Source: Freepik Author: Redaction EDP Comercial announced on Monday 8 April that it will be reducing its electricity and natural gas bills from June onwards. As a result, monthly electricity bills may fall by 7 per cent, while natural gas bills are expected to fall by 14 per cent , due to the impact of falling prices on the free market, which has improved conditions . The price of electricity will fall by 10 per cent , according to EDP, while natural gas will fall by up to 20 per cent, creating an impact on the final price that is much more limited by the component of network access tariffs . Last week, Galp also announced a drop in electricity and natural gas prices on average. This drop started at the beginning of the month, with prices falling by an average of 28 per cent for electricity and 19 per cent for natural gas, with the justification, like EDP, being that the wholesale electricity and natural gas markets currently have low prices. Follow other similar topics: Natural gas social tariff: 3.1% discount to be maintained
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The wholesale electricity market has been suffering a decrease in its prices, relieving electricity traders who buy it directly from producers. This relief may mean that the year is lower prices compared to the last decade, although there are warnings from the sector about possible obstacles to the viability of renewable projects. In this sense, there is a need to balance the market , for which solutions such as batteries arise, a restructuring of the market or the attraction of large consumers. Pedro Amaral Jorge, president of APREN - Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, points out: the way the Iberian market works, whenever renewables can supply [the needs of] an hour, the price [of the hour] is zero, which happened even at the beginning of April, with a few hours close to marking negative values. On the producers side, it is a problem that we will have to solve (...) nobody can sell at zero something that costs money, points out the leader of APREN, stressing that this is a situation unsustainable from a financial point of view , because according to current price projections, as indicated by Pedro Amaral Jorge, no investor will want to invest . Thus, to allow the contracting of renewables, it will be necessary to design a system that compensates renewable plants and prevents prices from falling to zero. Related: Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Tax and Customs Authority will now include appliances, machines and other equipment designed to capture and utilise energy in the reduced VAT rate of 6%. This change includes not only the purchase of this type of equipment, but also its installation, repair and maintenance. By reducing the tax, an incentive is created for Portuguese families who dont yet have this type of appliance in their homes, facilitating access through a less significant investment. In the circular published by the Tax and Customs Authority, the reduced VAT rate covers the acquisition, supply and installation, maintenance and repair of appliances , machinery and other equipment intended exclusively or mainly for the capture and utilisation of solar, wind and geothermal energy and other alternative forms of energy. This includes, for example, solar, thermal or photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and heat pumps , which also include reversible air conditioners. On the subject of sustainability, we recommend New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal and Energy certificates: how they work and their importance
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction This Tuesday, at a meeting of the Coimbra City Councils Executive, the proposal to create a renewable community through the concession of the roofs of various social housing estates in the municipality for the installation of 1,500 photovoltaic panels will be discussed. This installation is expected to save 47 per cent on energy costs. It will therefore be proposed that the roofs of buildings in the Ingote, Misericórdia, Fonte da Talha and Parque Nómada neighbourhoods, as well as those of the Algar and Pedrulha municipal buildings, be concessioned, benefiting 370 families. According to the proposal, the concession for the roofs will be for a period of 20 years , in order to guarantee immediate savings for the residents of the neighbourhoods covered, as well as for the consumers who will be part of the renewable energy community (CER), since it benefits anyone who lives within a two-kilometre radius of the installed panels. With this measure, families can save up to around 30,000 euros a year, municipal buildings 10,500 euros a year and the rest of the CER members up to 9,500 euros. Read more: New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , How to maximise natural resources in construction
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In previous articles, weve already listed the steps you need to take to start the process of selling a house . If you havent read the previous article, go to First step in selling a house: what to do? and find out exactly what awaits you. SUPERCASA Notícias guides you on this journey, explaining step by step everything you need to know about each of the processes - in this case, the strategies you should adopt to increase the value of your property. What should you do to increase the value of your property? This is one of the first things you need to do before going ahead with publicising your property. At this stage, it is essential that you take a critical view of the property you are selling in order to understand exactly which points can be improved and which ones you should use as strong selling points. Look at your property, see what needs to be improved and get to work! Were not talking about very complex works or those that require a large investment, but rather small improvements that will make all the difference when it comes to publicising your property . If you have an ageing, poorly maintained property that needs work, the less value buyers will want to give for it, so if you want a good return on the sale, you need to take these needs into account. No matter how beautiful or comfortable you think your home is, an investor may not look at it in the same way, so its essential to put yourself in the role of the buyer and carry out as many interventions as possible to increase the fair sale value . 1. Ask for help Before embarking on the valuation process, if you dont know exactly where to start, our advice - which will serve you for every step along the way - is to enlist the help of a specialised professional. This is the most effective way to achieve the best results. An experienced property professional will be able to tell you exactly which points are most or least valued by a buyer. So find a real estate agent or agency, arrange a visit to the property with them and ask for advice. As these professionals have their own tools, such as platforms that can generate Comparative Market Analyses , they will be the right people to tell you exactly what you need to do to add value to your home. 2. Improve the propertys energy quality One of the points most appreciated by buyers is the energy efficiency of a property. We live in a time when environmental concerns are growing and greater care is being taken with materials and equipment. If your house isnt brand new, its advisable to upgrade it from an energy point of view, as this will add value and will be a better selling point. Whats more, because the energy certificate is a mandatory document when selling a property, youll have a better chance of a successful sale if you present a document with good energy data, which will pass with flying colours in the assessment of the experts who will be inspecting the efficiency of the house. Here are some examples of how you can improve the energy quality of the house youre selling: - Install energy-efficient windows: this may seem like a large investment, but it will pay off after the sale, as it is one of the interventions that most increases the value of a property; - Install photovoltaic panels: nowadays, through electricity companies, it is possible to contract the installation of this equipment in an accessible and economical way, which also increases the value of the property. 3. Deep clean If its a property you dont live in, its extremely important that you clean it before you start the publicising process. You dont want photos where the house looks unkempt, dark or untidy, as this will affect the quality of the advert for sale and generate less interest. The same applies if its a house you normally live in. Clean and organise it so that it looks bright, tidy and free of many objects - especially personal belongings. So before you present your house to the world by putting it on the market, make sure it looks good and appealing, especially just before the estate agent visits, who might take the opportunity to take photos of it. 4. Painting, renovations and repairs The aim here is not to completely renovate the house or invest in major alterations, because when youre buying a house youll already have some money set aside for work of this calibre. However, minor painting, repairs and interventions do have an influence on the buying process. So if your property has any defects or imperfections that need looking after, its important to take care of them before you advertise your home online . Fix, for example, that dripping tap, the floor thats lifting, or paint the most stained walls. Beautify the house as much as you can, not leaving out the outdoor spaces - if you have a garden, mow the lawn, look after the plants, clear the path and prepare the space for visitors. And dont forget: the front of the property will be the first contact a potential buyer has with your home, so its crucial that you make a good impression! If you follow these tips, youll be one step closer to a quick, easy and carefree process! Prepare the property for sale and, with the help of your property consultant, turn it into an unmissable investment. And once youve completed this phase, youll move on to the next: putting the property on the market. Stay tuned for the next few articles to find out exactly what you need to do!