Search

The Portuguese First Republic (1910–1926) was marked by significant instability at the most diverse levels. With a special focus on the financial dimension of this period, the objective of this paper is to test the sustainability of the Portuguese fiscal policy, also referred to as the sustainability of public finances itself. The methodology involves testing the stationarity of public debt and budget balance and also the cointegration between state revenue and expenditure. The results obtained shows that the state's intertemporal budgetary constraint was violated during the First Republic regime, which denotes unsustainability. This conclusion is justified by the existence of a non-stationary budget balance and the absence of cointegration between state revenue and expenditure. These results are manifestly different from those that have already been obtained for other Portuguese regimes, namely for the Estado Novo (1933–1974) and democracy (1974–present), where sustainability existed. This paper is yet another demonstration of how important it is to maintain control of state's accounts. We hope that this paper can be useful to stimulate new research on Portuguese public finances and also on the important issue of fiscal policy sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are complex systems with a key role in economic development and in improving the environmental sustainability of nations. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of urban systems is fundamental to designing relevant policies and initiatives. Urban metabolism characterization may provide a holistic framework for analyzing urban systems in the context of the broader national metabolism. This paper provides a methodology to characterize the metabolism of an urban area, such as the Lisbon metropolitan area, taking as a source of data the socioeconomic metabolism of the country. The national metabolism is established by computing physical input-output tables. The downscaling to the urban level is accomplished with a variety of sector-specific parameters, from which an urban mass balance is established for a set of economic activities. The results obtained for the case study of Portugal and the city of Lisbon suggest that the share of services and the type of manufacturing industries in the economic structure of Lisbon, together with the higher resource productivity in the most representative economic sectors, are key aspects of the metabolism that contribute to Lisbon having higher overall resource productivity. The representation of the metabolism flows revealed key differences between the supply chains of Lisbon and the national flows, as well as a strong dependence of the Lisbon economy on material flows from other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a promising commodity, a renewable secondary energy source, and feedstock alike, to meet greenhouse gas emissions targets and promote economic decarbonization. A common goal pursued by many countries, the hydrogen economy receives a blending of public and private capital. After European Green Deal, state members created national policies focused on green hydrogen. This paper presents a study of energy transition considering green hydrogen production to identify Portugal's current state and prospects. The analysis uses energy generation data, hydrogen production aspects, CO 2 emissions indicators and based costs. A comprehensive simulation estimates the total production of green hydrogen related to the ratio of renewable generation in two different scenarios. Then a comparison between EGP goals and Portugal's transport and energy generation prospects is made. Portugal has an essential renewable energy matrix that supports green hydrogen production and allows for meeting European green hydrogen 2030–2050 goals. Results suggest that promoting the conversion of buses and trucks into H 2 -based fuel is better for CO 2 reduction. On the other hand, given energy security, thermoelectric plants fueled by H 2 are the best option. The aggressive scenario implies at least 5% more costs than the moderate scenario, considering economic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Portugal, the olive orchard is the most representative agricultural crop and one of the most impactful on the national economy. Therefore, a production structure accompanying the technological advances in this field would be expected; however, such a structure has not yet been realized, especially within traditional systems. Thus, taking northeastern Portugal as a case study, where a great expression of traditional orchards is visible, the following aspects are addressed within this paper: the region's biophysical framework, the olive orchard's environmental and socio-economic importance and its current management practices and associated pressures. As a result of that assessment, which demonstrates a low level of sustainability for traditional olive orchards, mainly in terms of economic viability, the most effective and simple solution is to act appropriately on factors that interfere with the crop yield, namely, irrigation and fertilization issues. With that purpose, a multiscale precision oliviculture system is also presented that is being developed in order to support decision making in traditional olive orchard management, aiming to obtain economically efficient productions based on eco-friendly cultural practices. Throughout the entire process, it is essential to ensure stakeholder engagement, in particular, olive growers, so that they recognize the effectiveness of potential measures that may avoid the reconversion/abandonment of the traditional olive production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cement industry continues to address its role in the climate crisis, Portugal's cement industry has started to calculate its net CO2 emissions to become an entirely carbon neutral sector. These emissions are calculated by simply subtracting the total CO2 uptake due to mortar and concrete carbonation from the total CO2 that is emitted during the calcination process (clinker production). However, the procedures given in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories to