Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Last year was economically difficult not only for the Portuguese but also for most Europeans. The rise in prices, especially in the food sector, and the fall in purchasing power have forced people to adjust their budgets , as evidenced by the results of the European Barometer carried out by Cetelem - a commercial brand of the BNP Paribas Personal Finance group, sent in a statement to the SUPERCASA Notícias newsroom. With 66% of Portuguese saying that food expenditure has increased, there has been a change in peoples consumption habits and behaviour. 30 per cent have had to limit or even forgo spending on food due to lack of financial means. 44 per cent also claim to have given up certain products, such as meat or fish, and to buy fewer environmentally friendly products (46 per cent) , such as organic products. A further 29 per cent said they had eaten out less. In this context, the Portuguese also indicate that they are paying more attention to their food budget (84 per cent) and avoiding food waste (90 per cent). When it comes to shopping, 91 per cent of those surveyed say they are increasingly taking advantage of promotions and special offers and opting to buy products from cheaper brands (83 per cent). More than half of Europeans have stopped buying meat or fish The results of the study cut across all the countries that took part in the survey. More than half of Europeans (55 per cent) have stopped buying meat or fish in order to control spending on food. In addition, 42 per cent of European households have been forced to eat out less. Also, 81 per cent of European respondents say that they are taking greater advantage of promotions and low prices in order to save money this year. This trend is reflected in the market share of food retailers. But this category also includes reducing waste as much as possible (83 per cent), sticking to a budget (77 per cent) and, of course, switching to low-cost and hard-discount brands (58 per cent). Giving up organic products (49 per cent) is also part of this strategy, as is giving up meat or fish (47 per cent) and eating out less (35 per cent). These are some of the ways Europeans have found to make ends meet. Since, as the same survey has already revealed, other increases were felt, particularly in energy bills (66 per cent) and transport (52 per cent) last year. Household and personal goods were also affected, with rates of 54 per cent for clothing and footwear, and 52 per cent for furniture, household appliances, television and smartphones. If youre interested in following more current affairs topics like this, go to SUPERCASA Notícias and explore the available content.
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate announced this Tuesday in Diário da República, the order that anticipates the submission of the proposal for natural gas tariffs for the period between October this year and September 2025. Thus, the social tariff for the regulated natural gas supply will remain in force in 2024, maintaining the 31.2% discount applied to the transitional tariffs for sale to final customers, from which the applicable VAT, taxes, contributions and default rates are excluded. Thus, from October 1 of this year, the discount will be applied, being, as stated by the Secretary of State, Ana Fountoura Gouveia, a measure urgent and unavoidable , being the Regulatory Entity of Energy Services (ERSE) responsible for submitting the proposal, which should present by the end of March. The social tariff is a mechanism for protecting economically vulnerable consumers and combating energy poverty, translated into an important instrument of public policy and social justice, ensuring access to this essential service with less financial effort and greater tariff stability for this universe of consumers, as indicated in the dispatch. The same law states that the operationalization of the measure will consist of an automatic application of the discount in the tariff of access to gas networks at low pressure, allowing the increase of the its scope, ensuring its applicability regardless of the intervention of its beneficiaries. Related topics: Do you know how much you spend preparing food at home? Discover , Renewable energy reaches one of the best European registers and ERSE recommends consumers to consult simulators
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Gaia Biological Park is to undergo refurbishment and extension work to provide better conditions for its visitors, in an investment totalling 4.5 million euros by the city council. The lions share of this sum will be allocated to work on the main building, which is scheduled for completion in 2027. Last year alone, the Gaia Biological Parks environmental education centre received 44,000 more visitors than in 2022 , making it one of the reference points for people coming to the municipality. Now, in the year that will mark its four decades of life, the Vila Nova de Gaia City Council is preparing an investment of around 2.5 to 3 million euros for the remodelling and expansion project of the main building , which is part of a 35-hectare agroforestry area where hundreds of species of animals and plants live in the wild. The objectives proposed for this space are being met at a good pace, particularly with regard to its extension, says the municipality led by Vítor Rodrigues. In addition to the planned interventions, an architectural project worth 70,000 euros will be launched in May for the Biological Parks Reception Centre , as well as an intervention to extend the motorhome park and the construction of the support building. Read also: Cascais to go ahead with mega-urbanisation at Quinta dos Ingleses , Azores wants to provide 2,000 homes by 2034 or Porto reaches 13.28% of unbilled water in 2023
