Route 4: Falcão School, Horta da Oliveira (Oliveira Garden), and Alameda de Cartes Park

21/11/2024

The “Roteiros com ImPacto” continued their journey through the eastern part of the city, this time from Falcão Elementary School (Escola Básica do Falcão) to the Alameda de Cartes Park. This was the fourth edition of the initiative aimed at bringing the population closer to the measures implemented by the Municipality and its partners in the pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Speaking at the start of the route, the Vice-President of the City Council highlighted the investment “in a city that is strategic from an environmental and social standpoint, focusing on the adoption of new technological solutions and the creation of green spaces.” “Responding to the challenges of climate change is essential, and this route is an example of how we can make Porto a more conscious and more resilient city,” stressed Filipe Araújo.

Helena Ribeiro, a teacher at Falcão School, talked about the recent refurbishment of the facility, including the addition of green roofs. She explained the importance of this work, emphasizing the advantages for internal thermal regulation. The teacher also mentioned the school’s involvement in the Alameda de Cartes Park project through the program “A Nossa Escola é Verde” (“Our School is Green”), in which children actively participate by measuring the impact of the implemented solutions.

The Vice-President then introduced the educational screens displaying data such as the school’s energy consumption. Using concepts familiar to children, these screens allow students to see real consumption figures, compare rankings with other schools, and learn energy-saving tips—reinforcing the project’s educational character.

Guided by Ana Chaves, from the Municipal Department of Environmental Planning and Management, participants had the opportunity to visit the green roofs, an example of nature-based solutions designed to respond to extreme weather events, such as excessive heat and heavy rainfall. These roofs help reduce flood risk and improve thermal efficiency.

Another highlight was the “Bio Solar Roof” project, which combines photovoltaic panels with vegetation. The cooling effect of plants through evapotranspiration enhances efficiency, and any excess energy produced is fed back into the power grid—demonstrating a commitment to energy self-sufficiency.

Falcão School also runs an educational program tied to these projects, adapted to students’ curricula and incorporating biodiversity topics. Children participate in practical lessons with models and simulations, exploring real-life ecosystem examples found at the school and in the surrounding area.

Horta da Oliveira: From Organic Farming to Social Inclusion
The visit to the Horta da Oliveira (Oliveira Garden) was led by Pedro Medeiros, from the Municipal Division of Green Structures. This garden is part of the inter-municipal “Horta à Porta” (“Garden at Your Doorstep”) project, developed by Porto City Council in partnership with LIPOR. It aligns with the city’s strategy to promote urban and organic agriculture, combining environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Each plot is assigned to an individual or family, and every user has a composter, eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers. On average, each family produces around 500 kg (1,100 lbs) of organic compost annually, creating a circular approach. The site also includes a pond that collects rainwater from Falcão School, helping with water retention and boosting local biodiversity.

Horta da Oliveira goes beyond agricultural production. With a strong community focus, it encourages sharing best practices, exchanging plants and seeds, and hosting social gatherings. This interaction amplifies the project’s social impact by fostering community spirit and inclusion, notably through the involvement of schoolchildren.

Participants have access to organic farming courses, covering techniques such as composting, sustainable water use, and soil conservation. As the largest urban garden in the city, it illustrates the popularity of the initiative.

Alameda de Cartes Park: A Key Mobility Interface in the Eastern Zone
The visit to Alameda de Cartes Park, guided by architect José Lameiras, revealed the transformation of a neglected space into a model of innovation and sustainability. Covering around 40,000 square meters (430,000 square feet), the park provides a safe, seamless link among three housing complexes and nearby services, fostering urban integration.

Notable features include rainwater drainage solutions, the use of drought-tolerant meadow grass (requiring no irrigation), and natural water-retention systems that ensure controlled water infiltration and distribution. These solutions help recharge aquifers and prevent flooding.

About a thousand native trees were planted—such as poplars, pines, and oaks—replacing invasive species and reinforcing carbon sequestration. This once-vacant lot has been revitalized to become a continuous green corridor that is fully accessible. Its pathways guarantee mobility for people with reduced mobility.

Alameda de Cartes Park also stands out for preserving historical elements like the Caminho da Ramada (an old pathway), a retention tank, a 19th-century fountain, and the ruins of the former Quinta do Falcão. It is a landmark space underscoring the city’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive, and more resilient future—integrating nature, community, and history in one coherent setting.