report GHG emissions do not contain any element that would grant this calculation method the status of an internationally recognized procedure. Therefore, some climate models are not accurate because they do not account for the carbon dioxide uptake due to concrete and mortar carbonation, as is evidenced in this paper. Climate models have improved since the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), but they can further improve by implementing carbon dioxide uptake by cement-based materials. In the present paper, a quick and easy method of evaluating net CO2 emissions is utilized (simplified method) along with an advanced method. Portuguese net CO2 emissions of the cement produced from 2005 to 2015 were calculated while taking carbon dioxide uptake during the service-life and end-of-life and secondary usage stages into account. Following the simplified method, 8.7 million tons of carbon dioxide were found to be uptake by mortars and concretes made with Portuguese cement over the ten-year period, in which 37.8 million tons were released due to the calcination process. In addition, an advanced method has been used to estimate the carbon dioxide uptake, which provided only slightly higher results than that of the simplified method (9.1 million tons). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational research has been highlighting the importance of defining key competencies and learning outcomes related to education for sustainability as a reference for the transparent evaluation of students' learning in this domain. Drawing on a reference framework that identifies five key competencies in sustainability (i.e., systems-thinking competency, anticipatory competency, normative competency, strategic competency, and interpersonal competency), the study reported in this paper aims to understand whether, how, and to what extent these competencies are present in doctoral theses in Higher Education published in Portugal in the past ten years. To address this objective, a qualitative study framed in an interpretative paradigm was conducted, and a literature review was used as a preferential research method to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge. The retrieved documents were treated using deductive content analysis, which was performed using WebQDA software. Results of the analysis show that the competencies considered in the reference framework are present in research on education for sustainability carried out in recent years in Portugal, with a greater emphasis on strategic and anticipatory competencies. Findings suggest that it is important to continue to conduct research on these competencies to successfully integrate them into educational curricula and teacher education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial performance of aquaculture firms in Portugal from 2013 to 2022, considering regional, age, and size dynamics. Using financial data from the ORBIS database, key performance indicators are calculated to assess the industry's economic sustainability, regional disparities, and firm-level effects. The analysis reveals insights into the resilience of aquaculture firms in navigating economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the importance of tailored policy interventions to support regional development and industry competitiveness. Age trends show the influence of industry experience on financial performance, with older firms demonstrating higher turnover and profitability. Size trends indicate the advantages of economies of scale for larger firms, while smaller firms exhibit agility and innovation. This study contributes to the understanding of aquaculture economics in Portugal, providing valuable implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and aquaculture firms. By considering regional, age, and size dynamics, stakeholders can develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the sector's long-term sustainability and resilience in an increasingly dynamic market environment. Recommendations are provided for policymakers to support regions with lower performance metrics, enhance infrastructure development, and promote workforce productivity to foster balanced economic growth across the aquaculture sector in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winemaking is one of the most relevant socio-economic activities in the world, particularly in countries such as Portugal, generating substantial amounts of by-products across its various phases. Managing these by-products presents significant environmental, ecological, and economic challenges. Vermicomposting, the use of earthworms to process and transform organic wastes into nutrient-rich end-products, provides a viable alternative for waste management within the wine sector. This bioprocess also produces vermicompost that enhances soil health and fosters optimal conditions for plant growth, thereby promoting resilient and sustainable viticulture practices. This review explores the various by-products produced by the vine and wine industry, highlighting the potential of vermicomposting. Remarkably, grape marc, the primary solid waste of the winemaking process, has been the most commonly vermicomposted material. In contrast, other vineyard and wine cellar by-products have been comparatively underutilized and understudied in this context. However, we hypothesize that all vine and wine industry by-products have vermicomposting potential, allowing for the production of fertilizers and soil amendments. This approach aligns with the principles of the circular economy, ensuring that all materials stemming from viticulture and wine production are valued and reused, thereby contributing to enhanced sustainability and the preservation of resources like soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas face multiple challenges. Among these are population decline and the attendant economic and social problems, namely demographic issues. Although the factors that draw immigrants to other countries are known, comprehending the factors that result in immigrants remaining in rural areas after their arrival could support informed local policies and practices. The purpose of the study is to