Barcelona is undergoing a significant transformation as it faces rising temperatures and increasing instances of extreme weather events.

The International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), in conjunction with the Government of Catalonia and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), alongside the Barcelona City Council and various third-sector organizations, has launched the Climate Ready Barcelona initiative.

This project, set to debut in June, will feature an interactive map designed to identify the risk of energy poverty across the city.

During the initiative's presentation at the UPC's Campus Nord, Jordi Cipriano, director of the Unit of Innovation in Building, Energy and Environment at CIMNE, emphasized the map's importance for assisting local authorities.

Beginning in June, the tool will be accessible to all citizens, aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from heat waves and other extreme climatic events.

The climate vulnerability map assesses over 61,000 residential buildings in Barcelona using a model that integrates artificial intelligence and energy simulations.

This project allows for an evaluation of each building's vulnerability based on factors such as energy consumption and the socio-economic status of residents.

Outcomes from this research will support the City Council and other relevant bodies in making informed decisions geared toward adapting the city to climate change.

Strategic actions like building renovations, the establishment of additional climate shelters, and the identification of neighborhoods at risk of energy poverty can be enhanced through the findings of this map.

Previously, only predictions related to air quality and humidity had been made, but future studies are expected to broaden the indicators considered.

Another crucial element of the initiative is La Meva Energia, a mobile and desktop application designed to provide citizens with access to Energy Advisory Points (PAEs) operated by the Barcelona City Council.

This application will enable users to obtain personalized information concerning energy use in their buildings.

The initiative is anticipated to serve as a model for other cities.

Its continuation has already been set in motion with the CLIMRES program, a European project that will further develop urban strategies to tackle heat waves up to 2027. Through these efforts, the proponents of this tool assert that Barcelona is positioning itself as a leader in leveraging technology to combat the impacts of climate change and to ensure a more sustainable and livable future.