Amro Portugal’s first student housing project in Portugal has become the first new building in Portugal to achieve the highest possible sustainability certification, BREEAM 'Outstanding'.
Developed in collaboration with IPIM and Heed Capital, Amro Porto also secured Fitwel 3 and WiredScore Platinum ratings, demonstrating its exceptional commitment to health and well-being, as well as digital connectivity.
Located in the Paranhos district of Porto, a thriving university hub, Amro Porto offers 151 modern units, including studios, twodios, and doubles. Amenities include study rooms, terraces, a gym, a cinema, a MasterChef room, and outdoor green spaces. Construction was completed in October 2023, and the project welcomed its first residents in January 2024.
To minimize energy consumption, Amro Porto adopted a fabric-first approach and conducted a comprehensive Whole Life Carbon assessment throughout the design and construction phases. This analysis informed procurement strategies, promoting the use of recycled and reused materials and contributing to a 15% reduction in upfront emissions.
Amro Porto relies exclusively on renewable energy sources and features a highly efficient, fully electric heating and cooling system. Passive design strategies further optimize energy performance, reducing the need for air conditioning. As a result, heating requirements are 89% lower than standard, and space cooling demand is 67% lower. Combined with the 100% renewable energy supply, this ensures zero operational carbon emissions.
To maintain optimal comfort and efficiency, Amro Porto incorporates sensors that continuously monitor air quality, pollution levels, indoor temperatures, and real-time energy and water consumption.
Amro Partners chairman and CEO, Raj Kotecha, said: ‘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.’
