Sustainability Attitudes & Behavior in Portugal

Strong Interest Paired with Real Concern

Nearly nine in ten Portuguese express interest in sustainable living, and more than half are very or extremely concerned about climate change. Unlike in some other markets, this concern is grounded in lived experience: recurring droughts and water scarcity make climate impacts visible and tangible.

Everyday Sustainability Is Household-Driven

Portuguese sustainability practices are rooted in the home. Recycling and composting (63%), energy efficiency (53%), and adjusting heating and cooling (23%) stand out as common actions. These behaviors show that households approach sustainability through practical, controllable routines rather than big lifestyle overhauls. Plant-based diets and avoiding single-use plastics are less common.

Cost Is the Critical Gatekeeper

High prices are the single biggest barrier (57%). This means sustainable living is not primarily blocked by awareness but by affordability. When eco-friendly products and services carry a premium, adoption stalls, even among consumers who are motivated. For businesses, this underscores the importance of mainstreaming affordability rather than keeping sustainability in the “premium” bracket.

Mobility and Infrastructure Gaps

Although Portugal has strong urban centers, nearly a third of people cite a lack of public transport as a barrier. Still, 43% already use public transport, biking, or walking as carbon-reduction actions. Wlingness is there but infrastructure isn’t keeping pace.