Background Modern and future urban planning needs to improve the sustainability of existing development models to avoid creating or exacerbating long-term social and environmental problems. It must take full account of social and environmental needs, including the impact on and relationship with climate change and loss of natural areas and biodiversity. Crucial to the success of future urban development will be the integration of new technical solutions and greater involvement of local populations. These issues are even more acute in the case of industrial areas, which have not typically received the same attention as urban areas, but have often emerged in ad-hoc and unplanned ways. Urban development of industrial areas requires a shift from case-by-case management to a more integrated framework covering environmental, social and economic aspects. Objectives The 'PLATAFORMA CENTRAL IBERUM' project aims to create the first industrial estate based on the principles of sustainable development in Europe. It plans to demonstrate a new approach to the development of industrial areas, integrating all the issues involved from a sustainable development perspective, including all environmental impacts. The project will focus specific attention on a number of key issues for delivering sustainability: Control of the whole water cycle, including through: collection and full re-use of rainwater; creating permeable structures to avoid land sealing; establishing canals and reservoirs to allow water to be collected for distribution, using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS); and the creation of storm ponds to maintain surface aquifers and provide local administrations with an assured water stock; An agro-gardening system that: (i) generates arable lands of autochthonous species; (ii) promotes the sowing of specific seeds to generate biodiversity; and (iii) promotes bio-spraying as an alternative to chemical products; Creation of woodland areas in the urban outskirts; and Energy saving and energy efficient installations, notably in lighting and transport: adding LED illumination; electric maintenance vehicles with necessary recharging points in the industrial area; cycle lanes; an electric bicycle system connecting the train station with the industrial area; and generation of electric energy from biomass in common areas. Expected results Full control of the water cycle, delivering: A demonstration of innovative Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS); Reduced demand for freshwater supplies and associated reductions in expenses and in energy consumption in purification and pumping; A reduced ‘hot island’ effect in the industrial area; and A reduction in flooding and run-offs typical of torrential rain in many industrial areas, with associated reduction in water contamination. Development of an agro-gardening scheme, delivering: The return of traditional agriculture techniques; The recovery of a potential vegetation area; An increase in the biodiversity and autochthonous species of the area; and Aesthetic and environmental/climate change benefits of more green space. Creation of woodland, delivering: Social benefits; A climate change mitigation contribution; and Biodiversity benefits. Energy efficient installations and increased use of renewable energy, delivering: A minimised carbon footprint from energy consumption, notably in transport and lighting.