB produced its Strategic Sustainabili- in parks and gardens that are equipped with rain meters ty Plan X (2016) and the Technical Instructions for the In line with the Energy Saving and Improvement Plan and humidity sensors that make it possible to optimise Application of Sustainability Criteria to exhibitions  X for Municipal Buildings (PEMEEM), work is ongoing to water consumption and avoid watering when the soil is (2017). encourage energy savings and improve energy efficien- moist enough (see Chapter 9 “Water cycle”). cy, as well as increase the generation of green, local Assessment of the impact of public policies energy at municipal buildings and facilities. Some of relating to the green and circular economy the measures adopted include the implementation of Paper saving measures energy saving and efficiency systems in thermal and In collaboration with Estudi Ramon Folch, a study  X lighting facilities; improvements to thermal enclosures; To reduce the consumption of paper at municipal offic- has been carried out to evaluate the impact of the City the installation of photovoltaic generation systems, es, an online processing system has been implement- Council’s public policies relating to the green and circu- hot/cold distribution networks and autonomous and ed for council procedures and electronic permits, while lar economy (GCE) between 2016 and 2019. The results self-sufficient lighting; compensation of emissions gen- the More Sustainable City Council programme provides obtained demonstrate that the City Council’s invest- erated by municipal publications of events and the pro- trays to reuse paper only used on one side and promote ments and spending on GCE accounts for 13% of the av- motion of the energy culture through awareness rais- the use of double-sided printing by default for all com- erage annual budget for the period analysed. The areas ing campaigns (see Chapter 1, “Energy and climate change puter equipment at the City Council. with the highest investment are mobility and air quality mitigation”). Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 137 Waste prevention and promotion of the circular economy Measures to make generated mobility greener With a view to preventing waste generation, achieving In accordance with the 2013-2018 Urban Mobility Plan X, internal selective waste collection of 75% and contrib- environmental improvements in municipal-generated uting to the exemplary status of the City Council, selec- mobility are being achieve through two lines of action: tive waste collection containers have been installed in shared spaces and specific containers for hazardous Making the municipal vehicle fleet and service con- waste. Cups, glasses and eco-bins have also been dis- tracts greener (see section 10.2.3, “Increase in procure- tributed to replace generic desk waste-paper baskets ment of environmental products and services”). and internal communication campaigns held to promote the circular economy and extend the life of office mate- Fostering sustainable internal mobility through the rial. Along the same lines a commitment has been made following measures: to make the city’s main events and festivities greener by standardising the use of reusable cups and withdraw- • Promoting sustainable and healthy mobility habits ing single-use glasses, tableware and plastic packaging in the workplace among municipal employees with at fountains, vending machines and outsourced food “A la feina, Bicia’t” (Cycle to work): free bike-lending To date, 7 municipal buildings have been certified services. service, riding in traffic and mechanical training, or- and 20 are undergoing the certification process. ganisation of excursions, etc. As part of this project, In terms of promoting the circular economy, the City the internal certification “Bike-friendly building”  X Council and the Pangea Association signed an agree- was created in 2016. Its requirements refer to bicy- 10.3.3 Meeting of municipal workers ment in 2018 to hand over tech devices no longer in use, cle accessibility to the building, indoor and outdoor committed to the environmentt restore them and forward them to social entities (see parking spaces, bicycle access signs, policies to pro- Chapter 8, “Waste prevention and management”). mote cycling to work and other supplementary ser- vices offered to cyclists. JornadA+S • E ncouraging the use of electric vehicles by City Coun- cil employees. Seven years after the first More Sustainable City Council Convention, in November 2017 an event X was held to celebrate the successes achieved and define new priori- ty commitments for reducing the environmental impact Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 138 of municipal activities and leading the change by exam- achieved over the past five years under the Plan are as tegic projects developed during 2016 and 2017. Based on ple, including achieving internal selective waste collec- follows: this analysis of the Plan’s progress, actions to be carried tion of 75% or eliminating single-use cups, glasses and out in 2018 and 2019 have now been prioritised. plastic packaging. Gradual greening the vehicle fleet: the City Police (GUB) fleet has 59 electric scooters and 2 electric vans. plus ICUB sustainability plan and facility At the event, the More Sustainable City Council awards 154 hybrid cars. environmental quality guarantee were also presented to ten initiatives X for their valua- ble incorporation of sustainability in different areas of Rationalisation and efficient use of resources: energy The Sustainability Plan X, drawn up in 2016, is an ongo- municipal administration, such as greening lunchtime and water consumption in 2017 was down on 2016 by ing, cross-cutting tool to extend sustainability to all ICUB services in municipal public nursery schools or apply- 22% and 19%, respectively. areas and workspaces and to include environmental cri- ing energy efficiency measures in the municipal library teria in the planning, execution and monitoring of activi- network. Greening contracts: 87% of procurement specifications ties it carries out. The strategic objectives correspond to in 2018 include environmental criteria. four areas of work on sustainability: 10.3.4 Municipal bodies and offices Setting up the post of sustainability supervisor and the Efficiency and savings in supplies, installations and con- Plan Monitoring Committee. sumables. with strategic internal sustainability plans (PESI) Urban Ecology Manager’s Office PESI Consolidation of a proper approach to waste manage- 2015 -2022 ment. Security and Prevention Manager’s Office PESI 2015 -2022 This strategic instrument defines the internal actions to Promotion of environmental awareness raising and be promoted by the Office in order to incorporate sus- communication. In 2015, the Security and Prevention Manager’s Office