In a statement released today to mark the reopening of parliamentary activities, an environmental association emphasized that the Assembly of the Republic, as a central democratic institution, must set an example by fulfilling its promise to achieve carbon neutrality. It should “assume a leadership role in combating climate change and actively contribute by example for Portugal to achieve climate neutrality, preferably by 2040.”
The association, Zero, underscores the urgency of implementing more stringent mitigation measures, particularly focusing on sustainable mobility and the circular economy, ensuring “the actions of Members of Parliament (MPs) align with the legislation they have approved.”
Zero stresses that the Assembly must honor its commitment outlined in the Climate Framework Law to achieve neutrality in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 (Article 73).
To this end, Zero offers several recommendations, particularly regarding mobility, which accounts for more than half of the Assembly’s emissions, covering both official and personal transportation.
The recommendations include adopting regular and flexible public transportation, limiting international air travel, and using alternative public transport for domestic journeys.
Among other measures, Zero also suggests creating a comprehensive national public transport pass (also integrating taxis, TVDE, or bicycles) or allocating a budget for this purpose for MPs, thereby setting an example for the rest of the country and other institutions.
Zero further recommends efficiency improvements in the Assembly’s buildings and the establishment of a renewable energy community engaging neighboring institutions and residents, with the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and sharing unused energy with the surrounding community, “reinforcing the Parliament’s leadership role in energy transition.”
To promote a circular economy, Zero suggests developing a Zero Waste Strategy in Parliament with clear targets for reducing water, energy, and material consumption, based on principles of reduction, reuse, repair, and recycling.
The environmental association also highlights the importance of transparency and public access to the Assembly’s Carbon Neutrality Program (PNC-AR) and the report assessing the carbon impact of its activities and operations, urging that these documents be made public, as required by law.