explore the motivations that shape immigrants' intentions to stay in Alentejo, a depopulated region in Portugal. The research questions are as follows: What motivates immigrants to remain in depopulated regions in Portugal? Furthermore, what contributions can practitioners and immigrants make to local policies and practices? Practitioners (n = 8) and non-European Union immigrants (n = 15) living in this region were interviewed between 2020 and 2021. The empirical data were analyzed using the MaxQDA software. The results indicated that the intention to remain in rural areas arises from a progressive process: this is a process that immigrants experience that motivates them to stay there long-term. The factors influencing the process include four components described throughout this work: (1) Instrumental and material motivations; (2) Emotional and social motivations; (3) Motivations based on the quality of life; and (4) Motivations based on the political dimension. The conclusions highlight the implications for policies and practices, suggesting more investment into rural regions to reverse the depopulation trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multicentric and increasingly complex urban regions, a city centre reinvents itself. In the case of Porto, tourism was essential for its "Baixa" renaissance. A relevant increase in visitors meant also a dramatic increase in real estate prices and significant land-use change. In field interviews, retailers noticed a "new life" before COVID-19 arrived, remarking on the positive role of tourism on urban rehabilitation and the economic viability of companies, and the negative effects for residents and traditional shops, directed to the common resident. In this article, we present and discuss its main effects in this exceptional area in Portugal's second city. We also discuss tourism dependency and the challenge of sustainability in a high-density context, defending public policies oriented for a "city with tourists" that replaces the current construction of a "city of tourists". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most recent sustainability policies of each region of the world conjointly define that economic activities shall follow the principles of natural resource use minimisation, as well as eco-efficiency and circular economy promotion, in addition to the specific objectives defined in each policy. Most recently, a group of researchers has proposed innovative conceptual systems designated Water and Energy Integration Systems (WEIS) for issues related to water and energy use (two prominent categories of natural resources). These are based on engineering projects encompassing a multitude of processes and technologies. In this work, an assessment based on the determination of several sustainability and strategic-aims-related indicators is performed for two WEIS case studies set in the Portuguese process industry (in this case, a ceramic plant). Such an assessment serves as an expansion of previously performed studies on the economic and environmental viability associated with the installation of this type of system with the ultimate goal of proving the effective compliance of water- and energy-use-reduction-related results with sustainability and strategic aims (namely, the ones associated with the most recent policies and aspects associated with the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability). The results for the overall assessment proved that the conceptualised WEIS are robust in terms of eco-efficiency, circular economy potential, and strategic objective achievement potential (with a 6.46% and 4.00% improvement for the aggregated eco-efficiency indicator having been obtained for, respectively, case studies 1 and 2, a null water discharge for both case studies, and a level of 8.58% and 6.69% of recirculated heat over total energy consumption, respectively). The obtained results prove the sustainability promotion effectiveness of the WEIS as conceptual systems. The overall set of indicators defined in this work are part of a methodology that may be used and adapted for further studies considering the innovative WEIS approach, with the specific results obtained in this work presented with the aim of their being used for comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Future Museums Project Group was created under the Portuguese Ministry of Culture with the mission of proposing recommendations for a 10-year public policy for museums, palaces, and monuments, considering sustainability, accessibility, and innovation issues and their relevance in society. Against this background, museums were understood as agents of change with a role to play in achieving a more sustainable future, and culture as a fundamental pillar for democracy and sustainable development. This study discusses the findings of the project, focusing on three features that highlight the approach adopted to sustainability, which included collections management, participation, and mediation. Drawn from empirical research, a series of concrete recommendations, both for policy makers and museums, are discussed. The study concludes by arguing that cultural policies must place sustainability at the core of their strategy in order to function as a framework to drive and implement sustainable development practices in museums and heritage. Furthermore, within the scope of post-pandemic recovery plans, climate emergency, and the energy crisis, it is even more pressing that cultural policies provide support for museums and heritage and ensure that they have the conditions and resources to be able to move forward in a more integrated manner, thus contributing to a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global rise in issues related to the invasion of alien tree species is becoming increasingly prominent. Genus Acacia is one of the most pervasive invaders among the non-native flora introduced to Portugal over the centuries. This research aimed to pinpoint the key players engaged in its management, their expertise, and the methodologies applied to control acacias or decrease affected regions. Data were gathered via an online survey and subjected to diverse statistical analyses. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in recent decades, employing various methods to fight acacia invasion. Mechanical, chemical, and combined methods are the most frequently applied. The findings highlight the need for continued funding for long-term acacia control in the same invaded areas, increased training actions and best practices demonstration in the field and increased public awareness and engagement in local communities and the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portuguese forests have always played an essential role in the socioeconomic development of national rural areas, but also in several forest-based industrial sectors, such as the cork, pulp and paper, and wood panels industries. In addition to these dominant sectors, there are also several other uses for forest timber, such as being the major raw materials to the production of furniture or devoted to the growing biomass pellets production industry. This review article presents the evolution of the forest industrial sector throughout the recent past, and its impact on the development of the rural environment, from a socioeconomic perspective, namely concerning the jobs and value-added creation, as well as the importance of the forest in national industrial development. It shows the importance of sustainable forest management for the development of the rural environment, as an essential sector for the creation of wealth and for the establishment of populations in the interior regions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is currently one of the main sectors of profit for the worldwide economy. This study aims to explore ethics and sustainability in employer branding applied in the hotel industry, which is intended to correlate these very current and little-explored themes. This study aims to explore the investigation of these concepts that have grown, especially in the area of tourism and hospitality, as a way to better understand how the hotel sector can improve and develop strategic tools to achieve organisational success and capture the best talent. Methodologically, a Delphi method (three rounds) was performed through 26 participants recognised as experts of three major associations within the hotel industry in Portugal. As the main outcome, this research validated the Ethics and Sustainability in Hospitality Employer Branding Model, comprising three dimensions (HRM and EB Practices; Factors of business ethics and environmental sustainability; and Advantages of UH in implementing the EB strategy and RS communication) and underlying categories. Findings and practical implications to management are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the climate is undoubtedly one of the main threats to the sustainability of olive orchards, especially in the case of rainfed traditional production systems. Local warming, droughts, and extreme weather events are some of the climatological factors responsible for environmental thresholds in relation to crops being exceeded. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of microclimatic variability on the productivity of traditional olive orchards in a municipality located in northeastern Portugal. For this purpose, official data on climate, expressed through agro-bioclimatic indicators, and olive productivity for a 21-year historical period (2000–2020) were used to evaluate potential correlations. In addition, a comprehensive regression analysis involving the dataset and the following modeling scenarios was carried out to develop regression models and assess the resulting predictions: (a) Random Forest (RF) with selected features; (b) Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) with selected features; (c) OLS with correlation features; and (d) OLS with all features. For the a and b scenarios, features were selected applying the Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) technique. The best statistical performance was achieved considering nonlinearity among variables (a scenario, R2 = 0.95); however, it was not possible to derive any model given the underlying methodology to this scenario. In linear regression applications, the best fit between model predictions and the real olive productivity was obtained when all the analyzed agro-bioclimatic indicators were included in the regression (d scenario, R2 = 0.85). When selecting only the most relevant indicators using RFECV and correlation techniques, moderate correlations for the b and c regression scenarios were obtained (R2 of 0.54 and 0.49, respectively). Based on the research findings, especially the regression models, their adaptability to other olive territories with similar agronomic and environmental characteristics is suggested for crop management and regulatory purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) that address pertinent global issues. This study focuses on the need for access to clean and affordable energy consumption, responsible energy consumption, sustainable economic growth, and climate change mitigation. To this end, this paper evaluates the relevance of the renewable energy sector on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain for the period 1995–2015. As an econometric strategy, we adopt the use of panel data over the highlighted countries. In the first step, we apply the unit root test recommended by Levin, Lin, and Chu in conjunction with ADF-Fisher, and Phillips-Perron for robustness and consistency. We found that the variables used in this study are integrated I (1) in the first difference. In the second step, we apply the Pedroni cointegration test, and Kao Residual cointegration test, and we observe that the variables are cointegrated in the long run. The generalized least squares (GLS), the panel fully modified least squares (FMOLS), ordinary least squares robust (OLS), and panel quantile regression are considered in this research. The econometric results validate the assumption of the environmental Kuznets curve, i.e., and there is a positive correlation between income per capita and a negative effect of squared income per capita on carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, we observe that renewable energy