tainability into the operations of areas for which it is re- adapted and updated its 2013-2022 Strategic Internal sponsible. Based on the identification of existing best Compliance with and improvement of environmental Sustainability Plan (PESI) in order to achieve sustainable practices and the main challenges for the future, 50 stra- legislation. development in the areas of its activities in a gradual, tegic actions were defined to achieve the Plan’s X ob- cross-cutting and participatory manner. jectives, relating to procurement, training, projects, net- The ICUB has also worked to attain the environmental working, procedures and internal processes. quality guarantee label for the cultural facilities and li- The content of the Plan X is divided into more than a braries it manages. Fifteen of its buildings are currently hundred different actions split into six strategic pillars: In April 2018, the first Plan monitoring report X, was is- certified. infrastructures, logistics, telecommunications, mobili- sued, with internal greenery indicators, a diagnosis of ty, communication and training. Some of the objectives how green contracts are, and a description of the 23 stra- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 139 10.3.5 Making city events greener Other major events have also been made greener as part thon and Half Marathon greener includes a sustainable of the greening plan. For example, at the 2018 European mobility plan and emission offsetting; a waste minimisa- Water Polo Championships in Barcelona, water fountains tion, selective collection and correct management plan; were installed rather than distributing bottled water, the an environmental training plan for staff; the progressive Festivals that generate less waste maximum possible number of hybrid or electric vehicles rollout of other measures, such as the procurement of were hired and the the reuse of banners and the use of textiles with a significant percentage of recycled material As part of events instructions, the “Zero Waste” strategy recycled materials in medals and trophies was estab- from ecological agriculture or fair trade; and the commu- and the new European directive on single-use plastics, lished. Furthermore, the plan to make Barcelona Mara- nication of actions to make events greener. various City Council events and functions now use reus- able cups to prevent or minimise the generation of plastic waste. During the 2017 Mercè, Gràcia and Sants-Montjuïc annu- al festivals, 156,270 reusable cups were used and instead of 210,346 single-use cups, equivalent to 210 kg of waste packaging. BSM has also introduce the use of reusable cups at its own facilities, with 601,669 being used in 2017. Inclusion of sustainability at sports events The Barcelona Sports Institute (IBE) has also promoted the replacement of plastic bottles that it distributes to participants and opted for paper cups at some races, such as Cursa de Bombers, Cursa dels Nassos and Cursa de Sant Antoni. Work is continuing to implement this initi- ative in other races. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 140 10.4 Future goals and measures To make progress on greening the City Council and sus- measures resulting from the government measure gle-use cups, tableware, bottles and other plastic tainable procurement, in the coming years work will con- “Transition towards Energy Sovereignty” and the Cli- items at municipal offices and services, in addition to tinue in various areas of activity. mate Plan, with the installation of renewable energy the distribution of bottled water. capturing elements on terraces and roofs of municipal buildings and facilities and in public spaces that have Drafting the facilities management technical in- 10.4.1 New actions and objectives the right conditions. structions. New technical instructions are due to be drawn up to facilitate the application of sustainabili- to continue advancing towards a The aim is also to include criteria relating to bicycle ty criteria in facilities management contracts. These greener City Council access to municipal buildings, indoor and outdoor cross-cutting instructions will include priority environ- bicycle parking, signs and additional services for cy- mental criteria set out in other instructions (cleaning New environmental procurement instructions clists, which will enable them to obtain ”Bicycle friend- and waste collection, food services, communication and updating existing instructions ly building” certification. elements, exhibitions, etc.). Amendment to the vehicle technical instruc- Amendment to food services technical instruc- tions. In response to the objectives of the 2018 Sus- tions. In response to the Climate Plan and the 2016- Monitoring sustainable public procurement tainable Public Procurement Plan, the Climate Plan 2019 Strategy to Promote Food Policy, it is expected and the 2018-2024 Electric Mobility Strategy, these in- that these technical instructions will be amended to The Procurement Coordination Directorate is working structions are being adapted and updated to exclude include new aspects, such as the acquisition of local, on implementing a computer programme to monitor the acquisition of diesel cars and reduce the acquisi- ecological produce or the promotion of vegetarian sustainable public procurement indicators: the SAI tion other diesel vehicles, as well as prioritise the ac- menu options. application. All procurement units will be required to quisition of electric vehicles in order to make further fill in the information that the SAI requests for each progress on sustainable mobility and the electrifica- Drafting the mayoral instructions on single-use contract that includes social, environmental and inno- tion of the municipal fleet. plastics and bottled water. Based on the techni- vation measures but the intention is that the contrac- cal specifications for the procurement of food and tor should provide most of the information needed to Amendment to public works projects techni- events services, and the new European directive on calculate the indicators defined for each measure, also cal instructions. The public works projects tech- single-use plastic, the City Council is in the process though the SAI application. nical instructions are due to be amended to include of drawing up instructions to prevent the use of sin- Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 141 Along the same lines, the Climate Plan provides for Drawing up a green and circular economy Sustainable internal mobility. An internal mobility studying the feasibility of having a green accounting strategy plan is due to be drawn up for Barcelona City Council system at City Hall for classifying green-economy ac- in order to continue making progress towards sustai- tions in the municipal budgets, as well as creating an Barcelona is