Spain to Host the EU’s First Net-Positive Energy Building: A Landmark for Sustainable Urban Innovation
This summer marks the start of a groundbreaking project in Seville, Spain, where the European Commission will construct its first net-positive energy building. The new facility will serve as the Seville site for the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and will fully embody the principles of the New European Bauhaus, an initiative focused on combining sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity.
What Is a Net-Positive Energy Building?
A net-positive energy building generates more energy than it consumes, producing surplus power that can be returned to the grid or used to offset carbon emissions. The new JRC building aims to achieve carbon neutrality by actively offsetting CO₂ from the atmosphere. This will be primarily accomplished through an extensive solar panel roof designed to capture Seville’s abundant sunlight.
Design Inspired by Tradition and Sustainability
The architectural concept takes inspiration from Seville’s traditional dome-shaped structures, offering a modern interpretation that respects local heritage. The solar panel-covered roof will provide shade over a central square, a garden, and the building itself, creating a comfortable and adaptable environment for staff and visitors. The design also focuses on flexibility to accommodate future needs and ensure long-term functionality.
Sustainability extends beyond energy production to include the use of locally sourced materials such as limestone, wood, and ceramics. This approach supports local industries and reduces environmental impact through shorter supply chains. Construction is expected to last around two years, after which the building will be the first EU institutional site of this scale to deliver net-positive energy.
A Symbol of the New European Bauhaus in Action
The New European Bauhaus initiative connects the European Green Deal with design, creativity, and culture to promote more sustainable and inclusive ways of living. The JRC building in Seville represents the Commission’s first visible example of these principles in practice, showing how architecture and innovation can combine to create both environmental and social value.
At the groundbreaking ceremony on 30 June 2025, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva highlighted the project’s significance. She praised the collaboration involved and described the building as a clear example of the New European Bauhaus in action, offering opportunities to transform society and improve Europeans’ way of living.
What This Means for Cities Across Europe
The Seville JRC building serves as a model for what urban development can achieve in the 21st century. Cities across Europe face urgent challenges related to climate change, energy use, and social inclusion. This project sets new standards and inspires local governments, developers, and communities to rethink how buildings can contribute positively to their surroundings.
By embracing net-positive energy and the New European Bauhaus’s holistic vision, this initiative encourages cities to blend sustainability with cultural identity and innovation.
The benefits extend beyond the building itself, impacting local economies, skills development, and public awareness. These elements are essential for progressing toward greener, smarter, and more inclusive urban environments.
