Atomizers in the taps

They are pieces that we install in the mouth of the tap (or, in the case of the reforms, we already demand to the companies that install taps with this system) and allows to save water without losing the pressure.

The water jet maintains more or less the same pressure, but introduces air causing the actual water that comes out to be reduced. If, for example, in 1 minute without this piece we spend 10l, now we spend 5.

This has as a direct consequence the reduction of water use at the global level of the entire Villa as an institution, but also a clear decrease in the price of water on your bill.

Change of windows

Vila Universitaria has a cyclical policy of housing and space reforms. Within the long and short term objectives are always projected and evaluated.

In the new phase of reforms we are making special emphasis on changing windows.

The apartments already have a heating mechanism designed to reduce spending. It is a heat accumulator, which can “fill” at night (in the reduced rate schedule) and use it throughout the day (the autonomy can last more or less depending on the power they serve).

Now, what we are working on is that the heat produced is kept as long as possible. For this, we are making the change of the windows of the apartments. Optimizing, thus, the use and reducing the global consumption of electricity in the Villa. Important aspect to take care of our planet, although we use electricity from renewable sources, thanks to the contract with Aura Energía.

Electricity from renewable sources

Many of the light companies continue to use energy sources from fossil fuels, but the marketers of light with renewable energy are the future. This is the case of the electric commercialization company with which we work, Aura Energía, which only offers electricity tariffs from 100% renewable sources.

It is a consumption based on clean energy sources, which produce a very low or no impact on the environment. They are found on the planet in an unlimited amount or with a great capacity for regeneration because they will not extinguish in time.

The main advantage is that they do not emit greenhouse gases, so they contribute to curb global warming.

In addition, they have beneficial social and economic factors for the societies that develop them: it favors innovation and technological development, reduces dependence on countries without reserves of fossil fuels (oil or gas) and stimulates the creation of jobs.

LED

We have changed the lighting (external and internal) of normal bulbs to LEDS (acronym in English for light-emitting diode): A TOTAL OF 2850 BULBS.

Energy savings
LED luminaires are more efficient consume less and produce the same or more light. As they require less power, they help your savings. They can make us save up to 80%.

More ecological
LED luminaires do not harm the environment because they do not contain toxic products. In addition, they help the planet because they consume less energy and are recyclable.

Longer duration
LEDs can have a life of up to 50 times more than incandescent lamps and 10 more than fluorescent lamps.

Light quality
LED technology offers a warmth and clarity of light better than in conventional. It makes them ideal for studying and especially for working with computers.

Greater diffusion of lighting.
LED bulbs emit little heat, so it enhances the emission of light. They light up more. This quality favors the planet, since it does not contribute to global warming.

They help health.
They do not emit ultraviolet or infrared rays. They do not damage the cells of the body nor are they carcinogenic.
Also, do not tire in sight, you can direct it to certain areas getting a balanced light and avoiding glare.

Waste separation

Vila Universitaria enjoys the privilege of being a residence where practically all nationalities coexist.
That is why we must transfer to other languages the way of recycling that we have here.

With this objective we have carried out two actions:

On the one hand, we have translated the posters of the containers of the entire Vila into Spanish and English. In addition, we have added pictograms. So the maximum possible people know what goes in each container.

On the other, you will find magnets in the refrigerators, where you can see what you have to throw in each of the sections and thus make a correct separation from home.

These are two of the actions carried out at the moment, but our intention is to continue adding elements that facilitate the task of separation of waste.

Measures against drought

Amidst the severe drought affecting Catalonia, Vila has been implementing differents measures to achieve effective water consumption savings, such as:

• Suspending sprinkler irrigation systems and instead opting for survival irrigation of trees or plants using more efficient methods.
• Restricting irrigation to the time frame of 20:00 to 08:00 hours.
• Foregoing exterior cleaning with water from the supply network.
• Encouraging shrub vegetation capable of withstanding high temperatures with minimal irrigation.
• Identifying and repairing potential leaks in the water network, prioritizing repairs for reported leaks.

These measures have saved up to date 9,000 m³ of water, approximately 72% of the irrigation water consumption in 2022. New proposals are being evaluated to further reduce consumption in 2024.

Additionally, awareness-raising efforts include digital communications, environmental awareness activities and a water-saving contest. These initiatives aim to increase awareness within the Vila community and reduce water consumption in residential areas.