reduces CO2 emissions. Finally, we also find a direct connection between the urban population and the environmental degradation in the examined blocs. These results show that in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain, more is required to achieve environmental sustainability in the respective countries growth trajectory. Further policy prescriptions are appended in the concluding section of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels, especially coal, contribute to carbon emissions, hindering the EU's decarbonization goal by 2050. This article proposes converting the Pego Coal Power Plant into a biomass plant as a potential solution. Biomass, a renewable resource abundant in Portugal, can transform the Pego plant into a sustainable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. It also reduces rural fire risks and ensures regional social and economic stability. The study explores the feasibility, limitations, and socioeconomic impacts of this scenario. This solution prevents plant closure, reduces environmental impacts, and promotes sustainability. Aligning with Portugal's 2030 Agenda and global climate change efforts, converting the Pego plant serves as a valuable example of renewable resource utilization for climate change mitigation and regional stability. The study's results offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing sustainable energy transition strategies. Adopting such solutions can help countries achieve decarbonization goals while promoting social and economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of fiscal and financial incentives for energy efficiency labels on eco-friendly houses (houses with high energy efficiency certificates, such as A+, A, B, and B−) in 18 municipalities in the Lisbon metropolitan region during the period 2014–2020. The empirical results indicate that the variables of fiscal incentive policies for energy efficiency labels, income per capita, credit agreements for the purchase or construction of a house, and the number of completed dwellings in new constructions for family housing encourage eco-friendly houses. In contrast, the variable number of completed reconstructions per 100 completed new constructions has a negative impact. Although this study is constrained by data limitations resulting from the short period under analysis and the moderate number of municipalities available, it advances the discussions around energy efficiency in residential properties in Portugal. Furthermore, it investigates the effectiveness of tax incentive policies for energy efficiency seals as an instrument for promoting ecological houses in the municipalities of the Lisbon metropolitan area. Thus, the need to study the Portuguese capital stands out as it is the most populous city in the country and concentrates a large part of the economic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper entails a reflection on sustainability and specific tourism contexts (i.e., ecotourism). It focusses mainly on local communities' determiners in the consumer's purchase decision process in ecotourism. This research aimed at understanding the determiners in the process of consumer decisions in ecotourism contexts, as well as verifying the growing importance of ecotourism. Methodology: A questionnaire was conducted (with ecotourism specific contexts), in Portugal. Portugal is a tourist destination that has gained notoriety and recognition in recent years. In total, 197 questionnaires were collected, aiming for a deeper understanding of the real social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts resulting from the uncontrolled development of tourism. This study aimed at testing the proposed conceptual model empirically (i.e., the relationship between destination image and post-purchase behaviour). Findings: Sustainability must be looked at as a vital need for society in general, as well as for the tourism sector. Ecotourism is the natural evolution of tourism employing care for the environment, culture and local traditions, while promoting environmental education. Research Limitations: The results obtained are limited, considering the availability of most accommodation units in the ecotourism segment in Portugal (e.g., hotels). As next steps, it is advisable that hotel units come to realise the pertinence of such research as they are the main beneficiaries of these initiatives, being then recommended that they collaborate with the process of completing surveys. Originality/Value: Managers and ecotourists can use the outcomes of this study to gain an in-depth understanding of customer experiences (i.e., sustainability experiences), to develop effective marketing strategies, and to create an operational environment that can maximise customers' perceived experiential values. Destination image plays a fundamental part in terms of experience and the tourist's own satisfaction, with a need to improve the degree of affectivity towards the hotel unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to evaluate the associations between the intellectual capital of technology-based incubators in the sustainability of incubated companies located in Portugal. For this purpose, the methodological strategy employed was the survey, and to test the hypotheses the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling PLS-SEM method was applied from a sample of 82 incubated company managers. The results show that the intellectual capital of the incubator company has a direct and positive relationship with the innovative capacity, satisfaction, and sustainability of the incubated company. In turn, the incubated company's innovative capacity has a direct and positive impact on sustainability itself. In addition, both the sustainability of the incubated company and its levels of satisfaction with the incubated company has a positive and direct impact on its competitive success. The management implications include the perception that the greater the effort to improve the human capital, structural capital, and relational capital of the incubated companies, the better will be the results achieved in supporting companies, helping start-ups develop sustainably and competitively