The impact of climate change on Catalan construction: adapt or pay the consequences

The summer of 2025 once again strained Mediterranean cities, especially large coastal cities such as Barcelona, ​​​​Tarragona, and the Costa Brava. This August's heat wave, one of the longest and most intense in recent decades, lasted more than eleven days and left temperatures as high as 43.8°C in municipalities such as Vinebre and Benissanet.

The daytime heat was stifling, as were the nights, which remained above 25°C along much of the coast, preventing quality rest, especially for people living in homes less prepared for the heat.

Climate change forces us to adapt, and in this context, anti-corrosion PVC closures - PVC windows - and energy renovation solutions become essential for home efficiency, especially when renovating older homes.

What happens when heat waves combine with fires?

According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, the August 2025 heat wave was notable for its persistence and the increase in temperatures recorded on the coast. However, even with values above 40°C in several municipalities, it could have been worse.

The agency estimates that the arrival of smoke from the fires in the west of the Peninsula reduced the solar irradiance by more than 30%, which halted the rise in temperatures at the critical moment of the episode.

Despite this "solar shield" generated by the smoke, the heat wave was so intense that it did not prevent ten meteorological stations from recording historic highs.

Under these conditions, poorly insulated homes act as heat traps, as high outside temperatures easily penetrate, while air conditioning increases electricity demand and, with it, greenhouse gas emissions. The cycle can only be broken with energy renovation measures.

What are the core elements of a building model designed for heat?

The future of construction in the Mediterranean lies in adaptive construction, that is, designing and renovating homes to prepare them for extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and sudden temperature fluctuations.

In renovation projects, this involves replacing facades with insulating and sustainable materials and incorporating blinds and mosquito nets that improve comfort and security.

Meanwhile, new construction is introducing other ideas that improve thermal comfort, such as cross-ventilation systems that reduce dependence on electrical appliances or the integration of renewable energy into buildings.

Closures: The Gateway to Heat

One of the most serious problems in older homes in Catalonia is the lack of thermal and acoustic insulation, especially in buildings built before the 1980s, which lack closures to prevent energy loss.

Therefore, efforts today are focused on replacing old wooden or aluminum frames with anti-corrosion PVC enclosures, as this material reduces heat transfer in summer and prevents heat loss in winter.

Thanks to advancements in the sector, the durability of enclosures with integrated double or triple glass makes them a profitable investment, as they require little maintenance and generate savings on electricity and gas bills.

European regulations and public aid

These types of renovations or measures in new construction improve the quality of life at home and are aligned with public policies supporting energy savings. For example, through the 2024 thermal social bonus, more than 30 million euros were allocated to vulnerable families, which served to cover energy costs and promote improvements in efficiency.

At the same time, Energy Saving Certificates (CAE) They formally recognize the reduction in consumption resulting from these reforms, which provides incentives for both individuals and businesses to invest in renovating their shutters.

Energy renovation is increasingly necessary in a context of more extreme weather events, such as those experienced during the recent heat wave.

An underutilized tool

However, the Catalan Energy Efficiency Cluster warns that these tools are still underutilized. For them to become drivers of real change, it is necessary to simplify procedures, promote the digitalization of processes, and, above all, make information accessible to citizens and SMEs.

For example, many people are still unaware that replacing old windows with PVC closures can be a certifiable and subsidizable action, and that they themselves could be candidates for aid.

The 'heat wave The August 2025 deadline is a wake-up call. It's not enough to get used to the heat, take multiple showers a day, or move to a cooler postcode during the summer; it's essential to invest in measures that protect health, reduce energy consumption, and prepare Catalan cities for the challenges of the Mediterranean climate of the future.

Energy renovation and efficient closures are gaining prominence as a necessary response to an increasingly warmer Mediterranean.