José Luís Castro, CEO of the Sotecnisol Group, took part in an interview on the future of Smart Cities, where he shared the Group's vision on the importance of energy efficiency, innovation and sustainability in building the cities of the future.
To José Luís Castro, “A Smart City is an urban ecosystem that intelligently integrates its physical infrastructure with innovative technology and solutions”, going beyond simple digitization. This perspective reinforces the idea that the future of cities depends on the interplay between construction, energy, and innovation, within an integrated and sustainability-oriented framework.
In this context, energy efficiency emerges as one of the central pillars. The official points out that “It’s not just about digitization, but about using intelligence to optimize resource management”, emphasizing the need to rethink how buildings, networks, and urban systems consume energy. This approach is particularly relevant in a context marked by climate change and growing pressure on natural resources.
Among the concrete solutions, energy storage plays a transformative role. “Storage batteries allow a building to store the solar energy generated during the day so it can be used at night.”, explains José Luís Castro, highlighting how these technologies promote self-consumption and reduce dependence on the power grid. At the same time, they contribute to the stability of the energy system, a critical factor at the urban level.
Building efficiency is another key factor. “Our insulation solutions and smart facades reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling,” he says, pointing to one of the main sources of energy consumption in cities. By improving thermal performance, these solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also increase user comfort.
From the citizen's perspective, the benefits are tangible in everyday life. “Smart, better-insulated buildings mean more stable temperatures and lower energy bills”, says the CEO, adding that home automation systems allow for more direct and personalized control of spaces. This technological integration results in a more efficient, comfortable urban experience that is tailored to individual needs.
Even so, the transition to smart city models faces significant challenges. “The biggest challenges may arise from delays in obtaining permits and the initial investment”, warns José Luís Castro, highlighting structural barriers that require a coordinated response between the public and private sectors. Despite this, the vision is clear: “The cities of the future will be decarbonized, circular, and resilient ecosystems”, where smart buildings, renewable energy, and electric mobility come together to redefine the urban environment.
Along with these changes, the importance of an integrated approach starting from the construction phase is also worth noting. As José Luís Castro points out, “This entire approach is grounded in material sustainability”, promoting the use of solutions and materials that strengthen the circular economy. Rather than simply making changes to what already exists, the goal is to ensure that the cities of the future are designed from the ground up with efficiency, durability, and environmental responsibility in mind, thereby ensuring a positive long-term impact.
Read the full interview here.
