Plan for Public Housing

Under the Plan for Public Housing (Plan Vivienda de Protección Oficial 1998-2001) potential beneficiaries of “qualified” finance include pilot schemes to promote sustainable housing (i.e. housing compatible with both economic requirements and the need to preserve the environment) by applying building techniques that reduce the use of materials (primarily those whose use or manufacture causes pollution), give greater energy savings, and reduce water usage, including the design of homes that are suited to the bio-climatic conditions of the area in which they are located. Qualified financing is also available for refurbishment work meeting certain minimum requirements regarding installations for water, electricity and, where applicable, gas, HVAC, natural illumination and ventilation, thermal insulation, soundproofing, bathroom and kitchen installations and other general facilities. Additionally, the execution of work to enable energy savings to be realised in the home is also eligible for finance under the Plan for Public Housing.