A sustainable city model
As an active member of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, Lisbon pledged in 2016 to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2030, and then to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By 2016, the city had already reduced its emissions by 42%. In order to reduce pollution caused by traffic, since 2011 Lisbon has also implemented low-emission zones(zona de emissões reduzidas). In these two areas, which cover 30% of the entire city, only Euro3 standard vehicles, or higher, are allowed to circulate. The metro, the famous streetcars and buses are efficient - the latter are increasingly electric. According to the city's own data, more than 93.3% of the population lives within 300 meters of a public transport service. The city is committed to sustainable mobility, with the largest public network of free charging stations for electric vehicles (540 in all). Several private companies offer self-service electric scooter rentals. More than 49% of the vehicles used by the municipality are electric.
A bicycle-friendly policy
Although the seven hills and small cobblestone streets are not the most suitable for bicycles, Lisbon has greatly developed its bicycle facilities. There are now 150 kilometers of separate bike lanes from the car lanes. Bicycle parking facilities have been built. Two self-sharing bicycle services are in place: GIRA, which is currently being deployed, and JUMP electric bicycles. In particular, tracks have been built along the Tagus River. You can cycle along the river from Vasco de Gama Bridge to Caxias beach. A part of this track allows to discover poems and sentences of Alberto Caeiro and Fernando Pessoa on the ground.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
To meet its emissions reduction targets, Lisbon has improved the energy efficiency of its municipal buildings, reducing their consumption by 21%. The city is also focusing on renewable energy, with solar energy production increasing by 400% compared to 2013. It wants to continue this momentum by encouraging individuals to install solar panels. All of the city's traffic lights are now equipped with LEDs, as well as much of the city's street lighting. On a national scale, Portugal is one of Europe's champions in terms of renewable energy. Almost half of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric dams and wind turbines.
Many green spaces
More than 76% of Lisbon's inhabitants are within 300 meters of a green space of more than 5,000 m². Thanks to its favorable climate and its history of trade, the city is home to a rich biodiversity. There are 2,800 species of plants and over 100 species of birds. Around the Vasco de Gama bridge, it is not uncommon to observe thousands of pink flamingos. For bird watching, the salt marshes of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve is the ideal place. It hosts more than 120,000 birds and 200 different species. An interpretation center provides an understanding of the local fauna and flora. Activities such as guided tours and workshops are offered. The Monsanto Forest, of 1,000 hectares, is the largest green space in Lisbon. After being abandoned for a long time, it is now a place for activities and walks. It is possible to go hiking, horseback riding, swimming in a pool or climbing.
The Botanical Garden is the very first botanical garden in Portugal, created in the 18th century. On 4 hectares, there are greenhouses with more than 5,000 species of plants, but also remarkable trees such as the dragon tree(Dracaena draco) or a beautiful shade(Phytolacca dioica). As for the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Sciences, it is a romantic maze of exotic and tropical plants of the rarest (more than 2,500 species). There is also a butterfly house.
The Edouardo VII Park, covering 25 hectares, is one of the largest parks in the city. Its marvelous greenhouses on the hillside, often neglected by tourists, are nevertheless sensational: palms, philodendrons falling in waterfalls, ficus and other succulent or tropical plants are crowded around small ponds, streams and waterfalls. Cats, cockerels and chickens live in close proximity. The Garden of Estrela is one of the best maintained, it is conducive to relaxation. Don't miss the impressive cactus and prickly pear trees. You can also see some parakeets in freedom.
Organic products and shared gardens
It is not difficult to find fresh and local products in Lisbon, there are markets in every neighborhood of the city. The most famous organic market is the one in Príncipe Real (Mercado Biológico do Príncipe Real), the ideal place to buy delicious fruit in a friendly atmosphere. More recently, an organic market has opened in the Lumiar neighborhood every Saturday. In the last ten years, the municipality has also developed urban agriculture. Numerous vegetable gardens and urban gardens, managed by the inhabitants, have been installed throughout the city.
In the surroundings: breathtaking landscapes and coastlines
For a nature getaway outside the city, the Serra d'Arrábida Natural Park, about 40 kilometers from the historic center, is the ideal place. Located on the seashore, this park offers beautiful views of the coastline. The Serra do Risco, its highest point, is a sublime cliff. Below, you can enjoy small white sandy coves. Portinho da Arrábida is undoubtedly one of the prettiest beaches, with its dozen houses, its cats and its seagulls. The water is a transparent blue. To learn more about the fauna of this beautiful region, visit the oceanographic museum located in the Santa Maria da Arrábida fortress, nestled on the hillside.
