The sustainability criteria are set out in all aspects of the new contract awarded with a value of 10,6 million euros. Specifically, lime mortar and natural paints are to be used instead of Portland mortars and plastic-based paints. Timber is also to be reused, along with materials recovered from other works, such as stone from Montjuïc, wooden beams and hydraulic paving.

Conservation and maintenance work over the next four years has been divided into four different lots: Park Güell, buildings, the Monastery of Pedralbes and monuments. The latter will have the largest budget. This is because Barcelona has over 1,500 elements and sets of sculptures which require constant devotion to conserve them due to ageing, weather conditions, pollution, vandalism, the amount of water in ornamental fountains etc.

Which monuments, architectural sites and municipal buildings will benefit?

Monuments which are soon to be improved according to the established sustainability criteria include the Arc de Triomf, the monument to Columbus and the one to Rafael Casanova, plus the monument to the sardana dance in Montjuïc, which will get a complete revamp. The renovation of the sculpture of David and Goliath in the Vila Olímpica will also be completed in the coming days.

The budget set aside for municipally owned heritage-listed buildings envisages improvements to the City Hall in Plaça de Sant Jaume, the Palauet Albéniz, the Temple d’August, the city wall at the Pati Llimona community centre and the Torres Venecianes.

Finally, the new maintenance contract for historical monuments and heritage in the city also means improved labour conditions for workers and restoration staff in terms of wages, with minimum salaries set above those specified by the respective labour associations, and also for project heads, to boost the efficiency and quality of work carried out.