Book published by the University of Zaragoza Press: New Approaches to Energy Renovation of Housing towards European Convergence

The University of Zaragoza Press has published the book New Approaches to Energy Renovation of Housing towards European Convergence: Social Housing in Zaragoza 1939–1979, coordinated by Belinda López-Mesa (University of Zaragoza).

The book is one of the main outcomes of the EcoREGEN research project (BIA2013-44001-R, Integrated Design Protocol for Social Housing Renovation and Urban Regeneration), funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness between 2013 and 2017.

Against the background of European objectives for improving the energy performance of the existing building stock, the publication explores how energy renovation can be addressed as part of a broader and more integrated process of housing and urban regeneration.

Taking social housing built in Zaragoza between 1939 and 1979 as its main field of study, the book combines the physical, constructive and energy assessment of the existing building stock with historical, urban, socioeconomic and management perspectives.

A central contribution of the research is the development of indicators for assessing the physical obsolescence of housing, intended to complement socioeconomic indicators in the definition of local renovation strategies. The book also proposes guidelines addressing the management and promotion of renovation, the historical and landscape values of existing residential areas, and the role of public space in strengthening social and symbolic capital.

The volume brings together contributions from researchers and professionals from the University of Zaragoza, Universitat Jaume I, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Zaragoza Vivienda and the Government of Aragón, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach required to address the renovation and regeneration of existing residential areas.

Published by the University of Zaragoza Press, the book provides a comprehensive account of the results of EcoREGEN and constitutes an early contribution to the development of integrated, locally informed approaches to the energy renovation and regeneration of the Spanish residential building stock.

The complete publication is freely available online. You can read and download it here: