According to the company, Metro de Lisboa attained carbon neutrality in its operations on 1 May 2022, demonstrating how committed the public transport company is in the reduction of its carbon footprint while joining its activities to global climate goals.

Metro de Lisboa does not only show concern when it comes to the use of the transports. The company has also planted 4,175 trees since last year, contributing to the sequestration of approximately 2000 tons of CO2 annually, highlighting the environmental concerns of the company. Still linked to the carbon reductions, Metro de Lisboa has been continuously working on saving energy, for example by replacing regular lamps with LED lamps in 57% of the metro stations in Lisbon.

Saving water

Water conservation has also been a priority for the Metro. Over the past decade, the company have managed to decrease their water consumption by 52%. In 2022, the registered water savings were equivalent to the consumption of water by 505 households throughout the entire year.

Reducing gas consumption

Furthermore, the Metro has made significant strides in reducing its gas consumption, with a remarkable 47% reduction since 2010. The gas savings achieved in 2022 were equivalent to the annual consumption of 189 households. While saving gas, Metro de Lisboa contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as demonstrate the Metro's commitment to adopting sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations.

Save the trees

In 2022, the public transport company implemented measures to reduce paper usage, resulting in savings equivalent to the paper produced from 60 trees. Using digital solutions and promoting paperless practices, the Metro made it possible to reduce waste and minimise its ecological footprint.

Maintaining air quality

Metro de Lisboa places a strong emphasis on ensuring the quality of air within its stations. With over 4 million monthly air quality measurements, the Metro continuously monitors and assesses air pollution levels, ensuring a healthy and safe environment for its passengers. The air quality data is readily available for public consultation on the Metro's website, promoting transparency and enabling informed decisions by commuters.

The Metro has also taken steps to optimize its ventilation systems to maintain air quality while reducing electricity consumption and noise levels. By modifying the operational periods of fans, the Metro achieves a balance between providing a comfortable environment for passengers and minimizing energy waste, thus fostering a sustainable and pleasant travel experience.

Recycling clothes

In 2022, Metro de Lisboa recycled two tons of old uniforms, transforming them into 300 blankets, 300 hats, and 300 bags for distribution to the homeless population in Lisbon.

Metro de Lisboa has proven itself to be a leading example of sustainable public transportation, addressing climate change, and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Through a comprehensive range of initiatives, from carbon neutrality to energy and water conservation, as well as innovative approaches to waste reduction and social outreach, the Metro has positioned itself as a model of sustainability in the transportation sector.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos