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A project rendition of Madrid Nuevo Norte, Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid

Madrid plans to build Europe's largest zero-emission neighbourhood

Madrid plans to build Europe's largest zero-emission neighbourhood

Madrid Nuevo Norte will reduce 100% of the emissions linked to the use of buildings and public lighting

Madrid is working on creating what has been claimed, when ready, to be Europe’s largest zero-emission urban development area – basically, an entire district called Madrid Nuevo Norte. Part of the district will be declared a Climate Action Demonstration Area (DEMO 360 Area).

Madrid has been selected as a member city of the European Mission for Smart and climate-neutral cities - the Climate Action Demonstration Area. This is one of the components of the new European Research and Innovation Framework Program 'Horizon Europe' for the period 2021-2027. 

Its main objective is to support, promote and show the transformation of one hundred European cities towards climate neutrality, encouraging them to become centres of experimentation and innovation for all the other cities.

Key elements of the climate-neutral district

The mega-development project is already underway, however, its completion horizon is set at 2045, during which time 2.65 million square metres of land will be transformed along the lines of sustainable planning.

The enclave will be configured as a new urban project, where all the measures that are applied can be adopted even before the area becomes inhabited.

The aim is to have only positive energy buildings, which means that the edifices will produce more energy than they will consume, forming in essence autonomous energy communities that can generate renewable resources.

The DEMO 360 Area will have 100% zero-emission public transport, with a priority bus with a segregated platform, exclusive bus lanes, zero-emission parking lots and transport stations less than five or ten minutes away. 

These new public transport infrastructures and the management of parking with low emission criteria make it possible to estimate that only 20% of trips with the district’s Business Center as a destination will be made by private vehicle. This represents a saving of more than 4,000 tons of CO2 compared to the current mobility strategy.

The project will also have an extensive publicly accessible charging network, 100% renewable energy, and a low-emission waste collection system. The entire environment will have naturalized spaces and buildings built with materials that reduce emissions. 

With the aim of promoting pedestrian mobility, the urbanization project will be designed with wide sidewalks, as well as pedestrian walkways with a maximum slope of 5%, wherever the terrain allows it.

For their part, those who prefer the bicycle as a means of transport will have a segregated bike lane and a necessary space will be reserved to park the two-wheelers near the bus, Metro and Cercanías train stops. 

The measures that are positive can be replicated in other areas of the city.

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