Energy Poverty is a significant concern affecting millions of households across Europe, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities such as those living in social housing neighborhoods. This study centers on Montijo, Portugal, where the population faces challenges in maintaining adequate domestic heating at a rate significantly above the European Union average. The research aims to understand the structural factors of energy poverty in Montijo, followed by a verification of this fragility in social housing neighborhoods, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies, with the aim of offering specific solutions. The case study was chosen based on an analysis of the four municipalities that were part of the Ponto de Transição +PRÓXIMO project - an energy efficiency One-Stop-Shop: Alcochete, Barreiro, Moita and Montijo. Montijo stood out due to its particular social housing challenges and the availability of relevant data, such as the Energy Poverty Vulnerability Index and energy performance certificates of social housing units in Bairro Novo do Esteval (Montijo), referring to multi-family housing, to assess housing conditions. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with local stakeholders and surveys of residents derived from the One-Stop-Shop initiative, highlighting their experiences and coping strategies. The Energy Poverty Vulnerability Index revealed high vulnerability scores in certain civil parishes of the municipality, associated with inadequate housing and low incomes - factors associated with social housing residents. The energy performance certificates indicated widespread inefficiency, while interviews with local stakeholders and citizen surveys identified obstacles in implementing energy-saving measures and the adverse health effects of reducing heating use. The results highlight the prevalent nature of energy poverty in Montijo's social housing neighborhoods and suggest that integrated solutions are needed. These include technical upgrades - such as better insulation and improved heating systems - along with social policies such as financial aid, community awareness-raising, and greater coordination between local authorities, social services, and community organizations. National funding programs such as the Efficiency Vouchers can play a crucial role in supporting these efforts, especially in the most vulnerable areas of the social housing. Better collaboration between local authorities, social services, and community organizations is essential for an effective response to energy poverty in these communities. This dissertation provides a detailed framework for targeted interventions to improve the energy efficiency and living conditions of social housing residents in Montijo, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Supervision: João Pedro Gouveia