GP Talks: Insights on Urban Sustainability with Veronica Colman (UN) & Alvaro Sorrondegui (GP)
Reading time:5 minutes.
Publication date: 12/23/2024
In the second episode of GP Talks, the video podcast by Gómez Platero Architecture and Urbanism, architect Verónica Colman—United Nations advisor and National Coordinator of Nature for Cities—and architect Álvaro Sorrondegui, Executive Project Director at the firm, shared insights on current architectural and urban planning practices. Together, they explored pathways toward creating resilient and sustainable cities.
The Global Challenge of Urban Growth
Although cities occupy just 2% of the Earth's surface, their impact is immense: they consume over 70% of the world’s energy and generate 80% of global GDP. This rapid urbanization raises a critical question: how can we achieve sustainable development that balances social, environmental, and economic dimensions?
For Colman, a sustainable city must ensure equitable access to housing, essential services, public spaces, and safe transportation, while minimizing its environmental footprint through clean energy, efficient waste management, and climate resilience. Sorrondegui emphasized that humanity is undergoing a global awakening, where sustainability concerns are beginning to translate into tangible actions—albeit at varying speeds across regions.
Both experts agreed on the pivotal role of public policies in driving change. Colman stressed the importance of integrating sectors like the environment, public works, and land-use planning to adopt a more holistic approach to urban development. Sorrondegui added that economic and regulatory incentives are essential tools to align private sector efforts with sustainability goals.
Sustainability in Architecture
Proactivity is emerging as a cornerstone of urban development capable of addressing future challenges. Sorrondegui highlighted how, in collaboration with Pasiva, the firm developed an internal tool to design projects from the outset with sustainability in mind. This innovation not only reduces costs but also establishes a strong foundation to simplify the certification process for standards like LEED or Passive House.
As demand grows for "environmental amenities" and "resilient buildings" in the real estate market, these certifications are evolving. They now assess not only a building’s efficiency as a standalone entity but also its interaction with and impact on its surrounding environment.
Building a Sustainable Future
A key topic of discussion was the transformation of existing structures. As Sorrondegui noted, "The most efficient and sustainable building is the one that’s already built." However, the conversation also underscored the importance of designing new buildings with flexibility to adapt to constant change.
The episode concluded with a reflection on the need to reimagine and transform existing urban spaces. As Colman pointed out, the challenge isn’t just how cities expand, but how to reconvert what already exists to make it more equitable, resilient, and in harmony with nature.
From urban planning to architecture, every action matters in shaping a future where cities become true spaces of well-being for both people and the planet.
Learn more about the video podcast here.
