Sustainable construction: what it is, materials and examples in Spain

The trend towards sustainable construction has been positioning itself as a standard. Sooner rather than later, we will no longer talk about this kind of construction as something innovative — it will become part of the day-to-day of every building project in Spain and other parts of the world.

In the coming years, this approach will be a mandatory standard in construction, driven by European regulations such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2024).

This significant surge has arisen as a response to the need to make the construction sector much more environmentally friendlyand more efficient in its use of resources. Consider, for instance, that According to the European Commission, buildings currently account for 36% of CO₂ emissions and 40% of energy consumption across the EU.

Sustainable construction, also known as green construction or eco-construction, is an approach to building that seeks to minimise the environmental impactof buildings throughout their entire life cycle, from design through to operation, maintenance and/or demolition. To do so, the approach focuses on using key resources efficiently — energy, water and materials — and on reducing waste generationand greenhouse gas emissions.

This approach integrates principles such as energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, responsible water management, circular economy and bioclimatic design tailored to the local surroundings.

In this sense, sustainable construction practices include the use of ecological materials, the implementation of renewable energy systems (such as solar panels), and the optimisation of natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption.

In this type of construction for buildings and sustainable homes, the aim is to integrate the building with its natural surroundings and to foster a positive impact on the health and well-being of its occupants.

With all this in mind, it is worth highlighting that examples of sustainable construction not only benefit the environment but also make it possible to reduce costs in the long term and to improve quality of life for people.

The main goal of sustainable construction is to reduce environmental impact as much as possible and promote efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of a building. As mentioned, this involves the responsible use of natural resources, waste minimisation, the optimisation of energy efficiency and the encouragement of practices that improve the quality of life of occupants.

Sustainable construction is based on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) principles, evaluating impacts from material extraction through to demolition.

In this context, it is also important to know the stages in the life cycle of sustainable buildings:

1. Planning and design: at this stage, the project vision is defined, feasibility studies are carried out, architectural designs are drawn up and the building's requirements are set. Aspects such as location, orientation and the materials to be used are also considered.

2. Construction: during this phase, the physical construction of the building takes place according to the previously established plans and designs. Specific materials, technologies and techniques are used (such as the EIFS – Exterior Insulation Finish System insulation system), and construction practices are implemented in accordance with regulations and standards.

3. Operation and maintenance: once sustainable construction is completed, the building enters the operation and maintenance phase. During this stage, facilities are managed and maintained, repairs are carried out and the building's performance is optimised to ensure efficiency over time.

4. Renovation and refurbishment: over time, improvements, renovations or refurbishments may be carried out to adapt the building to new needs, updated building codes or sustainability standards. This stage seeks to extend the service life of the building and improve performance in terms of household energy consumption and buildings.

5. Dismantling and/or demolition: at the end of its useful life, the building may be dismantled or demolished. In this phase, materials are removed or recycled, and waste is properly managed to minimise environmental impact.

Examples of sustainable construction thus aim to create buildings that are respectful of the surroundings, socially responsible and economically viable. In this way, they contribute to environmental preservation, climate change mitigation and the promotion of healthier, more equitable communities through sustainable cities.

Sustainable construction is essential because it redefines the way we build to meet today's environmental, social and economic challenges. Its importance lies in the fact that it makes it possible to develop infrastructure that respects the planet's limits, reducing the negative impact of human activity and contributing to a more balanced development model. It also addresses the urgent need to mitigate climate change, optimise the use of natural resources and create healthier, more resilient environments for people.

Sustainable construction also contributes to European climate goals, known as Fit for 55 (Objetivo 55), and to compliance with the Spanish Energy Saving Basic Document CTE DB-HE, which requires nearly zero-energy buildings.

In the business sphere, sustainable construction has become a strategic pillar that delivers tangible benefits in both the short and long term. Its importance lies mainly in the following aspects:

Adopting sustainable construction practices — such as putting energy efficiency systems in place — helps to significantly reduce operating costs over the long term for companies.

Well-designed buildings from a sustainable point of view tend to be more efficient in their use of energy, which translates into lower utility bills. These buildings include techniques such as SATE/EIFS, advanced insulation, smart LED lighting and photovoltaic self-consumption.

Developing sustainable construction projects improves a company's reputation by demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Consumers and society at large increasingly value companies that adopt sustainable practices — something that typically influences the perception of the company positively not only with buyers, but also with investors, partners and other stakeholders in the sector.

Regulations related to sustainability and environmental impact are constantly evolving, both in Spain and the European Union as a whole. For example, sustainable construction in Spain is regulated by Law 38/1999 of 5 November on Building Regulation (LOE) and the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE-2024) and the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, revised in 2024.

In this regard, adopting sustainable construction practices makes it easier for companies to comply with current regulations and prepare for possible changes in legislation, avoiding fines and penalties.

Sustainable buildings tend to have a higher market value. The initial investment in sustainable technologies and materials translates into an increase in asset value over time, benefiting companies that own or manage these kinds of properties.