in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the Eco-Schools program plays a key role in the application of the concepts of environmental education and management in the daily life of schools. This program is considered the largest environmental education program for schools of different levels in the world and continues to grow with the constant and ambitious mission to improve literacy and change environmental behaviors, particularly among the youngest who are now students, but will be the future decision-makers, politicians, managers, teachers, and parents. Thus, it is essential to involve this younger generation in the construction not only of a school, but also of a more sustainable community. This research study presents a set of reflections on the main guidelines of the Eco-Schools program, focusing on its methodology and areas of activity. It also analyzes the reality in Portugal, a country where the Eco-Schools program has been developed since 1996 by the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE), an association that works in the three components of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social), reinforcing the importance of educating and involving all the individuals of the community in joint actions for a more sustainable society. The case study consists of a Portuguese Higher Education Institution (HEI) awarded the Green Flag since the year it enrolled in the program, 2018/19. A description, analysis, and reflections are made on some of the main measures implemented in the last academic year within the scope of the Eco-Schools program, noting that, despite some implementation difficulties, the program was successfully developed, involving the participation of students, teachers, staff, and outside school community members, thus contributing to a more sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is an alternative energy source with high potential to contribute to the global energy mix and to countries' energetic independence. The case of Portugal is particularly relevant, given its biomass availability. Thus, the quantification of woody residual biomass is assumed to be urgent. To achieve the objective of quantifying residual woody biomass, various available data were used, namely the Land Cover and Soil Use Map (COS 2018), from which areas occupied by different categories were selected as being the most relevant. Then, based on coefficients previously established, the amounts of residual woody biomass were determined, namely for maritime pine forests, eucalyptus forests, scrubland, vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. Then, the potential for generating electricity was estimated. It was found that for the hypothetical scenario of the total conversion of the recently closed Pêgo coal power plant to biomass, the available amounts of residual woody biomass in the country would not be sufficient to ensure the operation. On the other hand, if the power plant only worked as a backup unit, the available quantities could ensure its operation and contribute to creating a value chain for residual woody biomass of forest and agricultural origin within a circular economy and sustainable development approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to assess the impact of energy certificate ratings (EPCs) on the value per m2 of Portuguese housing sales. Data from 289 Portuguese municipalities between 2014 and 2019, analysed with a fixed effects panel and method of moments quantile regression, were used. EPCs with high energy efficiency ratings (e.g., A+, A, B, and B-) are used as a proxy for dwellings with "green" or "environmentally friendly" certificates. On the other hand, ratings with a low energy efficiency (e.g., C, D, E, and F) are used as a proxy for dwellings with "non-green" or "not environmentally friendly" certificates. The results support that EPCs associated with green housing increase the value per m2 of housing sales, and those associated with non-green housing decrease the sales value. It was also found that municipal GDP, tax/financial incentive policies for energy efficiency, and the number of completed dwellings in new constructions for family housing will increase sales value. On the other hand, credit agreements and completed reconstructions reduce sales value. Lastly, the results and outgrowths of this study will support the policymakers and governments in developing consistent policies and initiatives that promote the "green" or "eco-friendly" dwellings in Portugal or in similar economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern and associated lifestyle that adopts mainly plant foods. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2013, a candidacy involving seven countries in the area, including Portugal, aiming to safeguard the MD in its multiple dimensions. The corresponding food system is recognized as healthy and sustainable by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and by the World Health Organization (WHO), inspiring dietary guidelines around the world. The current entry examines the sustainability and resilience of the Mediterranean dietary food pattern, using the Portuguese as a case study to examine the feasibility of prospective composite indicators in assessing the sustainability of diets and food systems. Information extracted from reports and official statistics was used to assess a set of proposed metrics. Although information to fulfil most metrics was found, some data gaps were identified, highlighting the need to improve existing metrics. The current work highlights the role of science and policy in transforming four key areas of human–nature interaction: use of natural resources, food systems, production and consumption, and cities' sustainability. Since sustainable production and consumption (SGD 12) is key to the UN's 2030 agenda, it is important to analyze to what extent the dissemination of the Mediterranean diet among the population can be a way to achieve this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is a current and transversal problem in all production areas, including agriculture. Within this economic activity, wine production generates a large amount of