looking to become a city that effectively uses nable internal mobility. additional environmental classification. its own resources and substantially reduces its impact on other areas. To achieve this, progress is needed in defin- Extending the application of procurement ing the criteria and mechanisms that enable new envi- Greening major contracts instructions to all municipal bodies ronmental objectives to be integrated into procurement: low carbon public procurement, circular procurement, Work continues on inserting sustainability criteria in the Although to date, priority has been given to joint work eco-innovative procurement, etc. city’s new cleaning and waste collection contract. Nota- with the municipal areas and bodies that are most rep- ble environmental aspects include the minimum require- resentative of each sector, once the introduction of the In that sense, the plan is to encourage low-carbon public ments for suing light electric vehicles and the excluding environmental criteria established in the technical pro- procurement by means of new instructions, changing the diesel trucks, assessing the reduction of municipal fleet curement instructions is consolidated, their application existing ones, and actions to promote the circular econ- emissions, including noise, and incorporating new tech- must be extended to the other areas and bodies. omy. nological and data analysis features. For example, BIMSA contracts account for almost 50% of municipal expenditure on works and, therefore, efforts Internal greening are still required to ensure compliance with the instruc- tions at the bodies responsible for other works. As re- In addition to the commitments assumed at the Jorna- gards the instructions for food services, collaboration dA+S, work is expected in the following two areas: has mainly been with the Barcelona Municipal Institute for Education (IMEB) to green the dining room services at Plans to green municipal bodies. The More Sus- municipal nursery schools and work is now due to start tainable City Council programme is pushing for gre- with the Health Consortium, the Education Consortium ening plans for each municipal body, that include the and other relevant bodies in this area. following key aspects: consumption of resources, waste prevention, purchasing and procurement with To extend the application of the instructions, identifying sustainable criteria, internal mobility and a culture of the contracting bodies of each sector poses a consider- sustainability, among others. able challenge as procurement is decentralised. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Greening municipal activities 142 144 Summary infographic 145 11.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities 146 11.2 General context and current situation 146 11.2.1 More Sustainable Barcelona, a consolidated network 148 1 1.2.2 Environmental facilities for expanding the culture of sustainability in the city 150 11.3 Measures implemented to spread the sustainability culture 150 11.3.1 The More Sustainable Barcelona network expands 150 11.3.2 More information on the city’s sustainability Co-responsibility 151 11.3.3 Schools that transform the city 152 11.3.4 Efforts to bring sustainability closer to Barcelona’s residents 154 11.3.5 The network in action 156 11.4 Future goals and measures In Barcelona, everybody is responsible for sustainability Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 143 C20o1m2p-2r0o2m2 iCsoit izen 1.,135 organizsactiionse sin d teh ela Mreodr eB Saurcsetaloinab +le S Bosatrecneilbolnea network Cor-respon- CSiuturraecniót n cCioumdamdiatnmoe pnot rt ola sasibbiilliidtayd saicttuuaatlion MReafrecroe ndcee sSousteaninibaiblidliatyd rfreafmerewncoirak 2012-2022 SAtcatkoerehsolders CAiytuyn Ctoaumniceinl to Entidtiaeds easn yd CShoompesrcios EScschuoeollass CRieusdidaednatnsía VViissiióo nd eo ff uthtuer 13 instrucciones emntperepsraisses 132 352 serviceioss a yn d future procurement 641 entidtiaeds easn yd sccehnotrools rescuoursroces sd fersodme CBoencvoemrti de contratación entidtiaeds es in inrsge ipnasrtar ulac taiponlicsa fcoiór n ya nedm epnrteesrapsr i ses 4.,700 ethdeu “cMaotriev os 15 ae nm uonrae tdhee c aripteprlicoast idoen of csohmarpinagr tiendo sehstoapbsl ecimien- dSuesl tpariongarbalme a eqnuvirpoanmmientoasl adher d ciud suosteaninibabilidlitayd sustaaidn ambáles seuxpsteariineanbcilaitsy y tos EScshcuoeollass” + faamcibliiteienstales thiem “pMliocared os en sostenible a criteria epxropyeericetnocse psa arna dla Sporosgternamiblmese city by Seul pstraoignraabmlea psorostjecntisbilidad través de un C“Coommmerecricoe +” means of pSorosgternamiblme”e ap rporyoejcetcot schoamrepdar wtiditoh HToeorrlsamientas Moaprea SBuasrtcaeilnoanbal e+ BSaorsctelnoinbale : ISnudsitcaaidnoarbeilsi tdye i nsodsictaetnoibrsil inda tdh ed e con las orga- mhearrpa mcoiellnabtao craotlaivbeo troaotilv tah aqtu e clait cyi upddaadt:e idn dinicdaicdaotroers ainc tluinaeli zwaidtho s organisa- nizaciones y Liínesa so f reflcoegcets l athse i nsiocciaioti-veansv ironmental dthee a ocbujercdtiov ecso na nlods l ionbejse toivf oasc tyio lans tions and adcet ion isnoict iaotaivmebs iaecnrtoasless t hde clait yciudad luínedaesr dthee a Cccoimónm diteml ceonmt promiso la rceiusiddaednatnsía trabajo Expansion of the ISnhiaciraetdiv iansit ciaotmivpeasr atnidda sn eyt twraobrkaijnog MSeognuiitmoriei ngt oa nyd assessment network “More “eTnh reed n“Terwe sw nourekivnogs grrouupposs” de “eNveawlu saucsiótani n“Nabuielivtyo sin dicators Educación y acción ASumstpalinaacbiólen Cdoem lam reerdce ” t“Craob-carjoe”a t“iCoonp orof dthuec cCiólimn adteel Plan ” finodr itchaed ocirteys” “d2e0 18 More Eciduudcaadtaionna a“Lnad Fcàitbirziecan “MCoomree rScuiost +ai nSoabstlen ible” C“Cliimtizae”n “ Pcrliomyaetceto psr ocijuedctasd” anos por el Ssousteaninibaiblildea Bda drcee cloiundaa d” dacetl iSoonl” “ “LSae Fmàabnriac ad ed elal N“Beairgrhiobso u+ rShoosotedns”ib les” “cFliemma ”X “aFrexmin gX”arxing” c“Coonnvevennticoinó”n B+S 2018” Sols”t e“Snuibstilaidinaadb”ility Week” Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 144 11.1 Vision, challenges and opportunities The schools, entities, enterprises and shops that form part of the More Sustainable Barcelona network assume joint responsibility Vision of the future for building a more sustainable city and are committed to making a contribution, each in their own sphere and collectively. The main opportunities and challenges are as follows: Barcelona wants to become a more sustainable city as More Sustainable Barcelona is a more mature, committed and diverse network. Following the growth of the More Sus- part of a project shared with tainable Barcelona network, which now encompasses more than 1,100 organisations, its diversity and intersectoral activities have organisations (entities, en- increased. The