Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage in Portugal: Value Chains and Financing

On September 17, 2026, AIP – the Portuguese Industrial Association hosted the third edition of the REEValue workshops in Portugal, at its headquarters in Lisbon. The event brought together 32 registered participants from around 25 organisations – companies, consultants, public entities and financial institutions – in person and online, to share best practices, explore value chain collaboration and discuss financing for the climate and energy transition.

Programme Highlights

REEValue Platform: Conor Molloy (Autenthic Energy Management Service) presented the Carbon Footprint Calculator and companies registered on the platform during the event.
Project Impact and Value Chains: Ivan Ferretti (University of Brescia) presented the impact of the project, and Sara Di Berardino (Sammontana) the benefits of engaging the value chain.
Portuguese Perspective: Cláudia Sousa Monteiro (AEE Portugal Chapter and JLL) showed how Portugal is turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.
Best Practice Case Studies: AIP presented Portuguese case studies with verified results in energy efficiency, renewable energy and circular economy.
Financing: Compete 2030 (PT2030 incentive scheme for the climate and energy transition) and Banco Português de Fomento (financing lines for sustainability, decarbonisation and the circular economy) presented the funding available to companies, followed by an open discussion forum.

Key Takeaways

Replacing equipment with energy-efficient models – LED lighting, high-efficiency motors and compressors, heat pumps and electric vehicles – together with quick wins such as heat recovery and insulation, is the most practical first step.
Solar PV for self-consumption and the reuse of by-products reduce energy costs and emissions, with measured reductions in energy consumption of up to 83% in the case studies.
Monitoring and verifying results keeps the gains in place, and engaging the value chain extends them to suppliers and customers.
Access to funding is essential to transforming audits into tangible investments, with Compete 2030 and Banco Português de Fomento providing companies with the necessary support to make this possible.

Next Steps

REEValue is now in its final year. AIP will continue to accompany the participating companies until the end of the project, supporting the implementation of outstanding measures and the verification and correction of those already implemented.