Abstract:
This paper presents an analysis of the main initiatives implemented in Portugal aimed at
improving the environmental performance of buildings. The study is focused on the
building regulatory system. However, to describe its framework a wider context is
analysed for the following reasons: a) strategies and plans on environment and energy
establish main goals and actions to minimize the production of greenhouse gases and to
prepare for the challenges of climate change; b) building regulations and their control
system set and enforce mandatory minimum requirements for the building stock; c)
voluntary certification and labelling set requirements above regulatory minimums and
prove their enforcement; d) incentive programs and tax benefits give financial support
to change the characteristics of the building stock; e) training and technical information
increase the capacity of professionals, and finally, f) sensitization campaigns raise
public awareness among consumers and contribute to changes in their behaviour. The
results are that there is a coordinated set of initiatives to improve environmental
performance of buildings. These initiatives: change the characteristics of the existing
building stock, improve the performance level set for new buildings, and encourage
more responsible environmental behaviours. Energy is the resource on which more
initiatives were focused. Some initiatives set mandatory command and control
regulations but most of them are incentives for voluntary improvements. Despite the
many initiatives to improve environmental performance of buildings, their actual
implementation and effectiveness must be assessed.
