The Alicante Provincial Council will conduct an asbestos census across 92 municipalities in the province with populations under 20,000. Backed by a €150,000 budget, the initiative aims to assist local councils in identifying and beginning the process of asbestos removal from affected buildings.
Comprehensive Studies
The inspections, carried out by the council’s technicians, will catalog public and private buildings containing asbestos. The study will feature detailed maps and data layers distinguishing building types (residential, industrial), construction years, and the level of risk posed by the asbestos. A phased removal schedule will also be proposed based on the findings, adhering to the UNE 171370-2 standard.
Deputy for the Environment Magdalena Martínez explained:
“Asbestos was banned over 20 years ago, but it remains present in many older structures. This program supports councils in safely managing and removing this hazardous material through precise protocols.”
Targeted Towns
Priority for the funding has been given to smaller municipalities, particularly those facing depopulation. Towns in El Comtat, L’Alcoià, Marina Alta, Alto Vinalopó, Medio Vinalopó, L’Alacantí, and Vega Baja regions are included, with notable mentions such as Tollos, Cocentaina, Orba, Sax, and Rojales among others.
Promoting Local Energy Communities
Additionally, the Provincial Council has approved grants ranging from €6,000 to €9,000 for 27 municipalities to draft studies for establishing local energy communities. This €300,000 initiative aims to encourage renewable energy use, enhance energy efficiency, develop sustainable mobility, and empower citizens in the energy transition
Beneficiary towns include Castell de Guadalest, Finestrat, Xaló, Onil, Rafal, and Sant Joan d’Alacant, among others. Martinez emphasized the dual benefits of economic savings and sustainability as key goals of this program.
