Residents Report Extreme Heat in Public Housing
Residents of the Illa Glòries public housing development in Barcelona have reported indoor temperatures exceeding 30°C during summer 2026, despite the installation of aerothermal air conditioning systems designed for energy efficiency. Similar issues have been reported at the Torre Baró municipal housing site, where tenants face persistent problems with climate control. At Illa Glòries, one of the city’s largest public housing projects, tenants say the aerothermal system has failed to provide basic thermal comfort. Vaskén, a resident of Block B, described the system as "malfunctioning and expensive". Gaetano, from Block A, said his apartment reached over 30°C even with the system running. Maria, a resident who moved in three months ago, reported that the elevator in her building has broken down more than 50 times. She and others in Block D were trapped indoors for three days in early September 2026 when the only elevator failed, affecting disabled tenants. Lighting in the stairwell also frequently fails.
ERC Calls for City-Wide Audit
In response, the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) Municipal Group is formally urging Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration to present an action plan at the next Ecology and Urban Planning Commission meeting. The proposal calls for a full audit of thermal performance in all public housing units ahead of summer 2027. ERC councillor Eva Baró stressed that public housing must be "exemplary" in architectural quality, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation. She acknowledged that while aerothermal technology is efficient, factors like building orientation, insulation, ventilation, and system sizing are critical to real comfort. The motion also demands mandatory testing of air conditioning systems in all new public housing developments before occupancy, to ensure both functionality and affordable operation.
Tenants Seek Help from Ombudsman
Tenants have criticised the management by IMHAB, Barcelona’s public housing agency, for inadequate responses and administrative silence. Maria said the support received so far "is not up to par with dignifying public housing in Barcelona". Some affected residents have contacted the Síndic de Greuges (Ombudsman of Catalonia), which has accepted their complaint and is awaiting a response from IMHAB. Barcelona recorded 35.5°C at Fabra Observatory in September 2026, part of a heatwave that has intensified pressure on the city to protect vulnerable residents. The European-funded ISMED-CLIM project, led by the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, highlights that the Mediterranean region is warming 20% faster than the global average, increasing public health risks.
The City Council is expected to respond to ERC’s request during the upcoming commission session. Tenants and advocates are urging immediate corrective measures, particularly before summer 2027, to prevent further suffering during heatwaves. Residents are advised to report ongoing technical failures to IMHAB’s official portal at imhab.barcelona and to contact the Síndic de Greuges via www.sindic.gencat.cat if unresolved.
Reported by barna.news, beteve.cat, bandc.crccheck.com, vhir.vallhebron.com, vallhebron.com, en.ara.cat.
