Portugal is above the European Union average in energy efficiency, according to recent Eurostat figures. In the last five years, around 30% of homes in the country have benefited from interventions aimed at increasing its energy efficiency, surpassing the European Union (EU) average of 25%. Even so, Portugal ranks 13th out of the 27 EU countries.
The report notes that the population at risk of social exclusion or poverty is less likely to live in homes that have undergone interventions to increase energy efficiency, compared to the group that does not face these risks.
In the segment of people most at risk of poverty and exclusion, Estonia, the Netherlands and Lithuania reported the highest investment rates in energy efficiency – 47.8 %, 45.1 % and 32.5 % respectively. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Cyprus (5%), Malta (6.7%) and Italy (6.9%).
Initiatives such as the Energy Saving Plan and the National Energy Poverty Observatory, as well as programmes such as ‘Vale Eficiência’ and ‘Edifícios Mais Sustentáveis’ have played a crucial role in promoting the energy rehabilitation of buildings and reducing energy consumption in the residential sector.
Although this result reflects the country’s commitment to sustainability and reducing energy consumption, there is still a long way to go to ensure widespread access to comfortable, energy-efficient housing. Continued investment in public policies is crucial to reducing inequalities and driving the transition to a more sustainable economy.
