Amro Salamanca has been awarded a BREEAM Outstanding certification, in addition to EPC A, Fitwel 3* and WiredScore Platinum, making it the first building of any kind in the historic Spanish city of Salamanca to achieve this sustainability standard.
The 170-bedroom PBSA housing project, located five minutes from Plaza Mayor within walking distance of both Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, received an overall score of 89.7%, despite multiple challenges posed by the location.
Planning constraints required the historical stone façade, which dates back to the early 1900s, to be maintained, whilst visible renewable systems such as PV panels were forbidden. Located on the site of a convent dating back to the Napoleonic era, archaeological works were required to ensure the safe excavation of historic artefacts.
Amro Partners continued the use of natural material on the façade, using local stone quarried from nearby Villamayor, and focused on creating a highly efficient new building envelope behind with smart controls for heating and lighting, large windows for maximum daylight with solar controls to reduce the need for cooling, and sensors to monitor air quality and comfort.
A Building Energy Management system automatically and continuously controls the performance of the Amro Salamanca building. Natural materials, including fully certified sustainable timber, have been prioritised in the internal finishes and furniture.
Amro Salamanca, which opened in autumn 2024, provides a mix of single and double ensuite rooms, studios and twodios alongside dedicated study spaces, a canteen, terraces, library, cinema and gaming area, and gym.
The property, which is on track to be fully stabilised by September 2025, is managed by Amro Estudiantes – Amro’s operating brand in Iberia – where it has an ESG-leading portfolio and pipeline of almost 5,000 student beds.
“This project presented multiple challenges from an ESG perspective due to the sensitivity of its historical location, so we are delighted to have proved it’s still possible to achieve the highest sustainability standards within strict planning constraints.
“I congratulate the entire Iberia team for setting a new benchmark in Salamanca, as we continue building Europe’s ESG-leading portfolio of living assets.”
Ami Kotecha, Co-Founder and Group President, Amro Partners
