Did you ever want to have a more efficient home? Since the 16th of August 2023, it has been possible, thanks to the latest support from the Environmental Fund.

Get informed about the support that started on the 16th of August and ends on the 31st of October. Read our questions and answers and stand a chance to have an eco-friendlier home by 2023.

What is the aim of the 2023 Environmental Fund?

The new program to support more sustainable buildings, managed by the Environmental Fund and promoted by the Portuguese Government, aims to fund measures that promote energy efficiency, water efficiency, housing rehabilitation, and circular economy, contributing to improved energy and environmental performance in buildings in Portugal.

With this support, it is expected at least a 30% reduction in primary energy consumption will be achieved in the buildings that have undergone intervention. Moreover, this assistance will result in improved comfort levels for residents, better indoor air quality, extended building lifespan, reduced energy bills, and decreased energy dependence, among other benefits, such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

What are the deadlines for applications to the 2023 Environmental Fund?

Applications for the 2023 Environmental Fund opened on the 16th of August 2023 and will close on the 31st of October of the same year or until the allocated funding is depleted. You can find more information on this topic on the 2023 Environmental Fund's website.

Who can apply to the 2023 Environmental Fund?

Individuals who are sole owners or co-owners residing permanently in the respective housing are eligible. Authorized heirs (holders of the head of the household) can also apply for the fund.

This incentive program applies to single-family residential buildings and self-contained units within multifamily buildings with a housing permit until December 31, 2006 (inclusive).

In the case of candidate projects for the following support, the property must have a housing permit until July 1, 2021:

• Ambient heating or cooling systems or hot water systems;

• Photovoltaic systems or other renewable energy source equipment;

• Interventions aimed at water efficiency.

Can you apply again in 2023?

If you submitted a previous application, meaning in the 2nd phase of the support program, you can do so again. However, you should be aware of the maximum limit per beneficiary of €7,500 and the maximum amounts per typology (efficient windows, air conditioning, or photovoltaic systems) mentioned above.

What is the refund from the 2023 Environmental Fund?

Each support has different objectives, so the refund amount varies depending on the cases.

• Efficient Windows

Windows are one of the main elements affecting home insulation. For this reason, they are included in the 2023 Environmental Fund support. Efficient windows prevent heat or cold from escaping, maintaining a stable indoor temperature. This element is covered in the Environmental Fund's More Sustainable Buildings Program, aimed at replacing non-efficient windows with efficient ones of the "A+" class. This support has a limit of 85% of the total value, up to a maximum of €1,500.

What should you know before applying?

• You should take photographs that prove the energy inefficiency of the old windows, showing the entire space with the blinds open.

• The company selected for the purchase of efficient windows with an A+ rating must be listed in the Class+ directory (check this link to find participating companies in the Algarve region).

• The receipt must be in the applicant's name, with detailed information about the windows and their cost.

• Air Conditioning

Portugal is among the top 5 countries facing challenges in heating or cooling homes. As a result, the 2023 Environmental Fund also includes support for the acquisition of air conditioning equipment. The More Sustainable Buildings program aims to assist in purchasing equipment with an 'A+' or higher rating, offering a subsidy of 85% of the total cost, with a limit of €2,500.

What you should know before applying?

• The chosen equipment must have a capacity of up to 12 kW, an 'A+' or higher rating, and a CE mark.

• You should hire a certified company or technician to deal with containing greenhouse fluorinated gases. Find certified technicians and companies for this purpose here.

• Solar Panels 

If you intend to invest in renewable energy, this is the moment! Under the Environmental Fund 2023, solar panels are included, which can result in a reduction of your ecological footprint and a decrease in your electricity bill. This support is covered by two programs: More Sustainable Buildings and Efficiency Voucher.

In the first program, the support comes with a subsidy of 85%, with a refund that can go up to €2,500. In the second program, Efficiency Voucher, you are granted a voucher of €1,300 plus VAT. 

What you should know before applying?

• You must make the initial investment in the installation if you are applying for the More Sustainable Buildings program, and provide proper evidence of the purchase of the new equipment;

• In the Efficiency Voucher program, only families benefiting from the Social Energy Tariff are eligible.

The 2023 Environmental Fund is a valuable support for individuals seeking to improve their homes with more energy-efficient materials and equipment. Undoubtedly, it represents an advantage for the environment, and when it comes to water and electricity bills, you may see a significant reduction. If you're considering selling your home in the future, know that having a good energy certificate can increase the final property value. For more information about the Energy Certificate, click here.