Council Acknowledges Thermal Deficiencies in Public Housing

Deputy Mayor for Housing Jordi Valls has formally acknowledged widespread air conditioning problems in public housing developments at Illa Glòries, Porta Trinitat, and Illa F in Torre Baró. Speaking at the Housing Commission on Tuesday 15 September, Valls apologised to residents affected by excessive indoor heat, confirming that energy audits have now been commissioned for the three sites. These developments use aerothermal systems for climate control, which Valls described as theoretically effective but difficult to calibrate and operate. He noted that user unfamiliarity with the technology can compound performance issues.

Citywide Audit and Action Plan Proposed

Valls disclosed that up to 13,000 public homes across Barcelona have documented thermal deficiencies, varying by age, insulation, and design. In response to a proposal from Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), the council has agreed to expand energy audits across the municipal housing stock, though Valls cautioned the full rollout would be "complicated" and likely carried out in phases. ERC councillor Eva Baró stressed that thermal comfort is now a public health priority, not a future policy goal. She cited cases in Illa Glòries where indoor temperatures reached 32°C and monthly energy bills ran between €120 and €150. Similar issues were reported in Sant Andreu and Torre Baró, where cooling problems have persisted since 2023.

We need to move forward with the audits because it will be an important issue for the future and because climate change exists,

, Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor for Housing

Ombudsman Previously Flagged Inadequate Response

The Sindicatura de Greuges (Ombudsman) had previously criticised the Municipal Institute of Housing and Renovation of Barcelona (IMHAB) for its insufficient handling of resident complaints. ERC’s proposal includes a binding timeline to fix deficiencies before next summer and mandates thermal comfort verification protocols for all public housing. Residents affected by overheating in IMHAB-managed properties can contact the Information and Attention Office of IMHAB for support and to report ongoing issues.

Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, habitatge.barcelona, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.