Lisbon, Portugal’s urban development is not just about growth; it’s about evolving responsibly. The city’s transformation into a sustainable hub reflects a commitment to future generations, ensuring they inherit a city that balances ecological integrity with urban living. Among those spearheading this sustainable journey, Luis Horta e Costa, through his endeavors with Square View, a real estate property developer and asset manager in Lisbon, exemplifies how individual actions contribute to a collective vision for a greener future.
Lisbon’s architectural renaissance is increasingly green, powered by an ethos of sustainability that permeates its urban fabric. This vision for a sustainable Lisbon goes beyond mere environmental compliance; it’s about reimagining urban spaces to foster community well-being, resilience, and biodiversity. Developers and city planners, including Luis Horta e Costa, are pivotal in this shift, advocating for buildings that not only stand the test of time, but also promote a healthier relationship with our environment.
“We avoid concrete and we always try to use wood,” said Horta e Costa. “It’s cleaner, and it doesn’t have an impact on the environment.
“We are always looking for new ways of building materials, and we are very focused now on the modular system.”
Beacons of Green Development
Projects spearheading Lisbon’s sustainable development are distinguished not just by their innovative design, but also by their commitment to minimizing ecological footprints. They serve as living labs for sustainable urban living, demonstrating how modern technologies and traditional practices can merge to create energy-efficient, vibrant communities. These initiatives, supported by forward-thinking developers like Horta e Costa, are crucial in setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly urban development, encouraging wider adoption of green practices across the city.
The journey toward a sustainable Lisbon is a collaborative venture, uniting diverse voices and visions to pursue common goals. This inclusivity strengthens the city’s sustainability initiatives, ensuring they are reflective of and beneficial to the broader community. The engagement of developers — including those led by visionaries like Horta e Costa — with local communities and environmental experts is creating a mosaic of green spaces and sustainable buildings that are more than just places to live; they are spaces where communities thrive.
It turns out that eco-conscious development is top of mind for the Portuguese government, which has passed laws and enacted incentives to help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
It’s good for the bottom line, too. It turns out a whopping 83% of investors are seeing the green writing on the walls, believing that more and more Portuguese renters will start seeking more sustainable properties.
The Ripple Effect of Sustainable Practices
Lisbon’s embrace of sustainability is becoming a model for cities worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of collective action in the real estate sector. The city’s progress is a beacon, illuminating the path for urban environments around the globe to follow suit in integrating green practices. As developers like Horta e Costa continue to champion sustainability, their projects become catalysts for change, inspiring a shift in how cities conceive of growth and community development.
And the hunger for better environmental stewardship is expanding outside of the Lisbon city limits.
Luis Horta e Costa’s Square View is working on a project in the picturesque area of Melides.
“We care a lot about the environment and mobility,” Horta e Costa said.
“Melides is a very nice, small Alentejo village. It’s 10 minutes away from the sea. We’re going to build a small village. It’s a project that is made not for billionaires, but for normal people that can afford a second small house. In those projects, we always have a place for surfboards and bicycles. And it’s a very, very sustainable project.”
The narrative of Lisbon’s development is a testament to the city’s resolve to forge a sustainable path forward. It’s a narrative where each new building, park, and renovated district enriches the city’s green tapestry, contributing to a robust ecosystem that supports urban life. As Lisbon continues to grow, the principles of sustainability championed by leaders in the field, including Luis Horta e Costa, are ensuring that this growth is both thoughtful and inclusive, setting a standard for cities aspiring to a sustainable future.