experience of networking accumulated over these years has made it possible to work in a more effective collaborative terprises, schools and insti- and coordinated way, with a core group of members involved in organisation. tutions) and residents. The Commitment reaches new sectors, such as trade and tourism. Since February 2017, 132 shops and associations from the commercial sector have joined the More Sustainable Barcelona network and are promoting sustainability measures as part of their The 2012-2022 Citizen Commit- organisation or business. However, more work is required to consolidate the “More Sustainable Commerce” programme. In the case ment to Sustainability is a doc- of tourism, progress has been made in defining the Commitment for Sustainable Tourism, in cooperation with Turisme de Barcelona. ument with strategic value that aims to inspire and serve as a New challenges for the next five years of the Commitment. Having reached the halfway point of the Commitment, the More framework for all the organisa- Sustainable Barcelona Convention was held in 2018 to address the milestones in the Commitment’s next five years and six future tions and people that want to challenges were identified. An action plan to address these is currently being drawn up. contribute to improving Barcelo- A network involved in the city’s participatory processes. Members of the network have contributed to the development of na’s sustainability. new plans and strategies such as the “Zero Waste” strategy, the Climate Plan, the Coastal Plan and the Urban Mobility Plan, amongst others. This network also generates and develops shared projects, the citizen climate projects, for example. Barcelona City Council is just another member of the network, although it also acts as a facilitator, by means of a technical secretary who drives the activities of programmes and the network as a whole, provides help, information, training and advice, and coordinates exchange and participatory activities. The challenges are to promote and raise awareness of the Commitment beyond the network of organisations, to reach all parties, in the case of major organisations, as well as performing useful and rewarding activities for the range of organisations and people involved, with different organisational cultures and degrees of expertise and involvement. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 145 11.2 General context and current situation Barcelona has a community strategy for sustainable de- it. A new Commitment was then defined in 2012 and the Action networks or “micro networks”: groups of velopment, promoted by the City Council, which has sha- endorsements were renewed and continued. organisations that perform similar actions or share red responsibility as one of its main values. The referen- methodologies and results. ce framework for this strategy is the 2012-2022 Citizen The Commitment’s ten objectives are cross-cutting and Commitment to Sustainability X, the result of a broad cover most of the contents of the United Nations’ Sus- Collaborative projects: members of the different process that sets out ten objectives, each with ten lines tainable Development Goals (SDGs) X. These areas are organisations joint forces to decide on and carry out of action. Its aim is to educate and inspire all those or- biodiversity, public space and mobility, environmental an initiative. ganisations and people who wish to contribute towards quality and health, efficient cities, responsible consump- improving the city’s sustainability. tion, good governance, people’s well-being, the sustai- Monitoring the Commitment at a city level is done nable economy, education and civic action, and global through a system of sustainability indicators X. The underlying idea is to build a sustainable city with the resilience and responsibility. contribution of the entire community. Thus, the organi- sations that participated in defining the Commitment Organisations that have endorsed the Commitment are 11.2.1 More Sustainable Barcelona, a and those that have joined them since have established committed to drawing up voluntary action plans to con- a local alliance for sustainability initiative known as the tribute to the shared objectives. Currently, there are di- consolidated network More Sustainable Barcelona X network. fferent types of contribution: Currently, 1,135 organisations are members of the More The Citizen Commitment to Sustainability grew out of Individual action plans and best practices: each Sustainable Barcelona network, including associations, the local Agenda 21 for Barcelona, following the guide- organisation decides the content and scope of its enterprises, schools, universities, professional associa- lines set out at the United Nations Conference on En- plan. tions, trade unions, cultural facilities and services, public vironment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (1992). institutions and Barcelona City Council. From the outset of local Agenda 21, the emphasis in Double-scale action plans: guilds, traders’ associa- Barcelona was on participation to define objectives and tions and professional organisations develop scalable Monitoring of the citizen network in terms of its sustai- citizen involvement in achieving them. In 2002, an initial action plans for their bodies or members, who can nability actions is divided into sectors: Citizen Commitment to Sustainability was approved for choose to adhere to the actions proposed. 2002-2012 and various organisations began to endorse Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 146 Percentage public state commerce and shops which, having joined the More of schools schools schools Sustainable Barcelona network, are committed to con- participating in the Nursery schools 30% 7% tributing to the city’s sustainability through their activi- “More Sustainable ties. This programme encompasses 132 entities from Schools” Infant and primary education 71% 41% the commercial sector (shops, trade unions and trade programme of all Secondary education 62% 11% associations). schools across the city, by level of Infant, primary and secondary education 67% 59% education (2018- “More Sustainable City Council” X: programme to Adult education 12% 9% 2019 academic green municipal activities (see Chapter 10, “Making muni- year) Special education 88% 92% cipal activities greener”). Total 55% 30% “More Sustainable Citizenry” X: services, activities and resources for spreading the sustainability culture to all citizens. Supported by a team of municipal ex- perts who are the reference persons in each district “More Sustainable Schools”  X: this programme, project, as well as others that want to start one and and a network of facilities that is being consolidated which seeks to contribute to sustainability from edu- sign up to this engaging collective