
Spanish architect's approach to summer energy poverty, recognised as 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards finalist

Spanish architect's approach to summer energy poverty, recognised as 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards finalist
With over fifteen years’ experience, Carmen Sánchez‐Guevara seamlessly integrates scholarly expertise with hands-on project delivery. As director of the Master’s programme in Environment and Bioclimatic Architecture at the Technical University of Madrid, she has spearheaded innovative initiatives that elevate sustainable design while mitigating adverse health impacts from extreme temperatures.
Carmen Sánchez‐Guevara’s innovative resolve in tackling summer energy poverty has established her as a pivotal figure in Europe’s sustainable energy debate. By fostering effective interdisciplinary cooperation among public and private stakeholders, she significantly influences policy reform and implements pragmatic solutions to alleviate heat-induced vulnerabilities. She is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 in the 'Woman in Energy' category. The other finalists are Sophie Loots from Belgium and Stella Tsani from Greece.
Carmen Sánchez‐Guevara’s extensive work includes directing diverse projects that merge architectural excellence with thermodynamics and environmental health, such as the COOLTORISE initiative, which improved living conditions for over 8,000 people across five countries. Carmen’s contributions not only promote sustainable building practices but also offer practical solutions to mitigate heatwaves, fostering resilient communities and shaping future policies on energy efficiency in Europe.
Image: CINEA