(Autormatic translation)

The Ombudsman sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Environment and Energy suggesting amendments to the PAES –  Programa de Apoio a Edifícios Mais Sustentáveis, Support Programme for More Sustainable Buildings, aimed at avoiding in the future the repetition of constraints and inquities that have led to more than a hundred complaints over the past year. 

Based on the experience resulting from the investigation of these cases – which concerned both the design of the programme and the actions of the Environmental Fund Management Services – the Ombudsman suggests that a new programme or phase of the PAES should be accompanied by a structural revision of the applicable rules and the digital platform supporting the Programme. 

This position paper identifies as a particularly urgent need to simplify and clarify the eligibility criteria and to adjust the deadlines imposed on applicants so that they are compatible with the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedure. 
 
To read the letter to the Secretary of State for Environment and Energy click here.