“One of the technological mainstays of the project is the creation of a digital twin of the neighbourhood”
TECNALIA, in collaboration with Ermua Town Council and Mondragon Unibertsitatea, has developed an innovative methodology for integrated urban regeneration within the framework of the European drOp project, focusing on the Santa Ana neighbourhood
This methodology holistically addresses various key dimensions of urban transformation:
- Social innovation through co-creation processes with citizens.
- Improving the environment with the neighbourhood office as a driving force.
- Energy transition with the creation of a Local Energy Community (LEC).
- Promoting local economic development through new, community-focused business models.
Digital twin of the neighbourhood
One of the technological pillars of the project is the creation of a digital twin of the neighbourhood, an advanced tool that enables the simulation of various rehabilitation scenarios of the residential building stock, the application of passive and active energy efficiency measures, and the analysis of the photovoltaic potential of the roofs.
As a direct result of this analysis, Ermua Town Council has installed photovoltaic panels on the Eskolabarri council building. The energy generated is transferred to a Local Energy Community, which is made up of the school building itself, households and small businesses in the neighbourhood.
In addition, the renovation of the Aldapakua public building has been carried out, carried out by participants of the project's energy-efficient construction course. Likewise, two public spaces have been transformed into more functional and welcoming squares, through co-creation processes and designs voted for by the neighbourhood.
More efficient, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods
This initiative has made Santa Ana a more efficient, inclusive and connected environment, aligned with European sustainability standards. Moreover, the approach has been enriched by similar experiences such as those of Elva (Estonia), a digitally advanced city, and Matera (Italy), a benchmark for cultural industries.
The developed methodology aims to be replicated in other similar contexts at regional, national and even European level. With this initiative, TECNALIA and Ermua Town Council are moving towards a model of urban regeneration centred on people, sustainability and technology.