Spain could now become the prime location for green-conscious property investors, as ex-US president Bill Clinton gave the country’s environmental agenda his full backing.

With home design, water management systems and public areas all coming under increasing green scrutiny, Mr Clinton said that the future was bright for Spain, which was reconciling high economic growth with greenhouse gas reductions and sustainable planning.

The former president’s comments came at Madrid’s Moncloa palace, where Mr Clinton agreed to advise Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on environmental matters, with Spain pledging support to Clinton’s Global Initiative in exchange.

Mr Clinton said: "Over the last few years Spain’s economy has grown by 3.8 per cent, because three million jobs have been created and because there has been a four per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

"The terms of the Millennium Development Targets are being fully met. The world’s most advanced countries are supposed to invest 0.7 per cent of GDP to developments projects, and Spain is doing it!"

The Spanish government has looked to put environmental matters in the spotlight, with Zaragoza-based exhibitions next year set to target water and sustainable development issues.

Hot climates like Spain’s are likely to face future challenges from global warming, with sustainable Spanish planning likely to equip existing and new housing with the necessary means for adapting to change.