Municipality and FEUP launch TECH4 Sustainability
Project to demystify science kicks off with three sessions scheduled until december, the first taking place this friday, the 19th, at Porto Ambiente.
The Municipality of Porto, under the coordination of Porto Digital and the Directorate for Carbon Neutrality of Porto, and within the scope of the Porto Climate Pact, has partnered with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) to select a series of topics that intersect Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability. The goal is to produce accessible and engaging content that brings citizens closer to Science, particularly the research endorsed by Porto and applied to the service of the city itself.
Thus, TECH4Sustainability will address each topic with the aim of making research and advancements in the city more comprehensible. Practical case studies involving academia, the Municipality, and the community will illustrate how collective efforts can help tackle present and future urban challenges. The initiative seeks not only to raise awareness about urgent environmental issues but also to encourage active participation in creating and adopting more sustainable solutions.
“It is no secret that the University of Porto, particularly FEUP (Faculty of Engineering), has a distinguished track record with countless achievements. For the Municipality, valuing knowledge in itself is fundamental, but we believe we must go beyond that and harness science and research to better respond to urban complexity,” says Filipe Araújo, Vice-President of Porto City Council and head of the two departments involved in the initiative – Innovation and Digital Transition and Environment and Climate Transition. He further adds that “bringing innovative technological solutions into public policies will undoubtedly contribute to reducing the ecological footprint and building a greener, more digital, and above all, sustainable city.”
This Friday’s session, themed “Greater Circularity,” will bring together experts from both scientific and technical fields, as well as policymakers. The first panel will focus on ongoing research and innovation in the field of civil construction, exploring how this sector can play a crucial role in ensuring a circular future. Another panel will discuss the adoption of circularity in waste management in Porto, with a particular focus on using technology for water reuse systems. Finally, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Porto Ambiente building, including a guided visit to the LEED-certified building, the urban garden, and the repair area.
The upcoming sessions are scheduled for 25th October and 13th December, focusing on “More Clean Energy” and “Better Mobility,” respectively. All information and knowledge generated through TECH4 Sustainability can be accessed at tech4sustainability.porto.digital.