waste, namely, that resulting from the winemaking activity itself, such as pomace and grape stalks, and waste resulting from the management of the vineyards, with operations such as vine pruning. The management of vine pruning residuals has traditionally been conducted by burning leftovers on-site, without any use for the energy produced. This research analyzed the potential for the valorization of residual biomass resulting from vine pruning by creating a business model based on value chains of local scale. For this analysis, several samples of residues resulting from the "Loureiro" vine variety planted in Ponte de Lima (northern Portugal) were collected and characterized. The objective of the small-scale business model created, in addition, to solving the environmental problems related to the disposal of waste from agricultural activities, a value chain can be established, contributing to increasing the income of the farmers while introducing a circular bioeconomy and sustainable rural development practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of forest management towards achieving desired outcomes depends on various factors and can be improved through forest planning based on optimization approaches. Regardless of the owner type (state, private or common land) and/or governance model, the number of owners or management bodies considered in most studies is low, typically involving one owner/management body or a very small group. This study extends the approach of formulating a Forest Management Plan (FMP) to a large forest area, consisting of areas with different management bodies. The FMP model returns the harvest schedule that maximizes the volume of wood harvested during the planning horizon, while ensuring (1) sustainability and environmental constraints at the overall scale and (2) independent revenues for each management body. The FMP is tested in a real forested area, consisting of 22 common lands, governed by local communities for a planning period of 30 years. The results show that our approach is appropriate for several management bodies. When evaluating the impact of grouping areas (and their owner bodies) on the total volume removed, a comparison of the FMP model with an alternative model that allows for independent management (FMP-IND) showed significant differences, in terms of total volume removed at the end of the horizon. Global management leads to a reduction of about 8.6% in the total removed volume; however, it will ensure a heritage of well-diversified stands, in terms of age classes. The results highlight the importance of managing multi-stakeholder forest areas as a whole, instead of being managed independently, if the aim is to assure more sustainable management of forest resources in the mid and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy conservation is a popular topic in scientific research today, despite the specific effects of energy conservation awareness still being investigated. Significant research about this topic has been performed in different countries. However, the research conducted so far concerns methods of energy saving, a building's energy efficiency and new technologies; however, a significant part of society will live in technologically old buildings for a long time, which requires the involvement of consumers to save energy. To explain how energy-saving awareness plays a role in energy-saving behavior, this study will take city dwellers as a research facility and integrate relevant literature and disciplines, such as information and knowledge management, with the mechanistic study of how energy-saving awareness influences behavior that conserves energy and establishes a sensible behavior model. The survey was conducted in Poland, Portugal and Italy with over 18,000 people who declared that they are responsible for managing the household. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative research defining the percentage of behavior, the research group gave answers to the assessment of energy management, both assessing itself and the activities carried out in its own households on the Likert scale. The SERVPERF method was used for this. The results of the study clearly show that not only do economic factors affect energy saving, but also an informed society that cares about resource management. The research carried out presents the measures undertaken to save energy, and also identifies the level of knowledge and behavior that reflect pro-ecological trends and care for the sustainable development of the city, country and one's own household. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood pellets are a form of energy that can be seen as an alternative to fossil fuels, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In other words, wood pellets can be considered a solution contributing to the mitigation of climate change. The use of wood pellets has grown significantly in recent years, with different markets emerging, such as Portugal, both from production and consumption perspectives. The wood pellet industry in Portugal began its development about 15 years ago, with the companies installed in the country initially almost exclusively dedicated to the production of wood pellets for export to central and northern European markets. However, over the years, the domestic market, initially considered insignificant, began to develop; it recently reached a considerable consuming share of the national production. This study presents an analysis of the Portuguese wood pellet market using data collected on the sector, and specifically on producers and consumers. The information was gathered using surveys presented directly to consumers and producers and through interviews with other stakeholders in the sector. From the analysis of the information, it was possible to understand the market's dynamics, its current evolution and its prospects for the upcoming years, since it can already be considered mature and consolidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of dryland pasture quality is closely related to the seasonal and inter-annual variability characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. This variability introduces