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (EPBD), revised and approved by the European Parliament, sets out a series of progressive measures aimed at transforming the construction sector into a key component of the transition to a low-carbon economy. In this regard, the European Parliament’s decision to support the imposition of ambitious targets for carbon neutrality in buildings reflects a renewed commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as combating climate change. The new legislation requires all new buildings to be carbon neutral from 2030, with a more immediate cutoff date for buildings occupied by public authorities established in 2028. In addition, EPBD sets primary energy reduction targets for residential and non-residential buildings by 2030 and 2035 respectively, encouraging the adoption of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures. The phasing out of gas and diesel boilers and the ban on subsidies for these technologies from 2025 mark a significant shift in EU energy policy, driving the transition to more sustainable heating and cooling systems. However, the Directive also recognises the importance of preserving the architectural and historical heritage, allowing certain buildings to be excluded from energy efficiency requirements, provided that it is justified on the basis of specific criteria. Although some proposals, such as the mandatory improvement of buildings with low energy rating, have been removed from the final legislation, it is expected that the StatesEU members develop comprehensive national plans to boost energy efficiency and promote the adoption of renewable technologies in their construction sectors. The EU’s commitment to the decarbonisation of real estate reflects not only a concern for environmental sustainability, but also a long-term vision for a more resilient and prosperous economy. Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Whether youre buying or selling, the energy certificate is one of the documents youll always have to take into account if youre thinking of selling a property. Its intrinsically linked to the propertys energy performance and is a fundamental document in any transaction. The presentation of this certificate is, in fact, mandatory by law , so today, in this SUPERCASA Notícias article, we explain exactly everything you need to know, how the Energy Certification Systems (SCE) work, when you should present the necessary documents, the types of assessment and their advantages , as well as what can happen if you default. What are the legal obligations for property owners and real estate agents? As stipulated by Decree-Law 118/2013 of 20 August, all owners of a property are obliged to comply with the specific obligations of indicating the energy rating, and they are also responsible for indicating the propertys rating and respective documentation to real estate agents. They are also responsible for providing a copy, or the original, of the Energy Certificate in situations where they enter into - a promissory contract for the purchase and sale of the property; - rental agreement. Failure to fulfil these obligations is subject to monetary fines. On the part of estate agents and consultants, they must include information about the energy class of the property in their sales or rental adverts in order to avoid considerable fines and poor quality adverts. What is the Energy Certification System for Buildings (SCE)? This is an instrument with European Union legislative guidelines, implemented in Portugal, which plays a fundamental role in enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable energy in buildings. It establishes a link between the energy efficiency policies defined by European regulations, market agents and buyers/owners. Thus, included in the SCE is the Energy Certificate, a document that, as its name explains, assesses the energy efficiency of the building, certifying it with a rating that can vary between A+, A, B, B-, C, D, E and F , from the highest to the lowest efficiency rating. How does Energy Certification work? Eligible in buildings or autonomous fractions under the SCE, energy certificates are required by law in all buildings, new or old, whenever they are put up for sale or on the rental market , but also in buildings that are undergoing rehabilitation or interventions, and whose value is greater than 25 per cent. According to ADENE - Agência para a Energia (Energy Agency) and its SCE Guide , any building that is a covered construction with walls and floors intended for human use must be covered by an energy certification, whether it is composed of one or several bodies, as is the case, for example, in schools, hospitals, tourist resorts, among others . In the energy certification document for a property, you will find: - an assessment of the propertys energy efficiency, on a scale from very inefficient (F) to very efficient (A+); - information on the propertys characteristics, such as insulation, types of ventilation, air conditioning and domestic hot water production, and their effect on energy consumption; - improvement measures that suggest ways to lower energy consumption and improve the comfort and health of the residents/inhabitants of the property; - indication of tax benefits and types of financing available, when available. The great advantage of this document is the immediate value it gives to the property , as you will have an analysis of the type of consumption, advantages and disadvantages of the property, indications of improvements and structural characteristics, which will make all the difference when selling or buying the house. But there are others. Advantages of the Energy Certificate As we said above, this is a document that will greatly enhance the value of your home, but its not the only advantage: - Through the certificate, you get to know the property much better , both structurally and in terms of the energy consumption it will have; - you know how you can reduce your energy consumption and expenditure in a permanent and efficient way; - knows exactly what the direct implications are for comfort and health , if any; - indicates personalised improvements according to energy performance, in order to reduce consumption; - you have access to financial and tax benefits, which well explain below. Financial and tax benefits of the Energy Certificate A house with a higher energy rating will be more competitive on the market than one with a lower rating . However, it is also an asset in financial and fiscal terms, allowing you to access better rates when implementing the improvement measures indicated in the document. The tax benefits with the most impact on your wallet will be a refund of the IMT (Municipal Property Transfer Tax) if you rehabilitate your home, for which you can get more information from your local council or town hall, but also a reduction in the municipal IMI (Municipal Property Tax) rate, which you can also find out about from your local council. Another of the great financial advantages of an energy certificate is the exemption from municipal taxes when an urban building undergoing urban regeneration is rehabilitated , as well as the exemption from the issuance fee when re-issuing a new Energy Certificate after the improvements have been implemented. What is assessed in an Energy Certificate, who carries out the assessment and where can you request it? The assessment is carried out and issued by independent Qualified Experts, who will assess the installation of double glazing, insulation reinforcements and the existence of efficient equipment, among other things. To request this assessment, you should ask for quotes from several qualified experts working in your neighbourhood or area of residence. It is important to ask several experts to find the one who will give you the best price and, once you have found the professional assessor, gather the necessary documents and provide access to all areas of the house during the assessment. In the end, ask for the preliminary version of the certificate and check the data on the document to make sure everything is correct before it is issued definitively. How much does an Energy Certificate cost? The amounts will vary depending on whether it is a residential building or a building for commerce and services, and the cost of issuing the certificate will always be associated with two variants: 1. Qualified Expert (QE) fees, which vary according to the complexity of the building, its condition and conservation, so there are no fixed figures for reference. 2. The value of registering the certificate on the SCE Portal, defined by government decree, and for which the following values are associated: Residential buildings - Studio and one-bedroom typologies - €28.00 - T2 and T3 typologies - 40,50€ - T4 and T4 typologies - 55,000€ - Types T6 and above - 65,00€ Commercial and service buildings - With a floor area equal to or less than 250m 2 - €135.00 - With a floor area of more than 250m 2 and less than or equal to 500m 2 - €350.00 - With a floor area of more than 500 m 2 and less than or equal to 5000 m 2 - €750.00 - With a useful floor area of more than 5000 m 2 - €950,000 You should bear in mind that energy certificates have an expiry date, which varies according to the type of certificate in question, but which you should consider in the following terms: - Pre-energy certificates: 10 years; - Energy certificates: 10 years; - GES energy certificates (large commercial and service buildings): 8 years; - First GES energy certificates for new buildings and major renovations: 3 years. There are also validity periods for the following criteria: - Energy certificates for GES that are in operation and do not have a Maintenance Plan: 1 year; - Energy certificates for commercial and service buildings that do not have the technical systems inspection report, when mandatory: 1 year; - Energy certificates for boarded-up buildings: 1 year (extendable on request to ADENE). Are you clear? Read also Turnkey homes: how does this concept work , Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to the press release sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais recorded a solid operating performance in 2023, both domestically and internationally. EBITDA increased by 5.5% to €514.0m in 2023, as a result of the improvement in domestic activity (+€19.3m), where a reduction in operating costs stands out; as well as the positive contribution of international activity (+€7.4m). Net income totalled €149.2m, with recurring net income reaching €125.0m (+15.1% compared to 2022). This performance is the result of improved operating activity (EBITDA +26.7M€) and financial results (+3.4M€), despite the increase in the average cost of debt. It also reflects non-recurring effects, namely the recovery of revenues from international activity and tax impacts. The increase in operating activity was accompanied by a 4% growth in internal teams , with the companys current staff having been strengthened to 748. The strong increase in CAPEX, to €301.5M (+49.6% on the previous year), reflects RENs focus and commitment to the energy transition and its support for the countrys energy policy. Transfers to RAB also accelerated in 2023, with growth of €59.3m (+36.3% compared to the previous year), with the recovery of some project delays recorded in 