project. Further- throughout the city. cation and recognises schools as agents of change more, seven micro networks have been set up over in the city, was created in 2001 as part of the Citizen the years, to develop projects focusing on the same The “More Sustainable Neighbourhoods” programme Commitment to Sustainability. At present, 352 schools theme: Waste prevention plan, “More Sustainable places an emphasis on extending the sustainability cul- play an active part, although, in its 18 years of existen- Wrappers”, “Ens ho mengem tot”, Sssplau, “Tinguem ture to all neighbourhoods and ensuring residents are in- ce, a total of 461 schools have taken part. cura del planeta”, “Compostem i aprenem” and “Fem formed, aware and capable of acting individually and co- campanya per una mobilitat sostenible i segura”. llectively in transforming their neighbourhoods to obtain Over the course of these years, the mission of the a healthier and more sustainable Barcelona. “More Sustainable Schools” programme has been to “More Sustainable Entities and Enterprises”  X: support schools in the process of incorporating sus- programme aimed at entities, enterprises and other The Citizen Sustainability Committee X, a participatory tainability criteria into all areas of their educational organisations who have assumed joint responsibility body whose members are elected democratically from work. Each school develops its own project and ac- for building a More Sustainable Barcelona and com- and by organisations in the network, is responsible for tions to improve the sustainability of the school and mitted to making a contribution in their corresponding leading the More Sustainable Barcelona network. With the surrounding area, with the direct participation field. In all, 641 entities and enterprises are taking part. help from the Committee, working groups and conven- of students. Each school year there is a new call for tions open to the entire network are organised to define schools that would like to continue and develop their “More Sustainable Commerce”  X: programme its priorities and influence public policies. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 147 Apropa’t als equipaments de Barcelona que treballen en xarxa per estendre la cultura de la sostenibilitat a la ciutat. 11.2.2 Environmental facilities City facilities: District facilities: for expanding the culture of A LA FÀBRICA 1 Aula ambiental de 5 Aula ambiental de DEL SOL la Sagrada Família Sant Andreu sustainability in the city Passeig de Salvat Papasseit, 1 Carrer Lepant, 281-283 Carrer de la Foradada, 36 B SERVEI DE 2 Aula ambiental de 6 Castell de Torre Baró DOCUMENTACIÓ Les corts-Can Déu Ctra. Alta de les Roquete s, La Fàbrica del Sol : a benchmark facility for environ- D’EDUCACIÓ Pl. Concòrdia, 13 309-311 X AMBIENTAL mental and sustainability education. In addition to ser- 3 Passeig de Salvat Papasseit, 1 Aula ambienta l 7 Centre de natura del Bosc Turull de Can Soler ving as the headquarters for More Sustainable Barcelo- C ATENEU DE Passeig Turull, 2 Carretera de sant Cugat, 114/132 na network, it offers an information and advice service FABRICACIÓ 4 Passeig de Salvat Papasseit, 1 Casa de l’Aigua 8 Centre cívic Vil·la Urània Carrer Saragossa, 29 on topics such as the urban economy and sustainability, Carrer Garbí, 2 D EL CENTRE DE LA PLATJA 9 an activity programme for adults and families, the “How Pg. Marítim Barceloneta, 25-29 Centre cívic Vallvidrera Carrer dels Reis Catòlics, 16 does Barcelona work?” programme and a material len- E ESPAI LÚDIC 10 Aula Ambiental de Ciu tat Vella ding service. As a demo building, it is open to the pu- AMBIENTAL PER A La Fàbrica del Sol FAMÍLIES DEL PARC Passeig de Salvat Papasseit, 1 blic to raise awareness of the environmental solutions DE LA CIUTADELLA Pas de l’Institut Escola, 1 it incorporates and discover the strategies that can be adopted to live as sustainably as possible. 9 7 6 This facility also house one of the city’s fab labs X which 4 In 2016, 4,000 people are spaces for creation and training linked to new te- participated in the chnologies, especially 3D digital fabrication, applying 3 activities organised sustainability criteria; and the Environmental Educa- 8 there and almost tion Document Service X, which keeps environmental 2 5 3,000 have visited education information and resources, with a particular exhibitions at La emphasis on urban issues. In addition, the More Sustai- Fàbrica del Sol. 1 nable Barcelona Secretary’s Office is based there. The Beach Centre X: an information and environmen- C B E tal education centre on Barcelona’s coast. Since 2017 it A 10 D has included the Beach Laboratory, a travelling module that tours the beaches with educational activities to rai- se awareness of the marine and coastal ecosystem. In Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 14/9/18 13:01 Co-responsibility 148 2018, 2,380 people participated in the range of activities Nou Barris: La Casa de l’Aigua X and Castell de Torre In addition, Parc de la Ciutadella is home to LaLudo X, a offered. Baró X: environmental classrooms located in Nou Ba- facility specially designed for families with children aged rris that promote environmental education in the dis- between 0 and 5 where they can enjoy a recreational In addition, the city has environmental classrooms in trict with a particular focus on the city’s link with the environmental space that promotes free play and acti- each district that work together with the environmental Serra de Collserola and the environmental values of the ve participation in the conservation of nature and which facilities in the city and the districts (cultural facilities, Besòs river and Rec Comtal. seeks to spread the sustainability culture. organisations, events) with shared objectives and a joint working programme. Currently, there are ten environ- Sant Andreu: Sant Andreu Environmental Classroom X: mental classrooms in eight districts: provisionally located at Espai Via Barcino in Trinitat Vella, it educates locals on the resources and tools available to Gràcia: Bosc Turull Environmental Classroom X: muni- make everyday life more sustainable and environmen- cipal environmental education facility focussing on im- tally friendly. proving biodiversity, knowledge and protection of wood- land, in addition to extending the sustainability culture Sarrià: Vil·la Urània Civic Centre X and Vallvidrera Cívic throughout Gràcia. Centre  X: respectively focus on the connection bet- ween science and the environment and knowledge of Eixample: Sagrada Família Environmental Classroom X: Parc de Collserola. located at the neighbourhood’s green point and, in addi- tion to offering a quarterly programme of activities, it is Horta-Guinardó: Can Soler Nature Centre X: a new spa- an information point for waste management as well as ce at Can Soler