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The municipal company Águas e Energia revealed this Friday, the day that celebrates World Water Day , that the city of Porto reached a new historical minimum of water not billed in 2023, of 13.28% , as a result of combating water waste in the public network. According to the information gathered by the municipal company Águas e Energia, the positive result positions the municipality of Porto among the best national entities that waste less drinking water , achieving less than half of the national average value of around 27.1%, according to the Regulatory Authority for Water and Waste Services (ERSAR) . The unallocated water index in Porto in 2022 was 13.4% , which, compared to the 2023 index, represents a positive balance as a result of a high effort in the efficient management of the supply system , system that is characterized by centenary pipelines with a tendency to a greater number of anomalies and water losses. For the Vice President of the Porto City Council and president of the municipal company, Filipe Araújo, the network is inserted in a dense urban network that imposes distinct intervention rhythms , highlighting the proactive detection of anomalies and the implementation of preventive measures such as crucial factors for good management of unaccompanied water levels. And highlights: these indicators place Porto in the restricted core of municipalities whose quality of service is considered excellent. Despite this, we will continue to work with the very clear goal of better managing this resource so essential that is water, since we will increasingly be subject to extreme phenomena, such as drought . The monthly communication of the water meter reading allows the customer a more rigorous control of its consumption, mitigating changes in billing. At the same time, the reporting of anomalies verified on public roads ensures the water efficiency of the supply network and the sustainability of the system , he concludes. Continue reading, based on this theme: Initiative to promote inland nautical tourism will advance , Algarve and Alentejo have new measures to prevent drought and Energy Certificates: how they work and their importance
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Marsh Portugal, the insurance brokerage and risk consultancy company, has produced a study that portrays Portuguese companies views on their concerns for 2024 , entitled Portuguese Companies Views on Risks, in which it can be concluded, in the immediate aftermath of the parliamentary elections - the second in two years - that political and social instability is the main risk pointed out for their businesses in 2024. According to the study, 58 per cent of entrepreneurs highlighted the factor of political and social instability as a concern , a percentage that represents an increase of 13 percentage points compared to last years edition. Thus, despite the victory given to the PSD, CDS and PPM (Democratic Alliance) coalition, national entrepreneurs believe that times of instability are ahead, in which it will be necessary to negotiate measures to achieve stable and productive governance. In addition to the social and political instability mentioned by entrepreneurs, cyber-attacks and talent retention are other risks pointed out, and which most concern the entrepreneurs considered in the study, which included a total of 134 different representatives of organisations from different sectors of activity, in an analysis period that lasted from December 2023 to January 2024. Marsh Portugal also points out that, the fourth and fifth places are occupied by extreme weather events (36 per cent) and recession (24 per cent) , adding, about the global scenario, that for 49 per cent of those surveyed, the main risk will be extreme weather events, which will affect the whole world, followed by widespread cyber crime and cyber insecurity (42%), prolonged economic stagnation (34%), interstate conflicts (28%) and the geopoliticisation of strategic resources (27%) . With regard to the risks that have occurred over the last decade, the assessment concludes that they clearly demonstrate that many of the geopolitical, economic and financial risks anticipated a decade ago have not only materialised, but have also been exacerbated, which represents a collective failure to effectively mitigate their effects , reinforces Marsh Portugals risk specialist, Fernando Chaves. Despite the predictability of certain risks, it appears that the actions implemented have been insufficient to counteract the negative trends, leading to even more complex and interconnected challenges, he says, calling for the importance of global management policies, innovation and international solidarity in building a more resilient and sustainable future. Read more: Increased well-being in Portugal has an impact on consumption in GDP , Lisbon is the 18th most populous city in the EU and Unemployment rates have risen in six OECD countries
