The morning of the first of two days of the “Future Visions – Towards Sustainability” project began with a tribute to Francisco Pinto Balsemão, represented by his son, Francisco Pedro Balsemão. This opened up space for the first debate on “(Un)Sustainable Materials”.
Hugo Silva (sustainability delivery manager at Nestlé), Anselmo Vilardebo (delegate administrator at SEDA), Nuno Aguiar (technical director at APIP – Portuguese Plastics Industry Association) and José Maurício Costa (Sustainability director at MEO) took the lead. “Paper should be the choice for making packaging, it is a one hundred percent renewable raw material, although it is not a solution for all types of packaging. There is a way to go”, defended Anselmo Vilardebo. “Sustainability is increasingly a competitive factor”, added Nuno Aguiar.
The second moment of discussion was focused on the challenges of sustainable housing
Matilde Fieschi
In the second panel of the day, the discussion revolved around the theme “From Home to Home: Sustainable Housing”, with a focus on Maria João Franco (communication operations manager at IKEA), Samuel Dias (architect at Samuel Dias Arquitectos), Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida (tourism and hospitality consultant at Rebelo de Almeida Consulting), João Marcelino (president of the Passivhaus Association) and Isabel Guimarães (head of Sustainabilty at Credibom). “A sustainable home is a home in which we are conscious”, commented Maria João Franco, while Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida warned about energy and water costs, as well as food waste, which occurs in hotels.
Protagonists of the third debate of the day, focused on the future of water
Matilde Fieschi
The debate “Water: what future?”, third of the day, was led by Cristina Costa (APIAM packaging and sustainability committee), Rodrigo Sengo (responsible for MSC – Sustainable Fisheries), Vera Eiró (president of ERSAR) and Rui Soares (clinical director of Termas de Luso). “Portugal has a favorable position in the management of water resources. We have had good strategic plans, which have helped us to have a direction. But managing our water starts in our home”, commented Vera Eiró.
“Stop to Think – Fuels for Growth” was the last panel of the day
Matilde Fieschi
“Stop to Think – Fuels for Growth” was the fourth and final panel of the day, which included the participation of Rui Romano (network director at Cepsa), Joana Appleton (head of investor relations & ESG at Floene), Carlos Lobo (teacher and political commentator) and Miguel Morgado (university professor and former deputy).
Joana Appleton revealed that literacy on renewable gases will soon reach schools, while Rui Romano argued that “electric mobility is fantastic, but we haven’t reached that time yet”. Carlos Lobo classified “sustainable growth” as a challenge and criticized: “We are a blessed country, we have a relevant geopolitical position and we are far from known risks. But what is the country’s objective?” “Portugal misses opportunities after opportunities. We have very big challenges ahead”, commented Miguel Morgado.
Two panels are planned for tomorrow, which will address topics such as “Recycling, Biowaste and Circular Economy” and “Food Waste”. Several workshops are also planned.
Key findings:
- Sustainability plays an absolutely decisive role nowadays and it begins with each person’s behavior, which is why “there is a need to change behavior”, argued Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida
- “Industry [do plástico] seeks to innovate and find new solutions, and there are ongoing proposals”, revealed Nuno Aguiar
- The country needs to advance in terms of collection and recycling
- It is necessary to explain to consumers why some sustainable products are more expensive
- “What can we do every day to contribute to a better planet?” was the question left by José Maurício Costa
- It is important to protect water and be aware of its importance
- “The main barrier to Portugal’s growth is bureaucracy”, said Carlos Lobo
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see code of Conduct), without external interference.
