Innovation and decarbonisation hand in hand: Porto’s approach to a successful heat detox

Located where the Douro river meets the Atlantic Ocean, Porto charms millions of tourists every year and is considered to be one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe. But while tourism is booming, sustainability is following: Porto has committed to reach net-zero by 2050 and detoxifying heat is a key part of this effort.  

Building a carbon neutral future 

As one of the cities participating in the "Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities” mission, Porto is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The central goal of the "Asprela + Sustentável" (A more sustainable Asprela) project is precisely a carbon-neutral future, addressing topics such as renewable energy, buildings, sustainable mobility, and green infrastructure. Within this project, various decarbonisation measures are presented in Porto's Climate Contract and the forthcoming Municipal Climate Action Plan, currently under development. 

The main decarbonisation action involves the creation of Porto's first Renewable Energy Community, including the installation of 127 kWp of photovoltaic energy in the Agra do Amial social housing complex and Agra Primary School, enabling the supply of electricity through a self-consumption model. 

The "Asprela + Sustentável" project demonstrates the ambitious initiative of the Municipality of Porto to transform a vital and diverse area of the city—comprising social housing, a university hub, research centers, various service buildings, and numerous associations and organizations—into a benchmark for energy and environmental sustainability, proving that innovation and decarbonisation can go hand in hand. 

Delivering healthy heat 

Throughout the project's design, citizens were involved through on-site surveys to understand and assess thermal discomfort and energy poverty in the Agra do Amial social housing complex, informing the projection of the renewable energy community. 

Focusing on mitigating the impacts of climate change, the project identified addressing the needs of residents in the Agra do Amial social housing complex regarding energy vulnerability as a priority. This was assessed through on-site surveys, which informed the design of the Renewable Energy Community of Agra do Amial, targeting energy poverty situations. 

The community's implementation, involving photovoltaic panels in the housing complex and local school, benefited around 362 people, improving their access to electricity for heating, cooling, and operating household appliances, thereby promoting thermal comfort, combating energy poverty, and enhancing energy efficiency. 

Spreading the word 

The project's plans and progress were communicated through various channels. One key initiative was the creation of a website, serving as a gateway to learn about and monitor the project, showcasing its objectives, activities, and related news and events. The website also provided access to project indicators, resources, partners, and the Virtual Hub—a platform for urban project management, control, and monitoring. 

The dissemination of the "Asprela + Sustentável" concept, nationally and internationally, was another achievement facilitated by the website, updated monthly with new content. The information was organised into clear and concise sections, considering the diverse target audiences. 

Where Porto is in its heat strategy

Porto's Heat Detox:

Covenant Figures

• Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since 2008
• % GHG emissions reductions by 2030: 85%
• Mission City