Sustainable construction has become an essential strategy for companies seeking to optimise resources, improve their competitiveness and move towards more responsible models.

This approach not only reduces environmental impact, but also generates economic, social and operational benefits that strengthen the organisation's position in the long term.

Bringing sustainable criteria into the design and management of buildings makes it possible to create more efficient spaces — healthier and more profitable. It also adds social benefits aligned with the WELL Building Standard, such as thermal and acoustic comfort or indoor air quality, among others.

Here is a summary of the main advantages of sustainable construction:

Sustainable construction minimises the ecological footprint through the responsible use of resources, waste reduction and the choice of low-impact materials. This helps companies meet their decarbonisation goals and contribute meaningfully to the protection of the environment.

Sustainable projects tend to incorporate more resistant materials and solutions tailored to extreme weather events. This extends the building's service life and reduces maintenance and repair costs, ensuring optimal performance for longer.

Sustainability encourages the adoption of advanced technologies — such as energy monitoring systems, automation or renewable energy. This not only improves the building's efficiency, but also positions the company as an innovator and a competitor within its sector.

More and more professionals look to work in companies committed to the environment and in healthy spaces. Sustainable buildings improve the workplace experience and become a key factor in attracting and retaining qualified talent.

Sustainable work environments — healthy ones — improve employee well-being and productivity. Natural lighting, indoor air quality and other sustainable features contribute to a more comfortable, appealing work environment. This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting benefits of sustainable buildings for people.

Many public bodies and financial institutions offer grants, subsidies or preferential terms for sustainable projects, which makes the initial investment easier and improves the overall profitability of the project.

Among the main features of a sustainable construction, the following stand out:

• Water management through rainwater collection systems, water conservation devices and technologies, and landscaping and green areas designed to minimise irrigation.

• Indoor air quality through adequate indoor ventilation and the use of non-toxic, low-health-impact materials.

• Bioclimatic design that maximises natural light and cross-ventilation, while taking the building's orientation into account to optimise the use of energy and sunlight.

• Waste management with practices to reduce, reuse and recycle construction waste, while implementing on-site waste classification systems.

• Sustainable certifications awarded to sustainable construction, such as the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and GBCe (Green Building Council España).

• Modular, flexible design that allows modifications and adaptations over time, through the use of modular components to make assembly, disassembly and reuse of structures easier.

• Sustainable transport by making access to public transport easier and by installing infrastructure that encourages the use of sustainable cars, such as electric vehicle charging stations.

• Smart technologies such as automation systems to optimise energy consumption and dedicated solutions for the efficient monitoring and management of resources.

• Sustainable materials that are ecological and recyclable and, preferably, sourced locally to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport. Sustainable materials are one of the most important features of sustainable construction, which is why we will explore this point in greater depth later on.

• Use of SATE, aerothermal and geothermal systems, solar panels and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (VMC).

• Greywater reuse systems and permeable pavements.

The most widely used sustainable construction materials and recommended are the following:

• Certified wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and certified by organisations such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

• Bamboo, a fast-growing renewable resource that can be used in place of wood in various applications.

• Recycled materials, such as steel and glass produced through recycling processes for waste, products and by-products, thereby reducing the demand for natural resources and the energy needed for production.

• Alternative cement, with a lower carbon content, such as Portland cement partly replaced with blast furnace slag or fly ash.

• Ecological insulation, through insulating materials such as sheep's wool, recycled cellulose, cork or soy foam, which are more sustainable options than conventional insulators.

• Local natural stone, to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport while making the most of a natural resource without generating pollutants associated with manufacturing processes.

• Sustainable flooring, such as terrazzo, which uses marble fragments or recycled glass, or certified wood floors.

• Ecological paints and coatings, free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) harmful to indoor air quality.

• Solar tiles, which integrate photovoltaic solar cells to generate renewable energy.

• Adobe building blocks, a traditional construction material made of raw earth, which is sustainable and low-cost.

• Other materials, such as cork, fired clay, recycled concrete, CLT engineered wood, expanded cork and compressed earth bricks (CEB).

Once the fundamentals are clear, it is time to go deeper into how to carry out sustainable construction in Spain:

1. Site assessment: the first step is to carry out a detailed analysis of the site, considering topography, solar orientation and existing vegetation to maximise the efficiency of the bioclimatic design.

2. Integrated design: throughout the process, collaboration between architects, engineers and consultants should be encouraged from the earliest stages to integrate sustainable solutions holistically.

3. Soil analysis and sustainable foundations: carry out soil studies to determine the suitability for practices such as shallow foundations or the incorporation of geothermal systems.

4. Modular construction technologies: it is advisable to explore the viability of modular construction technologies that support manufacturing efficiency and reuse.

5. Construction efficiency: efficient construction practices should be implemented to reduce material waste and the duration of construction.

6. Efficient water installations and systems: as mentioned in the features of sustainable construction, advanced plumbing and stormwater management systems must be incorporated to maximise water-use efficiency.