2022. Net debt (excluding tariff deviations) fell by 4.8% to €2,421.2m, despite the average cost of debt rising to 2.5% (1.8% in 2022). In February 2024, REN issued its second green bond, totalling 300 million euros, with a maturity of 8 years and demand 7 times higher than supply. In 2023, according to the information SUPERCASA Notícias had access to, electricity consumption remained relatively stable (50.7TWh) compared to the previous year, while natural gas consumption fell by 20.7 per cent (to 49.0TWh), the lowest figure since 2014. Energy from renewable sources accounted for 60.6 per cent of total energy supply (49.3 per cent in 2022), a record year in Portugal, broken down by 25 per cent wind, 23 per cent hydro, 7 per cent solar and 6 per cent biomass. Also noteworthy was the 43 per cent growth (compared to the previous year) in solar energy production , with REN playing a key role in the process of integrating these renewable sources into the national electricity system, making it possible to meet the targets for the transition to renewable energy sources. Sustainability remained one of RENs priorities in 2023. The company updated its approach after conducting a new stakeholder consultation, directing efforts towards combating climate change, investing in Natural, Human and Social capital, and adopting responsible governance practices. Read on: Portuguese reveal concern about mobility and Electric cars: how does home charging work?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction With the aim of simplifying bureaucratic procedures, changes to environmental licences were implemented in March 2023, making them more accessible. This process, although of greater relevance to companies, allows them to apply for a single environmental licence for works involving activities with an environmental impact. What are environmental licences and who are they for? Environmental licences aim to guarantee a high level of environmental protection, ranging from the preservation of air, water and soil to the prevention of noise pollution and waste production. Required of any entity, regardless of economic activity, these licences ensure compliance with the environmental rules established by Decree-Law no. 127/2013. The licence is not required for residential construction, unless it poses a risk to specific infrastructures. Doubts should be clarified with the Portuguese Environment Agency. Single Environmental Licence (LUA) This procedure centralises the issuing of the Single Environmental Permit (TUA), which consolidates all decisions relating to the environment, including requirements applicable to establishments, activities or projects . Procedures covered by LUA: - Environmental impact assessment; - Prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances; - Integrated pollution prevention and control; - European trade in greenhouse gas emission licences; - Waste management; - Incineration and co-incineration of waste; - Installations and activities using organic solvents; - Water resource utilisation permits; - Landfill operations; - Licensing of integrated centres for the recovery, reclamation and disposal of hazardous waste; - Waste management of mineral deposits and mineral masses; - Environmental impact assessment; - Air emissions regime; - Water production for reuse. When it comes to licence applications involving other entities, the Single Environmental Licence is linked to the different economic activity regimes: the Responsible Industry System (SIR), the Regime for the Exercise of Livestock Activities (REAP) and the Regulation on Licences for Electrical Installations (RLIE). How do I apply for a licence? The application is made through the SILiAmb platform, provided by the Portuguese Environment Agency. The first step in applying for a licence is to register on the platform. There are two ways to do this: - Through the Tax Identification Number (NIF) and Corporate Taxpayer Identification Number (NIPC). - Registering with your Citizens Card Fill in the form and, after registering, you must log in to access the platform. In the menu on the left, go to the Single Environmental Licence (LUA) module > Simulations > New Simulation. To complete this step, you must answer the questions on your licence application. The simulator guides the applicant through the questions on the application , placing the activity within the applicable environmental regimes and calculating the Single Environmental Fee (TAU). The application can be integrated or phased, depending on the applicants choice, generating a form with the necessary data. Once submitted, it is possible to follow all the stages of the process until the Single Environmental Permit (TUA) is obtained. Are you clear? Follow more topics like this: What certificates should my property have? SUPERCASA answers , What ESG is and how to apply it to your property or Bioarchitecture: the trend thats here to stay
