Portugal: Amro Porto, a 151-bed PBSA scheme is Portugal’s first new construction to secure BREEAM’s Outstanding rating.
IP Investment Management (IPIM) in partnership with Heed Capital and Amro Partners, has achieved the highest ESG certifications for Amro Porto, its debut student housing project. Amro Porto also achieved Fitwel 3* and WiredScore Platinum ratings – the highest ranking for each respective certification.
Located in the Paranhos area of Porto within the city’s main university hub, the scheme comprises a mixture of studios, twodios and some doubles with amenities including study rooms, terraces, gym, cinema, MasterChef room and outdoor green spaces. The project was completed in October 2023 and opened to students in January 2024.
Following a fabric-first approach to reduce energy demand, a Whole Life Carbon assessment was carried out at the design stage, as well as post-construction, to calculate carbon emissions over the whole lifecycle of the building. This was critical in informing procurement strategies for the project, embedding circular economy principles by maximising the proportion of reused and recycled products – and helping achieve a 15 per cent reduction in upfront emissions between the design and construction phases.
With zero reliance on fossil fuels and a highly efficient, fully electric heating and cooling system, operational energy consumption for Amro Porto is minimal, with passive strategies in place to optimise performance, control heat gains and reduce the need for air conditioning. Data shows that heating requirements for the building are 89 per cent lower than standard and space cooling demand is 67 per cent lower, which in addition to the 100 per cent renewable origin power supply contract, brings the building into Zero CO2 emission operationally.
Sensors continually track air quality and pollution levels, indoor temperatures and real-time energy usage and water consumption, ensuring the building is always running at peak performance and providing optimal comfort for residents.
Selina Williams, executive director of IP Investment Management said: “We are immensely proud to have achieved the highest ESG certifications for Amro Porto, marking a significant milestone as the first new building in Portugal to receive BREEAM’s Outstanding rating. This accomplishment reflects our desire to create living environments that prioritise both environmental responsibility and the well-being of our residents.”
Gustavo Caiuby, board member and director of Heed Capital, said: “Our student accommodation is honoured to be the first new building ever in Portugal to receive the BREEAM’s “Outstanding” certification, one of the most prestigious sustainability certificates. This achievement reflects Heed Capital’s commitment to the best environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, topics that are increasingly crucial in the real estate sector and many other areas of business. By adopting rigorous sustainability standards, we reaffirm our role in building a more responsible and sustainable future, aligned with society’s expectations for a positive impact on the environment and the community. Implementing these practices in student accommodation is a vital step in preparing future generations for a more sustainable world”.
Raj Kotecha, chairman and CEO of Amro Partners, added: “We set out to create Europe’s most sustainable student housing portfolio, and in doing so we have set a new standard in the Portuguese market with our debut project. Sustainability is the cornerstone of our investment strategy and by taking a data-centric, whole-life approach, we are futureproofing our portfolio, creating a superior experience for our residents and proving that it’s possible to create new residential assets with minimal impact on the environment.”