great unpredictability in the dynamic management of animal grazing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of two complementary tools (satellite images, Sentinel-2 and proximal optical sensor, OptRx) for the calculation of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), to monitor in a timely manner indicators of pasture quality (moisture content, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber). In two consecutive years (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) these tools were evaluated in six fields representative of dryland pastures in the Alentejo region, in Portugal. The results show a significant correlation between pasture quality degradation index (PQDI) and NDVI measured by remote sensing (R2 = 0.82) and measured by proximal optical sensor (R2 = 0.83). These technological tools can potentially make an important contribution to decision making and to the management of livestock production. The complementarity of these two approaches makes it possible to overcome the limitations of satellite images that result (i) from the interference of clouds (which occurs frequently throughout the pasture vegetative cycle) and (ii) from the interference of tree canopy, an important layer of the Montado ecosystem. This work opens perspectives to explore new solutions in the field of Precision Agriculture technologies based on spectral reflectance to respond to the challenges of economic and environmental sustainability of extensive livestock production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the properties of vernacular materials is crucial to heritage conservation and to develop innovative solutions. Reed, considered to be a carbon-neutral and a carbon dioxide sink material, has been used for centuries for diverse uses. Its high availability and properties made it a popular building material, including in Portuguese vernacular architecture. An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the physical performance, thermal performance, and durability of the reed found in Portugal since the characterisation of this material was not found in previous studies. The influence of geometric characteristics and the presence of nodes on these properties were also analysed, and the results showed that they are irrelevant. The studied reeds were found to have an adequate thermal performance to be used as thermal insulation. Their thermal resistance (1.8 m2·°C/W) and thermal conductivity (0.06 W/m·°C) are under the requirements defined by Portuguese regulations on thermal insulation materials. Overall, the physical characteristics (moisture content, density, and retraction) are compatible to its use in the construction. Concerning durability, there was only a trend for mould growth in particular environments. The results provide valuable data to be considered in the development of new construction products based on this natural and renewable material. Additionally, considering the studied samples, the reed found in Portugal has characteristics suitable for use as a building material, especially as a thermal insulation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We live in a world of limited biological resources and ecosystems, which are essential to feed people. Consequently, diversifying target species and considering full exploitation are essential for fishery sustainability. The present study focuses on the valorization of three low commercial value fish species (blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus; black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus; and piper gurnard, Trigla lyra) and of two unexploited species (comber, Serranus cabrilla and boarfish, Capros aper) through the development of marine-based food products with added value. A preliminary inquiry with 155 consumers from Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Center of Portugal) was conducted to assess fish consumption, the applicability of fish product innovation, and the importance of valorizing discarded fish. Five products (black seabream ceviche, smoked blue jack mackerel pâté, dehydrated piper gurnard, fried boarfish, and comber pastries) were developed and investigated for their sensory characteristics and consumer liking by hedonic tests to 90 consumers. The most important descriptors were identified for each product (texture, flavor, color, and appearance). Comber pastries had the highest purchase intention (88%), followed by black seabream ceviche (85%) and blue jack mackerel pâté (76%). Sensory evaluations showed a clear tendency of consumers to accept reformulated products, with the introduction of the low-value and unexploited species under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current linear economic system has led Europe to unsustainable development, aggravating several issues, such as climate change, limitation of resources, and pollution. As a sustainable alternative, circular economy (CE) has been promoted around the world. This economic system allows for the maximization of a product's life, thus decreasing its environmental impact and increasing its value. The main goal of this work is to scrutinise the concepts of CE over time, from the beginning of the concept, to its implementation in Europe and its application in Portugal. In addition, the requirement for strategies that led to studies on regional urban metabolism are addressed. Another goal is to examine Portugal and see how the country is dealing with the implementation of strategies for CE, moving from concept to practice. This part of the work resulted in the creation of the REMET-UA model, a tool to assess the regional economic metabolism, which also has the potential to evaluate synergies of materials in terms of fluxes between regions, maximizing the amount of information available at this scale for municipalities and enterprises to be used, having taken into account the purpose of circular economy. The results showed that REMET-UA is fully operational and corresponds to the goal for which the model was made. Future developments have been identified and are underway to improve the model and bring it as close to reality as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]