LIPOR is committed to transition from waste to resource management
LIPOR is committed to developing a circular economy strategy in alignment with European and national policies, such us the European Circular Economy Action Plan, Circular Economy Action Plan for Portugal and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. LIPOR strongly advocates that “waste” should be managed as a “resource”, which would see waste material regenerated and restored, becoming part of the value chain. However, as the circular Economy is about more than just waste, the circular economy business model should be complemented and supported by circularity practices, engaging the community and all stakeholders, to promote behavioural change in the entire value chain.
With these voluntary commitments on the circular economy LIPOR aims to lead in the transition from waste to resource management. With 35 years of experience in the waste sector and several successfully established network initiatives, LIPOR has been a forerunner in sharing its experience and making use of new opportunities in the field of the circular economy. Its circular economy commitments are approached from a Speed Up, Scale Up and Impact On perspective.
LIPOR's Environmental Education and Intervention Program aims to create an educational offer that encourages citizens to implement good environmental practices.
LIPOR’s annual prevention programme includes several projects and initiatives implemented across all eight municipalities aiming to prevent and reduce food waste.
The Strategic Plan for Urban Waste 2020 (PERSU 2020) is the reference instrument of the urban waste policy in Portugal.
LIPOR has defined a target of 50 kg per inhabitant a year in 2020 for selective
One public tender for catering services with fully sustainable and circular criteria.
LIPOR's activity has been guided by the commitment of its top leadership. Transparency, ethics and a strong sense of responsibility are fundamental values and lead its policy and initiatives.
In all its activities and in relationships with stakeholders, LIPOR defined, as part of its sustainable management strategy, the commitment with the standards of quality, environment, energy, health and safety, social responsibility and innovation in mind. This focused approach and strong engagement of the CEO and Board of Directors consolidates the organisation as a benchmark entity promoting CE.
The projects and initiatives that form the Environmental Education Strategy included 2904 direct actions in 2017 with 90 951 citizens participating.
In one trimester in 2017, the "Embrulha" (Pack it) project was joined by 32 restaurants in Porto Municipality, who recovered 3.24 tonnes of food waste and prevented 680 kg of CO2 emissions. 6 new establishments also received the Dose Certa certificate.
LIPOR has already reached 44,22 kg per inhabitant a year in selective collection and puts in landfill less than 3% (2,9%) of its total waste production.
The 14th LIPOR Sustainability Report was published for the 14th consecutive year in May 2018 to reporting on activities for 2017. The 2018 edition's motto is "Responsible Management Is Our Identity", reflecting LIPOR's commitment to sustainable development and resulting economic, social and environmental performance. These annual sustainability reports underline the importance of transparency and stakeholder engagement to LIPOR and its associated municipalities.