TECH4 Sustainability was created with the purpose of showcasing the positive impact of the work carried out by the scientific community and companies in promoting sustainability through practical case studies involving the Municipality and the wider community.

The initiative aims not only to raise public awareness of the urgency of environmental challenges, but also to demonstrate how academia and Porto-based companies have contributed to fostering the city’s sustainable growth by promoting environmental action and encouraging active participation in the development and adoption of more sustainable solutions and behaviours.

The Municipality of Porto, under the coordination of Porto Digital and the Porto Directorate for Carbon Neutrality, and within the framework of the Porto Climate Pact, joined forces with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) and selected three themes intersecting Technology, Innovation and Sustainability.

The first theme, “Greater Circularity”, highlighted the importance of reassessing the life cycle of products and materials, promoting solutions that encourage recycling, the reduction of excessive consumption and the reuse of materials. Projects were presented illustrating the reuse of materials in the construction sector, as well as the transformation of urban waste into new products, demonstrating the practical application of the circular economy in an urban context. During the discussion, the strategic partnership between Porto Ambiente and academia was emphasised as a model of cooperation capable of driving a transformation in urban management, fostering more efficient and sustainable solutions.

The second conference theme, “More Clean Energy”, focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Among the topics addressed, particular emphasis was placed on the role of photovoltaic panels in decentralising energy production and enabling the creation of renewable energy communities. The projects and content presented highlighted Porto’s efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by investing in more sustainable energy infrastructures, thereby advancing towards carbon neutrality.

In a third phase, one of the key pillars of urban transformation was explored: “Better Mobility”. The modernisation of urban transport systems was identified as a decisive factor in making the city more connected, efficient and sustainable. In this context, measures already implemented by the Municipality were highlighted, including the reinforcement of infrastructure to support transport decarbonisation – such as the expansion of public transport networks and the promotion of soft mobility modes, including walking and cycling – as well as the electrification of transport and the adoption of innovative solutions, such as hydrogen use. These initiatives reinforce the city’s commitment to a more sustainable and efficient mobility model.

Throughout this edition, TECH4 Sustainability demonstrated how collaboration between academia and the city can generate solutions with tangible impact. Porto thus positions itself as a European benchmark in innovation and sustainability, fostering cross-sectoral synergies aimed at building a more resilient, smart city committed to achieving carbon neutrality.

The Tech 4 Sustainability  website features project videos, documentaries, White Papers and photographs from the three conferences held.