Malaga’s path to become a sustainable and eco-efficient city

Larger wooded areas, better resource management or the use of zero-emission vehicles is what will be seen in eCityMálaga in 2027. An Endesa project that aspires to redefine the current model of cities.

This first sustainable urban space will be created in the Málaga TechPark, the Andalusian technology park where companies that contribute to economic growth and employment coexist.

“It is an ambitious, pioneering purpose, which is going to be at the forefront of sustainability and energy efficiency,” says Rogelio Velasco, president of Málaga TechPark. The initiative aims advance climate and energy goals by more than two decades established by the United Nations for 2050.

The project, which will cover the energy, transport, building and water sectors, has been presented by the Minister of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities and President of Málaga TechPark, Rogelio Velasco; the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre; the general director of Málaga TechPark, Felipe Romera; and the general director of Endesa in Andalusia, Extremadura, Ceuta and Melilla, Rafael Sánchez.

In order to be able to execute it, a public-private partnership promoted by the Junta de Andalucía, the Málaga City Council, Málaga TechPark and Endesa. It is an open collaboration model, so public and private entities that operate in the technology park are encouraged to participate in the strategies set out.

Inclusive cities

According to the United Nations, cities represent “about 70% of global carbon emissions and more than 60% of the consumption of resources. “For this reason, it is essential to rethink the way in which goods and energy are used. In this regard, eCityMálaga wants to end the current paradigm based on extract, use and throw away.

Along these lines, Rafael Sánchez, general director of Endesa in Andalusia, Extremadura, Ceuta and Melilla, affirms that: “The planet is already giving us warning signs, we have to do something to stop this mass consumption model. “

And cities have a leading role. From Endesa they recall that, although they only occupy 2%, 60% of the world’s population live there, and two thirds of the planet’s energy is consumed. If the rate does not slow down, in 30 years it will take three planets like Earth to meet all these needs.

For this reason, this alliance will work on prioritize renewable energy, through self-consumption systems, solar-powered parking lots and smart electrical grids that enable local and shared use.

Likewise, solutions for the reduction, reuse and recycling of materials. And the presence of digital tools through collaborative platforms that promote people’s well-being will also be taken into account.

To improve mobility, it is intended to replace the current fleet of vehicles with zero emission vehicles before 2027. Likewise, it will be accompanied by a plan for priority access to car parks and charging infrastructures for this type of vehicle.

eCityMálaga wants to become an eco-efficient, sustainable, 100% renewable and digital city. So that will respond to the goals and challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Action Plan for Climate and Sustainable Energy and the Action Plan for the Circular Economy of the European Union, among others.

After past projects like SmartCity Malaga or SmartCity Living Lab, Endesa will invest 30 million euros in this new sustainable city in Malaga.

Although the challenges of this circular urban prototype are evident, it will represent a great opportunity for change in the creation of smart cities. Well, as Velasco indicates, “it is a sample of how one should promote a business development space as an example of sustainability exportable to cities in general “.

Malaga and its commitment to the SDGs

However, it is not the first time that Malaga shows interest in meeting the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. In 2018, it received -thanks to the project Correos Urban Mobile Sensors (CURMOS)- the Sustainable City Award in the air quality category awarded by the Environmental Forum Foundation.

This initiative consisted of air quality measurement and environmental mapping. Postmen from the Post Office had devices installed in their carts during their working hours that allowed them to collect reliable information on polluting factors in the city.

They are also committed to environmental education, and in 2003 the project was born Local environmental agents (ALAS) Its purpose is to create environmental awareness campaigns in educational centers. And thus convert the student body into local agents who take initiatives, learn and protect planet Earth.

Citizen participation is essential to achieve the achievement of the SDGs, and Malaga seems to be aware of this. Improving the sustainability and quality of life of the city, after all, depends on the people who inhabit it.

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