Cathair Porto

Direct reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: either by transitioning to renewable or less polluting energy sources and by increasing the energy efficiency of consumption, such as the replacement of the municipal fleet by electric vehicles, of the greater supply of more accessible and zero emissions public transport, energy efficiency measures at the buildings level, among others.
Increasing the energy autonomy of the city: With the use of renewable energy, namely with the production of solar energy within the city borders, the city's resilience and autonomy is expected to increase in face of energy needs, both from the point of view of cost and availability, a transition that is considered essential in the face of the uncertainty of energy costs, and which translate into clear economic benefits, as well as from the point of view of reducing consumption and production costs. This could lead to significant benefits in reducing energy poverty in the city.
Improvement of air quality: through the reduction of GHG emissions and by the implementation of nature-based solutions (mainly trees and green cover, which contribute to air pollutants removal).
Increasing landscape quality and promoting biodiversity: The focus on green and blue infrastructures and nature-based solutions, such as the requalification of streams and water lines, the expansion of green spaces of public access and other forms of green infrastructure increases the quality of the city landscape and, simultaneously, benefits biodiversity and boosts services provided by ecosystems.
Increasing health and well-being: By reducing air pollutants (reducing emissions), increasing the availability of public space appropriate for the use of soft transportation modes, and expanding green and blue infrastructures, the health and well-being of the population can be incremented. Increasing the safety, pleasantness, functionality and availability of soft transportation modes, citizens will be more prone to use this option for (at least) short distance displacements, walking and biking more (daily physical activity).The availability of parks and water sheds significantly help fight the heat island effects during summer and heat waves (which will be more frequent), creating cooler buffers and, consequently, protecting the health of the population, particularly the most vulnerable. Simultaneously, parks appeal to physical activity and walking.
Economic benefits: either by saving energy and/or by local decentralized production of renewable energy, the citizens and organisations will be able to significantly reduce energy costs in the medium and long term, either by saving energy and/or by local decentralized production of renewable energy, the citizens and organisations will be able to significantly reduce energy costs in the medium and long-terms. New green jobs related with, for instance, with renewable energies and energy technologies will increase.
Given the benefits listed, Porto believes that the transition presents a valuable opportunities to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, ultimately benefiting the entire city and region. The empowerment of the community, enabling individuals to make informed energy decisions, will play a crucial role in this process. This shift will also promote a change in societal norms, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the region will become increasingly attractive for investment in innovative and sustainable projects, further driving economic growth and reinforcing these positive changes.