Inaugurating the Sustainable Heritage Conference, the mayor of Toledo, Carlos Velázquez, emphasised the Historic Centre Energy Community as a pioneering initiative that demonstrates the feasibility of balancing heritage protection with renewable energy, enhancing residents' quality of life, and advancing environmental improvements.
The conference, titled “Sustainable Heritage: Innovation and Energy Transition in Historic Sites,” is organised by the Group of World Heritage Cities of Spain in collaboration with the Toledo City Council. It brings together representatives from various administrations, technicians, and experts to discuss how to reconcile heritage conservation with energy transition.
During his speech, Velázquez advocated for transforming historic centres into neighbourhoods that offer equal opportunities for their residents. He highlighted Toledo's efforts to balance the advantages and disadvantages of living in the Historic Centre. He cited the Historic Centre Energy Community as an example of how to integrate renewable energy use with heritage protection, contributing to a resurgence in resident population alongside other initiatives from the City Council. “We have embarked on a path that cannot be reversed,” he stated.
The mayor asserted that it is “possible” to harmonise measures that enhance citizens' lives in the 21st century with heritage conservation. He expressed hope that the conference would facilitate the sharing of experiences and insights beneficial to both World Heritage Cities and other historic towns across Spain.
María Ángeles Albert de Leo, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Culture, praised Toledo for its Historic Centre Energy Community, underscoring the importance of maintaining the outstanding universal value of World Heritage sites while ensuring they remain livable and accessible to residents. She advocated for a balance between urban development, conservation, and renewable energy.
Carmen Teresa Olmedo, Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Castilla-La Mancha, also stressed the need to move beyond the traditional conflict between conservation and modernisation. She supported efforts to enable residents of historic centres to benefit from renewable energy, highlighting its contributions to sustainability and cost savings.
