The Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera transforms facilities and natural spaces into sustainable places

Sustainability is now a necessity and an essential part of the lives of people and companies seeking a better future. Caring for shared spaces is now an urgent need for our survival, and the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera is a prime example. Faced with the threat of climate change, action is the only option, and initiatives like those promoted by the Foundation demonstrate that transformation is possible.

The Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera's commitment to a just energy transition highlights a way of making and understanding progress based on respect for the land and its people. The transformation of the institution's facilities and natural spaces is an inspiring model, with sustainability as the only way to guarantee the well-being of all. The strategy combines renewable energy production, the preservation of natural heritage, social inclusion, and environmental education.

Món Sant Benet, a pioneering model in sustainability

Món Sant Benet, one of Catalonia's most emblematic sites, is today a clear example of the improvements implemented.

The Foundation has deployed a comprehensive sustainable energy generation model in the Factory and Hotel building, which produced 456 MWh of photovoltaic energy in 2024. Hydropower is another source of resources: Món Sant Benet produces 760 MWh annually. The power plant utilizes the infrastructure of a former textile colony, restoring the canal and dam on the Llobregat River. A pioneering project in 2020 made the dam permeable to promote river biodiversity and the life cycle of species, and has regenerated aquatic fauna.

In total, in 2024, 56.8% of the electricity consumed at Mont Sant Benet was generated from renewable and locally sourced energy, with the goal of exceeding 70% in the coming years, which would be equivalent to avoiding up to 360 tons of CO₂ annually.

Mont Sant Benet has been recognized with the 2024 Biosphere label, which certifies responsible and sustainable management, and the 2024 Barcelona Sustainable Tourism Awards, in the category of Preservation of the Natural and Heritage Environment.

Fish ramp and hydroelectric dam: nature and technology, all in one

In the Sant Benet meander, between the Llobregat River dam and right next to the riparian forest, an exceptional natural world thrives harmoniously. Locks often create discontinuities in the river's course that hinder the passage of fish, but at this point, a ramp has been installed to facilitate the movement of species. Catalan rivers have more than 1,100 ecological barriers, which is why the Foundation's project—through the LIFE MigratoEbre project (2014-2024)—is considered an essential contribution to restoring river connectivity and protecting migratory species. Sustainability is also social.

For Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, sustainability is also social and educational. At Món Sant Benet, they carry out job placement and training projects for vulnerable groups, with initiatives that promote organic farming in their gardens and gardening and environmental maintenance, involving people in processes of social and professional inclusion.