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Concerns about sustainability and energy saving have created diverse alternatives when it comes to housing, giving rise to trends and methods of construction and utilisation of resources that are now the choice of many buyers and investors. Passive houses are an increasingly sought-after type of property, characterised by their savings and convenience. However, certain requirements must be met before your property can be certified as a passive house. What are passive houses? A passive house is a property that follows a concept in which the house is built efficiently , in terms of energy, heat, acoustics and sustainability, giving rise to the comfort of living in such a place. This includes excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, low energy consumption and a stable temperature throughout the house (the windows are double-glazed and well-insulated, as are the doors; there is good ventilation and heat recovery). In general, this type of house has the ability to adapt to the outside climate, achieving an efficient and positive energy performance for its residents. One of the great advantages is the quality of the indoor air, which influences thermal comfort, keeping it at high levels at all times. Requirements for Passive House certification A passive house will be different from a traditional property in many ways, starting with the way it is built, so certification follows specific criteria that regulate whether or not it is a passive dwelling. To achieve certification, criteria such as energy efficiency and the energy certificate will be taken into account, but also, and obligatorily, the certificate from the Passivhaus Portugal Association, which will analyse the raw materials used in the work, the architectural project and the execution of the construction. What are the advantages? The main advantages are cost savings (greater energy efficiency) and environmental impact, as it reduces CO2 emissions. Living in a property with these characteristics allows you to live with better air quality, greater thermal and acoustic comfort and is, in the long term, an excellent option to adopt, as it will bring you more benefits than a traditional property. Among the greatest added value are the absence of anomalies caused by humidity or heat, the durability of the construction, thermal comfort and the energy-saving factor, which will save you a lot on electricity bills. Discover also: Wooden buildings: a trend for 2024? , 3D printed houses: the future of the property market? or Modular houses: everything you need to know
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The public tender for the construction of two student residences , in Beja and Valença , selected the Casais Group to design and build the buildings, which will have their own industrialized off-site solutions. According to the CEO of the Casais Group, António Carlos Rodrigues, it will be an innovative construction solution , using a hybrid system and [the] CREE Buildings method . The two units, located in Beja and Valença, will have 327 and 32 lodgings respectively , with the Casais Group explaining that the project for the university residence in Beja, next to the Polytechnic Institutes School of Technology and Management, provides for a construction area of almost 11,000 square meters (m2), with a cloister for an interior patio and an uncovered green area, which includes the first floor of around three raised floors. This work, which started at the beginning of 2024 and is based on total industrialization, has an estimated execution time of 510 days and a contract value of around 17 million euros , they point out, adding that the unit will be able to accommodate up to 503 residents. As for the university residence in Valença , it will be located on Avenida Pinto Mota and will have a construction area of 1,200 m2, also featuring a hybrid construction model: made up of double and single rooms, study rooms, a kitchen, dining areas and living spaces, this residence has 24 double rooms and eight single rooms and represents a contract value of around two million euros . Regarding the innovative construction solution that the Casais Group hopes to implement in these two buildings, they explain: Its the first work of this system and industrialization that weve done in a public project, where were sure it will have a very positive impact on the community. These projects are therefore totally in line with the values of the Casais Group, as we have been developing work with a focus on innovation, with the aim of contributing to an increasingly sustainable sector (...). Discover also: Accommodation: Guimarães will have a wooden student residence , What certificates should my property have? SUPERCASA answers
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The 5th progress report on the monitoring of the Long-Term Strategy for the Renovation of Buildings (ELPRE) found a decrease in primary energy consumption of around 4.2% in the buildings sector , with CO2 emissions falling to 44.1% by November. ELPRE estimates that the percentage of buildings renovated to include energy efficiency strategies is close to 2% compared to 2018. Although the buildings sector is progressing along a path that favours decarbonization, by reducing CO2 emissions and primary energy consumption, ADENE is warning of the need to step up investment in energy renovation, making it a key factor in achieving the goals set for 2050. In order to achieve these goals, ELPRE recommends implementing measures to improve the information available about the building stock and strengthening the creation of more financial mechanisms and tax benefits for renovation and the creation of a specific action plan for the rehabilitation of buildings eligible for these interventions. Follow other topics in SUPERCASA News
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