The city of Lisbon has 67 social neighborhoods, providing housing and fostering social inclusion for some of its most vulnerable families. Notably, three of these neighborhoods—Boavista, Cruz Vermelha, and Padre Cruz, the latter being the largest in the Iberian Peninsula with around 20,000 residents—were built between the 1940s and 1960s. These neighborhoods have recently benefited from a rehousing initiative aimed at replacing deteriorated structures with environmentally sustainable ones.

The new constructions are designed to be more accessible, with features such as ramps and adaptable layouts for potential changes in household composition. These buildings are equipped with advanced insulation to combat humidity and cut energy costs, solar panels for heating water, rainwater harvesting systems for gardening, optimally placed windows to enhance natural light, and systems that recycle bath water for flushing toilets.

Beyond the improvements in housing, these neighborhoods are integrating further enhancements that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and local development. For instance, in Boavista, renewable energy installations include solar panels that heat the community swimming pool. Innovations like the “PediBus” pedestrian route and “Net-Verde” free internet service have been introduced to improve connectivity and mobility within the community.

Furthermore, these neighborhoods have initiated several environmental awareness efforts through the Eco-Bairro website and various digital channels, along with sporting and recreational events. Educational campaigns focusing on efficient water and energy use have also been launched to encourage cost savings, all overseen by community mediators. 

https://www.lisboaenova.org/images/stories/Conferencias/2013/BoavistaAmbiente9Maio.pdf
https://lisboaenova.org/eco-bairro-boavista-ambiente-coopetir2/
https://pt.slideshare.net/LisboaENova/eco-caderneta-miolo
https://www.am-lisboa.pt/302000/1/013114,000420/index.htm
https://www.lisboa.pt/atualidade/noticias/detalhe/municipio-apoia-projetos-sociais-nos-bairros-padre-cruz-e-boavista

• SDG1 - Eradicate poverty
  Implementation of national measures and systems of social protection, to ensure equal rights to the economic resources.
• SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy
  Increased participation of renewable energies; providing modern and sustainable energy services to the community.
• SDG 11- Sustainable cities and communities
  Reducing the environmental impact of electricity consumption in the city, universal access to public spaces, green, safe, inclusive and accessible.

1. What prompted the rehousing initiative in social neighborhoods?
2. What characteristics contribute to the sustainability of the new homes?
3. Besides the new housing, what additional measures for environmental sustainability have been adopted in these neighborhoods? 

Edu.In