Vertical Urban Model and Energy Efficiency

🌍 A model that can be replicated around the world

Benidorm is a pioneering example of sustainable urban planning.

Unlike other tourist destinations, which are characterised by uncontrolled growth and extensive land use, since 1956 Benidorm has opted for a compact and efficient vertical model, which allows a rational use of the territory and natural resources.

The General Urban Development Plan (1956) was revolutionary for its time, creating a planned city with wide streets, well-distributed avenues and a strategic orientation based on its beaches and privileged climate. This model has made Benidorm a benchmark in sustainable urban planning, energy efficiency and mobility.

🏙️ Less land consumption: Benidorm occupies only 38 square kilometres, of which more than 61% are protected areas. Thanks to its verticality, the urban footprint is minimal compared to other more sprawling tourist cities.

🚶‍♂️ More sustainable mobility: 70% of journeys are made on foot, reducing the need for cars and pollution.

💧Efficient water use: Urban density allows for more efficient management of the water cycle, with 95% efficiency in the water supply network.

💡Reduced energy consumption: The concentration of buildings allows for greater efficiency in electricity distribution, reducing expenditure on public lighting and air conditioning.

🌳More public and green spaces: Compact urban planning has facilitated the creation of parks, gardens and pedestrian areas, increasing the well-being of residents and visitors.

🚛 Optimisation of transport and rubbish collection: Thanks to its verticality, waste collection in Benidorm takes half the time of other cities with the same population.

🌬️ Air quality: Benidorm is one of the 7 Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants with the best air quality, according to the WHO.

This model has allowed Benidorm to become one of the cities with the lowest environmental impact per inhabitant in Europe.

🌱 Sustainability in Benidorm's urban planning

Vertical growth has not only been the key to optimising space, but has also facilitated the implementation of sustainable measures such as

🔋 100% renewable street lighting: since 2018, all the energy that powers municipal buildings and street lighting comes from renewable sources.

🏗️ More efficient buildings: New buildings with optimised energy certification, better thermal insulation and increased resource efficiency.

🚴‍♂️ Cycle paths and green mobility: More than 134 km of interconnected cycle paths promoting sustainable transport.