Portugal's property sector is embracing sustainability measures that offer clear benefits. Efficiency retrofits, LED lighting, and smart technologies, along with national renovation initiatives, help owners reduce utility bills by about 20% and cut operating costs by over a third, while also improving long-term property value.

Portugal is increasingly viewing sustainability as a cost-saving strategy. Recent data indicates that households implementing simple water efficiency measures save an average of 55 cubic meters of water per year — roughly equivalent to the amount a family of four uses in about two years. If applied nationwide, these measures could save over 200 million cubic meters of water, enough to supply more than 800,000 households for a year.  

Energy efficiency is also improving, with LED lighting cutting electricity use by up to 80%. These systems also lower maintenance costs due to their longer lifespans and reduced need for replacements.

Property management companies in Portugal are increasingly looking to incorporate such green practices, says Dalius Šimaitis, CEO of PortalPRO, a PropTech company specializing in property maintenance. "The primary benefit of sustainable practices is their return on investment, mostly as a result of reduced bills and fewer malfunctions. While addressing environmental issues continues to be a key priority, this additional advantage may encourage wider adoption." 

Many Portuguese homes are older or historically significant, yet remain fully occupied and in use. Adapting these buildings to modern needs and sustainability standards has become a priority. Over the past five years, around 30% of Portuguese homes have undergone efficiency upgrades, from improved insulation to modern appliances, well above the 25% EU average. These retrofits not only preserve the usability of existing buildings but also immediately lower utility bills, making living spaces more affordable and comfortable.

The benefits of sustainable property care are also evident at the national scale. Over the past five years, approximately 30% of Portuguese homes have undergone efficiency improvements, which is well above the 25% EU average. These retrofits, ranging from better insulation to modern appliances, immediately reduce utility bills, making living spaces more affordable and comfortable. 

At the same time, smart technologies are improving property efficiency. Key measures include: 

• Lighting and HVAC systems with sensors and smart meters can reduce energy consumption by 30–50%, ensuring resources are used only when needed.
• AI-based systems help anticipate issues before they become major problems, lowering maintenance costs.
• Case studies in Portugal show that combining efficiency measures and preventive tools can reduce utility bills by 15–20% and cut overall operating costs by up to 37%.

Beyond financial savings, these improvements also enhance tenant loyalty and increase the long-term value of properties.

“For property managers, sustainability has become part of everyday business. In Portugal, it’s clear that practical steps, like saving energy and water, help keep budgets under control today, while also making buildings stronger for the future,” concludes Šimaitis.

About PortalPRO

PortalPRO is an international PropTech company focused on property maintenance and repairs, backed by deep industry expertise. Its integrated service economy platform helps property owners and managers streamline maintenance operations and access fast, on-demand repair services. Beyond real estate and property management, PortalPRO supports insurance companies with AI-powered claims assessment tool enabling faster, more accurate repair evaluations and payout calculations as well as claim repairs.