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 With the growing popularity of electric vehicles , understanding the charging process at home is crucial for homeowners looking to make the transition to a more sustainable option. In this SUPERCASA Notícias article, well explore in detail how electric car charging works in domestic environments. Charging at home Charging an electric vehicle at home offers owners convenience and savings , but requires a clear understanding of the process and requirements involved. Charging an electric vehicle doesnt just require a conventional socket , as these are not prepared to withstand long charging sessions with high currents, in addition to charging at an average of 10 Amps, which means that it would take 6 to 8 hours to charge the equivalent of 100 kilometres of range. Charging station For faster and more efficient charging, we recommend investing in a home charging station. As well as being easy to install, these devices offer significantly reduced charging times and guarantee a charge of between 40 minutes and 4 hours for 100 kilometres of range , depending on the power of the charger chosen. Installation Process Installing a charging station at home involves assessing the site , ensuring technical feasibility and the suitability of the existing electrical installation. Although some modifications may be necessary, in many cases there is no need to significantly alter the existing electrical infrastructure. Which charger to choose? There are several charger options available on the market, varying in terms of power and functionality. Its important to choose a charger that is compatible with your homes electrical installation and the specific needs of your electric vehicle. What is the best time to charge the car? Taking advantage of advantageous hourly rates can help minimise charging costs. As such, we suggest checking your electricity tariff so that you can charge your vehicle during the lowest tariff hours, which can result in significant savings in the long term. How does condo charging work? For electric vehicle owners who live in condominiums, its essential to understand the options available for charging. This includes considering the type of car park, the power supply and the possibility of sharing or having a dedicated charging point. Charging electric cars at home offers a convenient and economical way to keep vehicles fuelled. With the proper installation of a home charging station and the choice of the right charger, owners can enjoy an efficient and smooth charging experience , contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In SUPERCASA Notícias we help you understand other sustainability issues. Read on: Passive Houses: what are they and what are the advantages? and Sustainable domestic appliances: an investment with a return
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Fraud is on the rise in Portugal , according to figures from the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO) revealed this Friday, March 1, which say that in 2023 26 investigations were opened with this entity, bringing the total number of active investigations to 43. The loss is around 928.6 million euros, with VAT fraud accounting for almost the entire amount. According to the data, the 26 investigations opened in 2023 represent an estimated loss to the EU budget of 186.6 million euros and, of the 43 active investigations, 15 concern VAT fraud, with an estimated loss of 848.5 million euros. Portugal has thus charged 27 defendants with crimes of criminal association, corruption, money laundering and tax fraud, in which an estimated 80 million euros is involved through a chain of companies that failed to pay VAT , through the use of false invoices and fraudulent tax returns , says the EPPO. Even so, there is no record of any concluded case in this area , only the Operation Admiral case, which is currently at the trial stage. Find all the latest news in SUPERCASA News!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Mobile voting is a method that the Portuguese can opt for, only having to register in advance for this purpose, and which has been running since last Sunday, 25 February, until this Thursday, 28 February. Thus, registered voters in Portugal can register to vote in advance, in a municipality of their choice, on a mobile basis. This vote must be cast on 3 March , one week before the elections. To access this mobility, voters must register at a polling station of their choice in a municipality on the mainland or in the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, on the governments website or by post sent to the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration. According to the data, early voting in mobility was chosen by 285,848 in the 2022 legislative elections. Follow more topics on SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In a study carried out by the EasyPark parking app, the majority of Portuguese (55.3%) admit that the lack of parking is the biggest mobility problem in their cities. However, its not the only one. According to EasyParks Report on mobility and parking habits in Portugal, 47.3% of those surveyed consider excessive traffic to be the second biggest problem, and 42% the lack of available public transport. On the other hand, 60% of the drivers interviewed say that regulated parking is beneficial for their city, which means that they prefer surface and paid parking to other alternatives , considering that they help to improve the flow of traffic in metropolitan areas. As with the low-emission zones that are springing up in Portugal, Portuguese drivers are beginning to realize that proper parking management has a positive impact on the overall mobility of cities, says EasyParks Director for Portugal, Jennifer Amador Tavares de Sousa. She adds: In all urban areas there is a concern for drivers when they travel to cities, as well as for administrators who need to find solutions to this problem. Parking apps help to balance supply and demand so that there are fewer cars driving around and looking for parking spaces, which is a contribution to improving these symptoms of pressure on drivers and cities. Regarding the importance of this study, which is relevant to improving mobility in cities, Jennifer de Sousa says: we know how important it is to have this information for everyone involved in the commitment to make cities more liveable and with a pleasant and efficient parking ecosystem. When we ask drivers about their concerns, its because we are fully involved in making urban environments more attractive to live in and we are aware that technology is at the service of drivers so that they can have a more simplified and mobile life, she concludes. Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In the quest for tranquillity and harmony at home, we often underestimate the impact that organising a space can have on our well-being. From decoration to daily cleaning, every detail counts when it comes to creating an environment conducive to relaxing and recharging. SUPERCASA Notícias gives you four tips for keeping your space organised and welcoming: 1. Minimalist decor Adopt the less is more philosophy when decorating your space. Instead of overloading the room with a profusion of objects, opt for a minimalist approach. Choose essential items and avoid strong colours that can cause visual noise. By reducing the amount of visual stimuli in the room, you reduce stress and agitation, providing a sense of space and calm. 2. Tidiness and cleanliness Keeping your space clean and organised not only promotes a feeling of calm and tranquillity, it also improves the quality of the air you breathe. Choose to clean your space with small daily tasks that allow you to get rid of clutter and dust, reducing the stress and anxiety caused by the accumulation of household chores. 3. Keep the house ventilated Dont underestimate the power of good ventilation. Leaving windows open regularly is key to keeping fresh air circulating and avoiding unpleasant odours and bacteria in the room. In addition, proper ventilation helps prevent damp-related health problems such as mould and bacteria, especially in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. 4. Use organiser baskets Organiser baskets are valuable allies in the fight against clutter. Versatile and practical, they can be used to store a variety of items, from toys to kitchen utensils. To maximise efficiency, adopt a colour scheme to differentiate the baskets in different rooms and dont forget to label them to make it easier to identify the contents. By following these simple tips, youll be well on your way to creating an organised, welcoming space conducive to relaxation and well-being. Looking for more tips for the home? Read also: Have a small house? 5 tips to make it look bigger or Decorating tips for homes with pets
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Energy Saving Plan (PPE 2022 - 2023) has caused natural gas consumption in Portugal to fall, with a 22% drop between August 2022 and December 2023 , compared to the historical average of the last five periods, as ADENE - the Energy Agency - announced on Wednesday, February 21. According to the agency, and including the month of January this year, Portugal exceeded the target set in Regulation 2023/706 of March 30, 2023 (15%) by 36.9%. Initially in force until December 2023, the 2022-2023 EPP aimed to save 672 million cubic meters (mcm), and 1,872 mcm were saved during the period in question, which represents a 178.6% overrun. Related: Energy is no longer the main cause of gas emissions
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Preventive maintenance is a concept that you can and should apply to all your assets, but above all to the equipment that makes up your property . It is a strategic approach to maintenance to prevent breakdowns, failures or other constraints. By adopting this practice, you will be extending the useful life of this equipment. When it comes to repairing the property , its also important to take preventive action to avoid problems and keep it in good condition for years to come . It also ensures greater safety and comfort in the home, avoiding unnecessary expenses and many unforeseen events. How can you carry out preventive maintenance on your property? In order to carry out preventive maintenance, we advise you to r egularly check the electrical system: is the electrical equipment working properly? Are the sockets, circuit breakers and light bulbs in perfect condition? If necessary, replace equipment that is already showing signs of malfunction; clean filters and properly maintain machines, toasters, stoves and ovens to ensure that they last a long time without causing any major problems. Its also important to repair taps and shower heads, clean and unclog drains and siphons to avoid bad smells , and make sure there are no damp or moldy spots in the house or leaks. Check the air conditioning system regularly: clean the filters thoroughly every 3 months, make sure everything is in good condition and that there are no melted wires, for example. Repainting the house every 4 years can be a good idea to keep it looking fresh. Choosing good finishes and quality materials helps a lot to keep the house in good condition and also to increase its value if you ever want to sell it , for example, or rent it out. But be careful: you should always use proper, non-abrasive products to clean the different materials. Check the walls for cracks that could compromise the propertys good condition and dont forget the most important thing: cleaning. Dont let dust accumulate, try to do a general cleaning every week, and every month dedicate yourself to a more thorough cleaning of a specific room, to avoid the accumulation of waste and any infestation. The importance of this type of maintenance Carrying out preventive maintenance can save you many problems in the future. As well as contributing to the productivity of your equipment , it will help you save money, since by making the most of the useful life of your equipment and building structures, you will have less to worry about with possible problems that may arise , as well as more useful use for them. You will prevent losses, avoid wear and tear and make better long-term use of the equipment you maintain. Did you like this information? Read also: What is Gross Private Area? , Retrofit: what is it and how do I use it in my properties? and Building a house: what are the specifications?