Anthropogenic climate change can be observed every day — hotter and drier summers, frequent floods and milder winters are some of the most visible effects. Even the most ambitious attempts would not reverse the climate to pre-industrial levels. An all-European endeavour to meet the indications of the Paris Agreement would lead to one of the climate change scenarios, known as a Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP). An intermediate scenario, known as RCP4.5, is characterised by a peak of greenhouse gas emissions around 2040 and it leads to an average global temperature rise of between 2°C and 3°C. The most pessimistic scenario, RCP 8.5, simulates continuous emission growth and, in consequence, a rise in an average temperature as high as 12.6°C.
The built environment accounts for 40% of energy use-related emissions, and its largest portion is associated with a building’s energy consumption during its lifecycle. Energy is primarily used for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. Adapting the European building stock and regulations to climate change is a challenge for policymakers, designers and owners. Nowadays, solutions are based on climate observations from the 80s and 90s. The existing buildings and new investments need to adapt to future scenarios. Adapting means looking for energy-positive solutions that regenerate the environment and ensure human comfort. There is a huge challenge for Portugal to renovate its built heritage, construct for regeneration, and stand as a frontrunner of a transformation that will lead to a fruitful future for the next generations.
The Green New Deal, the Renovation Wave and the New Bauhaus are the new agendas proposed by the European Commission that look in that direction. They seek to renovate as much as 75% of the European building stock, focusing on minimising energy poverty and implementing a just transition. It opens a great opportunity for the Portuguese market and economy. We, at Dosta Tec, want to invite everyone on board for this exciting journey. Our work and research focus on going beyond outdated solutions. We innovate through design and tackle current and future problems with the required attention.
Adrian Krężlik
co-founder