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 Cascais has now been recognised as a Green Destination , a platinum award given by the Green Destinations Foundation during the ITB tourism fair in Berlin. The organisation, which promotes sustainability in tourist destinations, distinguished the Portuguese municipality with the green award, certifying it as a sustainable tourist destination according to the environmental, economic, cultural, social and management criteria chosen for the award. In a press release, the municipality said that this is great recognition for the regions sustainable approach to tourism. The Platinum certification level is awarded to tourist destinations that are guided by a code of ethics, that rigorously monitor tourism, that are based on strategic planning and that have sustainability indicators for tourism . The Municipal Director of Environment and Sustainability for Cascais City Council, Luís Almeida Capão , added: This award recognises Cascais as a destination with great environmental quality , not just because of the environmentally fair solutions it offers to the people who live here. Cascais aims to be the best place to live for a day, a week or a lifetime, which is why we have increased the area of green spaces, the number of trees planted and we have seen an increase in biodiversity, both in protected and urban areas. Community gardens, soft mobility, free non-polluting public transport and energy creation are all part of Cascais present. This award recognises the work that has been done. Cascais has stood out over the years for its commitment to sustainability, which has also been evident in the various awards and certifications it has received. From taking home the QualityCoast Silver award in 2013 to the most recent one in 2021, the municipality has shown its commitment to continuing to protect the environment and the well-being of its community. Also related to this topic: Companies prioritise sustainability, but investment is lacking , Renewable energy achieves one of the best records in Europe and APPII calls for the creation of more green financing lines
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Taking lunchboxes to work is a common practice among the Portuguese. Thats why, in a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , energy tariff specialist Selectra has done the maths for you: find out how much you spend preparing six different dishes and two desserts. Lets imagine that you start the week by preparing a beautiful salmon with vegetables and take the opportunity to make three portions of strawberry jelly. The electricity consumed for these two dishes is €0.17 on the free market and €0.18 on the regulated market . If the next day you prefer, for example, tofu à brás, it will cost you €0.05 on the free market and on the regulated market, using one of the three portions of gelatine you made. In the middle of the week, you could opt for grilled meat with rice and vegetables and chocolate chip biscuits for dessert. In this case, youll spend 0.21€ for the main course and dessert on the free market and 0.23€ on the regulated market. If you work 6 days a week, youll spend 0.71€ of electricity on the free market and 0.76€ on the regulated market for the six dishes and six portions of the suggested desserts. Did you find this content interesting? Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA Notícias
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 Executives understanding of the economic benefits of sustainability increased significantly between 2022 and 2023, tripling from 21 per cent to 63 per cent. In addition, more than half of executives, 61 per cent, now have defined sustainability priorities, up from 49 per cent in 2022. These figures, released by the Capgemini Research Institute , highlight a noticeable shift in the business mindset towards sustainability. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability, investments in the area remain low. According to the report, investments in sustainable initiatives remained stable between 2022 and 2023, representing less than 1% of total revenue in the last year. On the other hand, marketing budgets remain significantly higher, equalling 9.1% of annual revenue on average. This discrepancy emphasises the need for a greater allocation of resources to boost sustainable practices. The survey also reveals that many companies fall short when it comes to sustainability reporting and sustainable product design. Although there will be a 15 per cent increase in the elimination of fossil fuels, only 47 per cent of executives say their companies are designing more durable products compared to 57 per cent in 2022. This indicates a gap between recognising the importance of sustainability and actually implementing concrete measures to promote it. Related topics: Greenwashing: know what it is and how to identify it , Electric cars: how does home charging work?