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction A spacious home is always more welcoming than one that is too crowded and cramped , which can give the feeling of claustrophobia and discomfort. Having a small home can lead to these problems, such as poor use of space . However, there are tricks you can use to turn a very small room, or a property with only a few square meters, into an attractive and spacious place. So, if youre looking for this efficient organization for you and your property, take a look at the 5 tips SUPERCASA News brings you! 1. Make the most of natural light and opt for light colors Light is extremely important in a small house. A small property can easily become cavernous, dark and cramped if there is little or no natural light. Its important to let the light in and, for the best result, play with colors to your advantage. Opt for light and light-reflecting colors to convey the idea of space and luminosity. If there arent many points of natural light in your home, such as windows, balconies, doors or skylights, you can opt for artificial light that gives the same effect. It certainly wont be the same, but it can help to make your rooms look less dark and small. Mirrors also work extremely well for this purpose. 2. Choose functional furniture that suits your needs Cluttering up a room with lots of pieces of furniture just because it looks good can, unfortunately, make the rooms in your home much smaller. Less is more and, when it comes to small homes, its essential to bear in mind that certain pieces of furniture simply wont work. So, if you really need certain furniture, choose functional, minimalist and contrasting designs that make your space feel more spacious. 3. Align furniture with windows One of the tricks that can help you when choosing how to organize the furniture in your rooms is to align it with the windows. With this trick, by keeping the furniture at window level, youll create a horizon line that will give you a feeling of greater spaciousness. 4. Choose glass and/or transparent pieces If you want to give your rooms irreverent and distinctive decorative accents, why not choose transparent, light-colored or glass objects? This choice will help you create more spaciousness and trick your mind into thinking its a more open environment. Combine this with the tips weve given you above and youll have a home that looks spacious, bright and large, even if it is small! For more tips like this, go to SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction From simple adjustments to your daily consumption to exploring more economical energy supply options, there are a number of strategies that can help reduce costs. Energy tariff specialist Selectra is committed to offerin g guidance and personalised solutions to ensure that you dont pay more than you need to for the energy you consum e, and has sent SUPERCASA Notícias 7 tips. 1. Keep equipment clean Did you know that simply dusting your radiators regularly can help you save up to 10 per cent of the energy you consume ? No wonder! A clean appliance works much better than a dirty one, and this is a habit that can be implemented in all the appliances in your home. 2. Pay attention to water temperature Hot water always uses more energy than cold water, no matter what you use it for. We therefore advise you to set the temperature of your boiler, water heater or other equipment to a maximum of 45 ºC, as well as reducing your washing machines 60 ºC cycles to 40 ºC, as this will help you save 25 per cent of energy. 3. Opt for energy-saving light bulbs Next time you buy light bulbs, opt for LEDs rather than conventional models. This is because the former have an average consumption of 35 kWh/year, which represents a cost on the bill of 5 euros per year, unlike halogen bulbs which, because they consume 123 kWh/year, increase the cost to 18 euros. 4. Adjust the temperature of the heaters We know that there are days when its essential to switch on the heating, but there are ways to save money even then. One trick is to switch off the heating 1 hour before you go to bed or reduce its temperature to minus 3 ºC or 4 ºC when you have to leave the house. 5. Use timers How often do you leave appliances plugged in or on stand-by for hours on end? This is a typical mistake we all make, either through distraction or forgetfulness, and this is where timers come in as our allies in saving money! Take your router, for example, which consumes an average of 200 kWh a year: if you leave it connected to a timer, it will switch off automatically, according to your instructions, and stop consuming energy when its not in use. 6. Reduce the amount of water wasted Always turn off the water while brushing your teeth, use cooking water to water plants and dont fill pots with excess water. These are all useful and simple tips on how you can save on this bill. But heres one more tip: put a rubbish bin in the bathroom to avoid flushing waste down the toilet. By not flushing the toilet more often than necessary, you can save up to 1200 litres a month! 7. Keep an eye on the energy market Simulate how much you can save by switching energy supplier. If youve had the same contract for a long time, youre probably paying a lot more than you should. Ideally, you should do this twice a year: once at the beginning of the year and once in the middle of the year. Go to SUPERCASA Notícias for more sustainable tips!
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