In this re-entry after the holidays (for most of us) we wanted to analyse the Support Programme for More Sustainable Buildings which is still in force until 31 October and which falls within the comprehensive Recovery and Resilience Programmewhich earmarks 610 million euros for the Energy Efficiency in Buildings component up to 2026. According to the Long-Term Strategy for the Renovation of Buildings (ELPRE, which we’ll talk about in a future article), “in order to implement the proposed packages of improvement measures that act on the energy efficiency of existing buildings, a total of 143 billion euros has been estimated, with the largest portion relating to the renovation of the residential building stock, worth 110 billion euros, compared to 33 billion for the non-residential building stock.” This is in line with the EU’s climate objectives, in which Portugal has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The outlook is promising for those looking to make their homes more efficient and environmentally friendly in Portugal. The Support Programme for More Sustainable Buildings 2023, launched in July this year, brings with it an allocation – for some generous, for others manifestly insufficient – of 30 million euros.
If you have already carried out or are planning work on your home, it is important to be aware of the interventions that can benefit from this substantial support. From the thermal comfort provided by windows to effective insulation, from efficient heating systems to the installation of photovoltaic systems to generate clean energy, the Programme offers the opportunity to receive financial support of up to 7,500 euros to improve your home in terms of energy efficiency.
The mission of the Support Programme for More Sustainable Buildings 2023 is to support projects of five different types:
Replacing inefficient windows: Low energy efficiency windows can be exchanged for A+ energy class windows with generous financing.
Thermal insulation: The application or replacement of thermal insulation in roofs, walls and floors is eligible for substantial support.
Sustainable Heating Systems: The installation of renewable energy heating and cooling systems and domestic hot water systems with energy class A+ or higher is encouraged.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy: The installation of photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy production equipment for self-consumption, with or without storage, is covered.
Water Efficiency: Interventions aimed at water efficiency, including the replacement of water-using devices with more efficient versions and the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, receive financial support.
Important Details to Consider
Approved interventions can receive a subsidy of up to 85 per cent. However, it is worth noting that interventions that do not use ecomaterials or recycled materials may have a reduction in support, limited to 65 per cent.
For those who live outside the districts of Lisbon and Porto and for homes that are part of an application to the Residential Condominium Support Programme, there is a 10% increase in the contribution rate, so we can say that the programme aims to decentralise this support and make it more attractive to those who live outside the country’s two major housing centres. As the text of the programme itself calls it: “geographical diversification”.
Interventions eligible for the programme must have been carried out from 1 May 2022 and before the application was submitted. Make sure you keep records of invoices, receipts and proof attesting to the dates of the works to ensure your eligibility.
Beneficiaries
Eligible individuals are homeowners who permanently reside in the house.
Eligible individuals are those who can prove that they are the holder of any right that entitles them to carry out the work on the properties mentioned in the programme, including their owners and co-owners or the head of the couple of an undivided inheritance or other heir as long as they are authorised by the respective holder of the inheritance, or usufructuaries and tenants.
Efficient Windows for a Comfortable Environment
If you’re planning to replace the windows in your home, make sure that the new ones have an energy class of A+ or higher. The maximum support limit can vary between 2,000 and 2,200 euros, depending on the circumstances and eligibility for the 10 per cent surcharge.
Furthermore, it is important to note that support will only be granted if the companies responsible for installing the windows are CLASS+ members or listed in the casA+ Portal’s directory of companies.
Efficient Thermal Insulation
When it comes to thermal insulation for roofs, walls and floors, there are several options available. Interventions on roofs and floors can receive financial support ranging from 4,000 to 4,400 euros. Wall interventions, on the other hand, can be supported with amounts between 4,750 and 5,225 euros.
It is important to note that if ecomaterials or recycled materials are not used, the Environmental Fund will only contribute up to 65 per cent of the total value of the work.
Sustainable Heating and Cooling
For improvements to the space heating and cooling system and sanitary water, you can choose to install heat pumps or solar thermal systems. Support amounts vary between 2,000 and 2,200 euros, depending on the choice.
In the case of the purchase of biomass boilers and stoves, the support limit is reduced to between 1,500 and 1,650 euros.
For projects involving the handling of fluorinated gases, the installation company must be certified by the Portuguese Environment Agency.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy and Other Renewable Sources
Energy production for self-consumption can be achieved by installing photovoltaic systems or other equipment from renewable energy sources. In this context, there are two options:
- Equipment without energy recovery systems, with funding of between 1,000 and 1,100 euros.
- Equipment with energy recovery systems, with funding of between 3,000 and 3,300 euros.
Make sure you consult technicians certified to carry out these interventions, accessible on the website of the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology.
Water Efficiency: Saving Water and Money
If you want to replace water-using devices with more efficient alternatives or install intelligent water consumption monitoring and control solutions, you should know that these interventions can receive financial support of between 500 and 550 euros.
In addition, the programme also finances the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, with support amounts ranging from 1,500 to 1,650 euros.
To ensure the eligibility of the application, it is essential that the company responsible for the work is registered on the casA+ Portal.
Assessing whether the Support Programme for More Sustainable Buildings 2023 is worthwhile depends on several factors, including your housing needs, the cost of the interventions you want to carry out and the potential long-term benefits.
Take the following factors into consideration.
Home Improvement Needs: Assess your home’s needs in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. If your home has insulation problems, old systems that consume a lot of energy or if you want to adopt renewable energy sources, the programme can be beneficial for improving the comfort and efficiency of your home.
Cost of interventions: Consider the cost of the interventions you intend to carry out. The programme offers substantial financial support, which can make otherwise expensive projects more accessible. Make sure you understand the funding limits for each type of intervention.
Return on Investment: Consider the long-term return on investment. Energy efficiency improvements can result in significant savings on energy bills over time. Calculate how long it would take to recoup the investment in energy efficiency through savings on utility bills, particularly energy and water.
Environmental Impact: Consider the positive environmental impact of interventions. By adopting more sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions, you are contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. This can be an important consideration for many.
Requirements and Eligibility: Make sure you meet the programme’s requirements and eligibility criteria. This includes using companies with the correct certifications and meeting the deadlines set by the programme.
Long-term sustainability: In addition to the immediate financial benefits, consider the long-term benefits for the environment and your quality of life. Sustainability is a growing concern, and making your home more energy efficient can increase the value of the property in the future.
In short, this program can be a valuable opportunity to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of your home. However, it is essential to carry out a thorough analysis of your needs, the costs involved and the expected benefits before making a decision.
Apply here.
WiseBuilding® is technically qualified to support any project that promotes the use of Building Automation and Control Systems. Contact us.
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