dedicated to nature and sustainability providing a community compositing space for families in and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the the Sagrada Família neighbourhood. surrounding area. Les Corts: Les Corts Environmental Classroom  X: lo- Ciutat Vella: Ciutat Vella Environmental Classroom  X: cated in the Can Deu Civic Centre, it educates local re- located in La Fàbrica del Sol, its specific objective is to sidents on the resources and tools available to make spread the sustainability culture in Ciutat Vella. everyday life more sustainable and environmentally friendly Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 149 11.3 Measures implemented to spread the sustainability culture 11.3.1 The More Sustainable customers), responsible consumption (products sold and neighbourhood fabric. In addition, it is an interac- Barcelona network expands and own consumption), responsible procurement, and tive virtual map that allows people to add information so on. about each point, such as reports, photos and activities. “More Sustainable Commerce” X, new Over the past two years, 128 action plans have been Currently, 1,493 points of interest have been registe- programme in the More Sustainable drawn up and signed by 4,758 establishments. red on the More Sustainable Barcelona map. Most are Barcelona programme shops and services (90.4%; 1,350 points) and, of these, most are shops where products can be obtained in bulk After a number of years working with the various pro- 11.3.2 More information on the city’s (392). grammes embraced by the More Sustainable Barcelona programme, the need to create a specific programme sustainability for shops was identified. So, in February 2017, retailers City sustainability indicators associations and shops signed the Commitment and be- came part of the More Sustainable Barcelona network. More Sustainable Barcelona map Since 2002, the City Council has had a number of indi- cators X to measure progress from the perspective of Retail associations must draw up a sustainability action The More Sustainable Barcelona map X is a collaborati- sustainable development, as they have made it possible plan each year, including actions that encourage their ve tool that shows the main socio-environmental initiati- to synthetically and globally gather information on areas members to improve the sustainability of their busi- ves in the city: environmental facilities and installations, of activity and analyse performance. ness. Each association establishment can sign up to the flora and fauna refuges or trails, shops, accommodation, actions proposed in its association’s action plan and infrastructures and, in general, all initiatives that promo- Following the creation of the new, 2012-2022 Citizen propose its own actions. There are various spheres of te the green economy and contribute to improving the Commitment to Sustainability, clearly showed the need action: saving energy and water, waste prevention and urban environment, the building of a more equal and to update the series of indicators in line with new objec- management, sustainable mobility, (goods, workers and inclusive social structure and enriching the community tives and lines of action. These indicators deal with the Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 150 social, environmental and economic aspects of the More perspectives and alternatives, contribute to the solution Sustainable Barcelona programme in a comprehensive of the problems identified and transform this analysis manner and are intended to work with quality data, be and action process into an educational resource. easy to communicate and last. The “More Sustainable Schools” programme secretary’s office offers technical and educational training and advi- 11.3.3 Schools that transform the ce, support materials, dissemination tools and financial support. Each school year, teacher training sessions are city organised which around 800 teachers take part in. The mission of the “More Sustainable Schools” X pro- gramme is to help school teams promote the sustaina- “More Sustainable Schools” micro networks bility culture and incorporate sustainability criteria in all aspects of educational tasks: the physical environment, Micro networks  X are school networks that develop school management, the syllabus, daily life and the com- projects focused on the same theme at the same time. munity. The secretary of the programme oversees and monitors progress and, in some cases, offers specialist resources The More Sustainable Schools team assists teachers in and techniques. This enables experiences to be exchan- taking action, so they can reflect on what does not work ged and shared and data compared. Over the years, se- and take steps to improve it ,and put real transforma- ven micro networks have been set up: Seventeen schools participated in the 2017-2018 tion projects into practice that will become a learning school year, and nine created a noise map. and training process, a good experience that empowers Sssplau: students take measures to combat noise in di- students. fferent areas of their schools to create a noise map and perform actions to improve acoustic quality. waste prevention plan and offer individual monitoring. The schools that form part of the “More Sustainable Ten schools participated in the 2017-2018 school year. Schools” programme must develop a project each school “Tinguem cura del planeta”: project that invites young year, an action plan to improve education in terms of the people from around the world to reflect and take action “Ens ho mengem tot”: educational initiative to work on sustainability of schools and the surrounding areas, with to improve the planet. Nine Barcelona schools took part food waste with students and dining-room staff. Twenty- support from a specialist team. The most experienced in the 6th Catalan “Tinguem Cura del Planeta” Conference. six schools took part in it. schools have the option of presenting a project every three years. That way, students and teachers can analyse Waste prevention plan: the objective of this initiative is “More Sustainable Wrappers”: the objective of this initia- the conflicts in their immediate surroundings, consider to offer advice to schools interested in implementing a tive is to reduce the packaging used for packed lunches Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 151 based on a wrapper prevention plan. Fifty-six schools general public to give them knowledge and methods took part in it. Each year, around 196 schools and 11,000 students so they can enjoy gardening and horticulture at home, participate in 500 activities as part of the “How does and to contribute to creating a greener, more inhabita- “Compostem i aprenem”: in order to introduce compos- Barcelona work?” programme. ble and healthy city. ting into the daily