Energy efficiency must be seen as an essential pillar for the decarbonization of economic activity sectors. It is essential for the company to optimize consumption and reduce operating costs, thus increasing competitiveness and reducing the impact on the planet.

All sectors are eligible for the application of energy efficiency measures, from retail to tourism to large-scale industry. However, the sectors with the greatest potential for optimizing consumption are those that use thermal energy in their processes (steam, hot water, etc.), refrigeration, air conditioning or the use of compressed air.

According to a study by the International Energy Agency, around 30% of energy consumption in companies is waste, whether due to inefficiency of technical systems, operational inefficiency or human error.

With energy management, companies can have a well-defined energy policy, with quantifiable and achievable objectives and rationalization plans over time. This is an essential tool for making management decisions, since the more information is collected, the less the company will make decisions based on estimates and the more certainty it will have when making the right investments to obtain a greater return.

Portugal has made significant progress in the area of ​​energy efficiency in recent decades, as a result of legislation dating back to the late 1980s (following the oil shocks and the weight of the energy bill on the balance of payments, in a country with limited resources). Portugal is ahead of most European countries in this area, and has the technical expertise to reinforce the efficiency pillar as one of the most relevant aspects of the growing challenge of the energy transition.

The European Union has defined strategic objectives for the period 2021-2027, which will be the priorities of Portugal 2030.

Strategic objective 2 is a Portugal + Verde, oriented towards the green transition, monitoring the climate emergency and incorporating the goals of decarbonization, energy efficiency and strengthening renewable energies, and supporting innovation, the circular economy and sustainable mobility.

Therefore, this objective focuses on the following areas:

• Decarbonization of companies. Through the implementation of clean technologies and sustainable practices that significantly reduce carbon emissions;
• Energy efficiency. Promoted through incentives and financial support in order to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions;
• Renewable energy. The diversification of the energy matrix aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainability.

Pay attention to the notices that will appear and invest in energy efficiency in your company!