Valparaíso is a major city, educational and cultural centre in the commune of Valparaíso, Chile. "The Jewel of the Pacific" was declared a world heritage site in 2003 based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. The city is build on 42 hills referred to as "cerros".

 

These cerros vary significantly in terms of security, infrastructure and quality of housing materials. The majority of houses have inefficient insulation and no stationary heating system hence leaving the inhabitants to use mobile electric or gas heating systems. The city is facing the challenge of balancing architectural uniqueness with environmental sustainability. 

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