Green Building Council España (GBCe) has released the 2024 Country Report: AdaptAction for a Resilient Society, a strategic document calling for a profound transformation of Spain’s urban development and building model.
In response to climate change, health concerns, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, the report sets out a roadmap towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient built environment.
A Holistic Framework for Transforming the Built Environment
Decarbonisation
The report places decarbonisation at the heart of the construction sector. It calls for reducing carbon emissions across the entire building lifecycle, from material production to end of life. To support this transition, GBCe recommends integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) indicators into Spain’s Technical Building Code (CTE).
Health
The report also highlights the link between buildings and human health. It encourages the design of spaces with better indoor air quality, natural daylight, acoustic comfort, and access to green areas. In this context, non-toxic sustainable building materials help create healthier indoor environments.
Biodiversity
Another priority is reconnecting cities with nature. GBCe promotes nature-based solutions, green roofs, living walls, and ecological corridors. These strategies improve biodiversity while making cities more resilient to climate change.
Circular Economy
The report calls for a shift towards a circular construction model. It encourages the use of recyclable and reusable materials, together with building systems designed for easy disassembly. As a result, resources remain in use for longer and construction waste is reduced.
Integrated Renovation
The report strongly supports the renovation of existing buildings. The goal is to improve energy performance while also increasing accessibility, comfort, and social value. Sustainable building materials make these renovations more durable, lower in carbon, and ready for the future.
Resilient Society
Finally, the report envisions more inclusive and climate-resilient cities. It highlights the importance of affordable, sustainable housing, lower energy vulnerability, and greater public participation. Together, these actions will help build stronger and more resilient communities.
Key Recommendations
Highlights of the 2024 Country Report include:
- Mandating carbon emissions tracking across the full building lifecycle.
- Aligning Spain’s goals with the European Green Deal and the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.
- Establishing robust environmental data infrastructure for tracking materials and processes.
- Upskilling professionals in sustainability, health, and circular economy practices.
- Ensuring a just transition that leaves no one behind.
HONEXT®: A Model of Sustainable Building Materials for a Circular Future
Aligned with GBCe’s principles, HONEXT® exemplifies innovation in sustainable building materials.
Manufactured from sludge from paper manufacturing, HONEXT® boards are produced without toxic resins or harmful emissions.
The result is a non-toxic interior panel that is 100% recyclable, healthy for occupants, and acts as a carbon sink, contributing to the decarbonisation of buildings.
How HONEXT® Aligns with GBCe’s Vision for the Built Environment
HONEXT® has earned prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified® and C2C Certified® Material Health Certificate™ Gold Level, confirming both its low environmental impact and its safety for indoor environments.
As a circular, regenerative material, it is a leading example of how sustainable building materials can directly support the goals of the 2024 Country Report in decarbonisation, health, and circularity.
Such solutions demonstrate that a shift towards a regenerative and resilient built environment is not only possible but already underway—powered by innovation, industry leadership, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.