LORCA
NatUR-W - Nature-based Urban Regeneration through Water: Integrating the water cycle in urban renaturalization
NatUR-W is regenerating Barrios Altos, a neighbourhood in Lorca’s historic centre, to combat energy poverty and the inefficient use of natural water resources in the face of climate change and rising temperatures.
The project’s new urban regeneration system uses self-sustaining nature-based solutions (NbS) that respect the natural water cycle in the area. Actions include improving energy efficiency of social housing and public buildings, and creating green areas that can act as bioclimatic shelters. In this way, NbS will help improve living conditions, providing Ecosystem Services (ES) and supporting the recovery of the historic city centre.
Our main challenges...
Barrios Altos has fallen into major disrepair. 60% of dwellings are reported to be in a dilapidated, bad or deficient state, with many households facing energy poverty. 50% of households say they are unable to keep their homes cool enough in summer.
The local semiarid climate means summers are very hot. The region is seeing an increase in temperatures and the frequency of extreme heat waves.
Rainfall in the area is usually torrential, falling mostly within a few days in spring or autumn, and water resources are limited. This makes it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy green spaces that can act as shelters.
and proposed solutions
Certain buildings are being fitted with a new system called GreenThermoWall, which uses biopolyurethane as a substrate for the plants. This substrate acts as an insulating material to keep indoor temperatures in the dwellings at comfortable levels.
Sustainability is central to this solution. Repurposing existing reservoirs to collect and store seasonal rainwater, the NbS integrate the area’s natural water cycle, increasing the city’s water supply, and improving irrigation and water management.
The NbS will be implemented according to an Urban Regeneration Plan, including a participatory plan based on citizens’ real needs. NbS bring a range of social and economic benefits – such as reduced maintenance and better durability.
Key figures
Milestones
A stakeholders board will be created to take part in all major management decisions
Improvements include new, insulating GreenThermoWalls and indoor bioclimatic measures
Improvements include new, insulating GreenThermoWalls and indoor bioclimatic measures
Open space and water basins rehabilitated to improve water management and create a new urban park