routine of schools and families, the former are provided with a range of materials and ser- “Carrega’t d’energia” X: workshops that seek to provi- vices for composting. In all, 21 schools took part and 10 ble use of the space, understanding it, viewing it, enjo- de people with information and train them so we can compost bins and 5 vermicomposters were distributed. ying it and, if possible, taking actions to improve it. move towards a new energy model: to understand, control and reduce electricity consumption, impro- “Fem campanya per una mobilitat sostenible i segura”: ve efficiency in the home and the commercial sector this new micro network offers the possibility of learning 11.3.4 Efforts to bring sustainability and to promote the installation of power generating how to design a communication campaign, with the aim appliances. of raising awareness about the importance of safe mobi- closer to Barcelona’s residents lity in the areas surrounding schools. Nine centres parti- Cicle Claqueta i Acció X: films and documentaries are cipated in the first edition of this initiative. screened at the International Environmental Film Festi- Environmental education programmes val (FICMA) in civic centres and cultural centres, with a lively debate following each one. Programme resources The City Council promotes a series of environmental measures and educational activities to develop the sus- A series of resources X are offered to schools belon- tainability culture and help Barcelona’s citizens acquire “More Sustainable Neighbourhoods” ging to the network, for example, the option of acquiring new values, attitudes and change their behaviour. plants, compost and guard bed materials to comple- The “More Sustainable Neighbourhoods” project has ment actions in school allotments and gardens; the Punt “How does Barcelona work?” X: educational program- been launched, with a local sustainability culture pro- Verd Mòbil Escolar, a truck that visits schools to selecti- me that offers more than 50 activities, including visits, gramme for neighbourhood cultural centres and events. vely collect valuable and special waste; the “How does tours and workshops so that, by getting to know the The objective is to ensure residents are informed, aware Barcelona work?” programme, with more than fifty ac- city’s environmental management facilities, habits and and capable of acting individually and together in trans- tivities to learn about infrastructures, facilities, actions values are generated that will enable us to progress forming their neighbourhoods for a healthier and more and services and raise awareness about the challenges towards a more sustainable Barcelona. sustainable Barcelona. “More Sustainable Neighbou- facing the city’s functioning, and the “Apropa’t als parcs” rhoods” has a network of sustainability reference per- programme, that proposes re-conceiving parks as an “Sembra natura” X: La Fàbrica del Sol organises sus- sons in the districts and a network of city and district educational space, structured around making responsi- tainable gardening and horticulture workshops for the environmental facilities. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 152 Renovation of La Fàbrica del Sol After a year of renovation work, on 28 January 2018, La Fàbrica del Sol  X reopened with an open day of workshops, dramatised visits and environmental acti- vities to inaugurate a refurbished environmental facility that has become a benchmark demonstration building in the city. Its refurbishment involved integrating environmental measures and solutions, such as harnessing rainwa- ter, a vertical indoor garden, a geothermal heat pump, a pergola and a dividing wall with photovoltaic panels, as well as natural ventilation. The work has also served to reorganise the layout and install a permanent exhi- bition that explains how the building works in energy terms. Sustainability Week Thanks to these changes, it now has an “A” energy rating and the “Bicycle friendly building” label. Among other recognitions, it has also received the five leaves of the “Segell Verd”, a sustainable building certificate. World Environment Day, held on 5 June, is a United Na- tions event for raising awareness and calling on world action to protect the environment. All over Europe, the week prior to that is European Sustainable Development and activities that offered first-hand knowledge of how the sewerage system, and from different perspectives, Week. Barcelona is being transformed to become healthier and including gender and responsible consumption. more responsible city. Worth particular mention are the Barcelona joined in these two initiatives with Sustaina- urban biodiversity workshops, a popular landscaped The week came to an end with an event to celebrate bility Week X, from 30 May to 5 June 2018. For that, the area on Carrer de Girona, dramatised visits to La Fàbrica World Environment Day, organised by the More Sustai- City Council and the More Sustainable Barcelona Net- del Sol or the 12 walks to discover different aspects of nable Barcelona network, as part of which the environ- work organised a full week of workshops, visits, routes the city linked to sustainability, such as the seafront or mental state of the city was analysed and the ten best Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 153 practices developed by members of the network in 2017 This council replaces the Municipal Environment and Increase and improve the green areas of the city with were acknowledged. Sustainability Council set up in 1998 to promote Agenda citizen co-responsibility. 21 in Barcelona. Bring about a shift in the means of transport for more Citizen Science Office 2018 More Sustainable Barcelona sustainable mobility and improve air quality. Convention X As part of the Barcelona Science programme, the Citi- Protect the climate. Reduce energy consumption and zen Science Office X has been created to consolidate Since the creation of the Citizen Commitment to Sustai- GHG emissions. Prevent and manage the consequen- existing citizen science projects, support them in the nability and the More Sustainable Barcelona network, ces of climate change. socio-environmental challenges facing the city and crea- four conventions have been held, all designed to as- te a shared learning space for new initiatives. Some of sess the achievements and propose challenges for the Position sustainability as an important subject in the projects carried out were BioBlitzBcn, Beepath and future in a participatory manner. everyday life. Mosquito Alert. Having reached the halfway point of the Citizen Com- Roll out the “Zero Waste” strategy. mitment to Sustainability, on 25 January 2018, around 11.3.5 The network in action 300 people from more than 150 organisations in the Work towards a more responsible production and More Sustainable Barcelona network came together consumption model. to analyse its first five years and reflect on future cha- llenges. In order to assess the achievement of each of Citizen Sustainability Council the Commitment’s objectives, a summary of the main Let’s move into action! Networking groups strategic plans, programmes and projects was drawn Members of the Citizen Sustainability Council X repre- up for each objective and line of action. As a result of the More Sustainable Barcelona conven- sent the More Sustainable Barcelona network and con- tion, in 2018, three new working groups X were created tribute to spreading the sustainability culture throug- In the course of the day, six challenges were prioritised to address challenges discussed at the convention: gre- hout the city by promoting the Citizen Commitment to for 2022 and more than 1,000 specific action proposals enery and biodiversity, energy and climate change and Sustainability, its implementation and monitoring it. This were put forward for achieving them. The challenges zero waste. The aim of these working groups is to guide includes a very active standing committee and various are as follows: the actions of the More Sustainable Barcelona network working groups. by promoting and driving its activities and projects, and to have an impact on public policies. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 154 Challenge Lines of action Members Axes of the Greenery and Increase and improve the green areas • Re-greening the city 45 people from 38 organisations three working biodiversity of the city with citizen co-responsibility • Citizen involvement receive information groups • Change in the green culture created in the More Energy and climate Protect the climate. Reduce energy • Community energy management and Climate Change commission: 16 Sustainable change consumption and GHG emissions. shared self-consumption Energy commission: 15 Barcelona Prevent and manage the consequences • Climate refuges Convention in of climate change. 2018. “Zero Waste” Roll out the “zero waste” strategy • Waste prevention 55 people from 46 organisations • Drinking without plastic receive information At the request of its members, in 2018 the working group energy sovereignty or resilience in the city. Another At the same time, nine citizen initiative projects X were for the More Sustainable Barcelona Map was included in example is Fem Xarxing! X, an annual networking event defined and rolled out, and implemented over a two- the Citizen Sustainability Council. Thus, these three new held since 2014 where organisations share experiences, year period, with some very significant results in some groups also form part of the Council. create synergies and start shared projects. cases (green roof competition, pilot door-to-door refuse collection in Sarrià, etc). As a result of the lessons lear- Training, exchange and shared initiative The Climate Plan, a plan co-produced with ned in this process and to continue stimulating citizen promotion activities residents action, a call for citizen climate project subsidies X has been organised (see Section 1.3.4, “Extending the energy cul- The More Sustainable Barcelona Secretary’s Office The fight against climate change requires the maximum ture to involve citizens in the change”). offers advice and resources to all network organisations involvement of city residents. That is why the Climate and promotes different types of training, information Plan X has been coproduced with residents and mem- and experience exchange activities. bers of the More Sustainable Barcelona network be means of a participatory process. Various face-to-face In addition to day-to-day support work, some periodic sessions were organised and the Decidim platform was events are organised, for example, the More Sustainable launched, with around 100 actors participating and 112 Barcelona Lunches X, which are participatory sessions proposals submitted, of which 85% have been included at which three organisations in the network explain an in the plan’s lines of action. initiative on a specific theme, such as the transition to Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 155 11.4 Future goals and measures To continue the work started and become a more sustai- Consolidation of the network of knowledge and conservation (see Section 5.4.2, “Planning nable city by means of a project shared with city organi- environmental facilities instruments for recovering local use of the coast”). sations and residents, we must consolidate the current good lines of work and spare no effort in speeding up La Fàbrica del Sol needs to be consolidated as a referen- further advances. ce centre and a catalyst for the sustainability culture in Partnerships to reach all residents the city and the network of environmental classrooms in all the city’s districts needs to be completed. Reaching all residents entails more work by the Urban Strategic sustainability culture plan Ecology Manager’s Office but, above all, building part- In that regard, the recovery of Port Olímpic for public nerships in the area of culture and education and wor- With a view to consolidating the existing strong lines of use will provide an opportunity to expand the modest king with all local cultural facilities. action and speed up progress, a strategic sustainability Beach Centre and create a centre for Mediterranean culture plan is due to be drawn up to facilitate systema- tisation and prioritising action. Renewing the Commitment and strengthening the network In the coming years, it will be necessary to renew the Ci- tizen Commitment to Sustainability (2012-2022) and give a more prominent role More Sustainable Barcelona net- work members, as well as support resources, especially at schools and shops. The twentieth anniversary of the More Sustainable Schools programme will provide an opportunity for revising and relaunching the program- me. Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 Co-responsibility 156 © Barcelona City Council, March 2019 Technical management and coordination Teresa Franquesa, Toni Pujol and Irma Ventayol Strategy and Sustainability Culture Department. Urban Ecology Barcelona City Council Municipal staff involved in the 2018 Environment Report: Jaume Barnada, Helena Barracó, Mar Campanero, Roser Carvajal, Joan Marc Craviotto, Marta Cuixart, Margarita Fernández-Armesto, Ares Gabàs, Rosa López, Adriana Malé, Ariadna Miquel, Jana Miró, Margarita Parés, Jordi Remírez, Laura Reñaga, Marc Rico, Coloma Rull, Irma Soldevilla, Xavier Varela, Cristina Vila, Marta Vilar, Laura Zapata i Lorena Zurrón. Created by Ecoinstitut Layout Endoradisseny Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018 157 ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ecologiaurbana/en Barcelona, a city committed to the environment - Environment report 2018