Getafe’s innovative approach for addressing energy poverty and heatwaves

Getafe is a municipality in the Madrid metropolitan area, Spain, with a population of around 190 000. It has a Mediterranean climate, with average annual temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Due to the age and characteristics of its buildings, heat significantly impacts the population, as many structures lack proper insulation or cooling systems.

Getafe's comprehensive approach to tackle heatwaves and energy poverty

Getafe is addressing heatwaves through various measures to improve energy efficiency, urban planning, and social resilience. Extreme temperatures pose a significant challenge, especially for vulnerable populations. In response, the city has launched projects aimed at enhancing insulation, optimising energy use, and creating cooler environments. 

One of the key initiatives is EPIU Hogares Saludables, which has identified homes at risk of energy poverty and implemented targeted interventions to reduce overheating and improve indoor comfort.

Getafe has positioned itself as a benchmark municipality in the fight against energy poverty, thanks to the EPIU Healthy Homes project and the municipal drive for such actions in the territory. In line with this, and in the context of severe climate situations, the municipality has signed the Healthy Homes manifesto, aiming to continue working on actions to adapt the built environment, which are integrated into the municipal strategy. 

^{Pilot proposals for urban action in the neighbourhood of Margaritas and La Alhóndiga, to generate neighbourhood climate shelters, the learning and evaluation of which will be transferred to other areas of the municipality through the Strategy for the Rehabilitation and Regeneration of the Built Environment of Getafe. (Photo: Getafe City Council.)}

Getafe Rehabilita

The city’s main strategy for scaling these interventions is Getafe Rehabilita, an initiative that integrates the lessons and materials developed in EPIU through an urban-scale action catalogue. As one of the main action lines of the Getafe Urban Agenda, this strategy allows for the effective application of solutions at the building and neighbourhood levels.

Additionally, Getafe Rehabilita has identified priority neighbourhoods and areas, referred to as "conjuntos homogéneos", where rehabilitation needs are most pressing. Key actions include façade insulation, passive cooling techniques, and the integration of green infrastructure, aiming to reduce heat accumulation in urban spaces and enhance residents' thermal comfort. 

Getafe Rehabilita plays a crucial role in the city’s commitment to climate adaptation and sustainability, aligning with the goals of the Covenant of Mayors. By applying a structured approach based on EPIU’s lessons and an action catalogue, the strategy ensures effective and tailored interventions for each area. Through these efforts, Getafe is actively protecting its residents from extreme heat, while promoting sustainable and equitable urban development.

^{Photo: EMSV Getafe (Getafe City Council).}

Collaborative Efforts in Getafe

Getafe’s rehabilitation and energy efficiency projects involve a diverse range of stakeholders. In Getafe Rehabilita, institutions like the Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM) and universities such as UPM and URJC have contributed expertise, while neighbourhood associations and the Federation of Neighbuorhood Associations of Getafe have helped identify local needs. Additionally, business and professional entities, along with urban regeneration experts, have supported the initiative.

For EPIU Hogares Saludables, partnerships with local organisations, including Red Cross of Getafe, ensured targeted interventions for vulnerable households. Following the success of EPIU, Getafe maintains ongoing collaboration agreements with partners, enabling more agile and innovative responses to energy poverty. This collaboration strengthens the city's commitment to sustainable urban development and social equity.

^{Jane's walks and neighbourhood tours with municipal technicians through the neighbourhoods to identify solutions and needs of neighbours and associations. (Photo: Getafe City Council.)}

^{Collaboration with neighbourhood organisations in the development of tactical urban planning actions to involve citizens within the Strategy for the Rehabilitation and Regeneration of the Built Environment of Getafe: Getafe Rehabilita. Image: young people from Red Cross Getafe (Photo: EMSV - Getafe City Council)}

Main challenges in addressing heatwaves

• Energy efficiency improvements and urban regeneration to mitigate heat waves. 

• Building insulation and integrating green infrastructure for passive cooling.

• Healthy Homes Office offers personalised support, including energy efficiency kits for vulnerable families.

Lessons learned and next steps

• EPIU learnings are integrated into Getafe Rehabilita through a catalog of actions that address urban-scale interventions and energy efficiency in buildings.

• New cross-departmental working tables have been established to enhance collaboration and ensure a coordinated approach in the rehabilitation process.

• Ongoing partnerships with local entities, such as the Red Cross and neighborhood associations, continue to provide agile and innovative solutions for energy poverty and urban regeneration.

Replicability

The processes developed in Getafe Rehabilita and EPIU hold significant potential for replication in other cities and regions. 

By integrating lessons learned, such as the action catalogue, cross-departmental collaboration, and partnerships with local entities, Getafe has created a scalable model for urban regeneration and energy efficiency. 

Furthermore, Getafe actively participates in several knowledge transfer networks, such as URBACT ITN, enabling it to share its experiences and collaborate with other cities to adopt similar strategies for sustainable urban development and addressing energy poverty. This collaboration fosters the exchange of best practices and supports the widespread implementation of innovative solutions.

Getafe's Refresh

Maximum temperature reached during extreme heat events: 41ºC 

Solutions to address heat waves:

• Nature-based solutions
• Urban Design and Technology
  • 2 Urban interventions (public space)
  • 8 Building interventions (building scale)
  • 48 Home interventions (home scale)

Expected results with the solutions implemented:  

• Urban interventions: 1-2ºC reduced in public space areas
• Building interventions: -50% energy savings
• Home scale interventions: -20/25% energy bills

Covenant Figures 

Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since: 2014

Emission reduction ambitions:  

• % GHG emissions reductions by 2030:  40%  

City Awards

• Urbact Good Practice 2024 EPIU Getafe Healthy Homes

• Ennova Health Award. The Getafe Public Hospital and Primary Care received this award for monitoring the health of the elderly through mobile applications

• National Sports Award 2023, as the best public entity in the promotion of sport.

• City of innovation: since 2025 Getafe has been part of the Innpulso network.

Related links 

EPIU Getafe - Hogares Saludables: Proyecto contra la pobreza energética

EPIU Getafe Hogares Saludables, la administración del siglo XXI a través de la lucha contra la pobreza energética

Getafe instala dos refugios climáticos a través del proyecto europeo EPIU Hogares Saludables

EPIU - Energy Poverty Intelligence Unit | UIA

Getafe arranca la gira Rehabilitacción Ciudadana Local de la mano del CSCAE y CEAV

"Getafe Rehabilita" in Ciudad Sostenible Magazine (Issue 52)