7. Renewable energy systems: one of the most relevant aspects is the use of sources such as solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.

8. Sensors and monitoring systems: install automation solutions to assess performance in real time and adjust environmental conditions as needed.

9. Implementation of smart technologies: use smart management systems for lighting (such as the lighting control systems for sustainable buildings), climate control (such as smart heating) and other operational aspects of the building, thereby optimising energy consumption.

10. Certifications and standards compliance: seek specific sustainable construction certifications and ensure compliance with local standards and codes in each Spanish province.

11. Planning of green spaces and landscaping: design sustainable green and landscaped areas that contribute to biodiversity and reduce the urban heat footprint.

12. Construction waste management: it is critical to establish on-site waste management practices to minimise the amount of waste and maximise recycling.

13. Adoption of innovative techniques such as green roofs, efficient stoves, passive systems and SATE.

14. Post-occupancy evaluation and continuous feedback: another key aspect is to carry out periodic evaluations after occupancy to obtain feedback from occupants and adjust systems as needed.

To achieve sustainable construction and energy efficiency, one of the most critical aspects to consider is lighting. It is not only about having architectural design that maximises the use of natural light; it is also necessary to implement a highly efficient electric lighting system.

This is achieved, first of all, by replacing incandescent lights with LED luminaires, a type of lighting for homes and buildings with very low energy consumption and a high lighting output.

According to IDAE data from 2024, today's LED luminaires deliver savings of 60–80% compared with traditional technologies.

In the case of the latest generation of Simon LED luminaires, they can be programmed to switch on and off automatically in line with configurable lighting schedules to suit the particular needs of the occupants.

Spain has positioned itself as one of the European countries most committed to sustainable architecture, driving projects that combine energy efficiency, technological innovation and respect for the surroundings.

In cities such as Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona or Seville we find buildings that not only meet strict environmental standards, but also serve as an international benchmark for responsible design. These projects show that it is possible to create functional, aesthetically appealing spaces that are at the same time respectful of the planet.

Below are some of the most outstanding examples of sustainable construction in Spain, along with an explanation of their main features and contributions.

1. Torre Iberdrola (Bilbao)

Torre Iberdrola is one of the country's most emblematic skyscrapers and a benchmark in sustainability. Certified under LEED CS 2.0, it stands out for integrating advanced solutions in energy efficiency and responsible resource management.

• It runs on 100% renewable energy from various sources.

• Approximately 20% of the materials used are recycled, reducing the building's environmental footprint.

• It incorporates electric taps and smart water control systems, enabling a more efficient use of the resource.

• It has extensive bicycle areas and charging points for electric vehicles, encouraging sustainable mobility.

• Its design favours the entry of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving indoor comfort.

• It includes BMS management systems and a high-performance façade.

2. Parque Empresarial Alvento (Madrid)

This business complex, made up of two towers, has been awarded the LEED Silver certification thanks to its efficient architecture and eco-friendly approach.

• It features advanced acoustic insulation, improving user comfort.

• It incorporates water-saving systems, such as efficient taps and rainwater harvesting.

• Its design favours natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

• It includes solar shading through architectural elements that lower thermal load and improve energy efficiency.

• The overall complex prioritises natural lighting and the use of sustainable materials.

3. Media-TIC Building (Barcelona)

Located in the 22@ district, this building is an icon of sustainable architecture and digital innovation.

• Its façade is made of ETFE membranes, a lightweight, recyclable material that regulates the entry of light and heat.

• It reduces energy consumption by up to 20% thanks to its bioclimatic design.

• It incorporates real-time monitoring systems to optimise the use of energy and climate control.

• A case study recognised by the World Green Building Council

4. Torre Sevilla (Seville)

This skyscraper, the tallest in Andalusia, has been designed with efficiency and sustainability criteria in mind.

• It uses low-consumption climate control systems and smart lighting control.

• Its orientation and cylindrical shape reduce direct solar exposure.

• It features large green areas and low-environmental-impact materials.

• Optimisation of thermal loads through CFD analysis.

5. Endesa Building (Madrid)

Endesa's headquarters is an example of sustainable refurbishment.

• Its design enables energy savings of more than 40% compared with a conventional building.

• It incorporates solar panels, natural ventilation systems and recycled materials.

• Its ventilated façade improves thermal insulation and reduces energy demand.

6. La Casa del Agua (A Coruña)

This municipal building stands out for its integral approach to sustainability.

• It draws on renewable energy, such as solar thermal and geothermal.

• It uses heat recovery systems and efficient water management.

• Its design prioritises natural lighting and thermal comfort.

As you have seen, any building project can be developed as an example of sustainable construction — from a single-family home to an office building or an industrial warehouse. This is because, today, there are eco-friendly solutions of all kinds for every need.

In the case of Simon, we specialise in providing lighting solutions for energy efficiency, and charging systems for electric vehicles for homes, businesses and industries.