In the field of energy, the Solar Campus is a testing ground for characterising, testing and experimenting with solar energy systems in real conditions. Also noteworthy are the testing laboratory for thermal insulation systems for low-cost housing (Solar Chimney project) and the laboratory for studying natural ventilation solutions in indoor environments (Natural Ventilation Laboratory project).
In the area of biodiversity and ecosystem services, Sciences, in collaboration with the plant ecology department, has been sampling all plant species and labelling the main tree species on campus since 2004.
In order to expand this knowledge, the +Biodiversity CIÊNCIAS project, winner of the 2019 sustainability ideas competition, is currently underway. This project is quantifying and mapping biodiversity within the campus and its surroundings, taking into account its intrinsic importance and its role in providing ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. These services include the regulation of air quality by green spaces. In this context, the RESPIIRA (Air Quality) project is using low-cost sensors in conjunction with epiphytic lichens to monitor air quality on campus and in its surroundings. Given that green roofs are a nature-based solution for improving water regulation in cities and thermal regulation in buildings, the Green Roof project is also investigating the use of drought-tolerant species that are more suited to the Mediterranean climate.
Ciências also promotes actions that aim to directly improve biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services within the campus. Permalab is an example of these actions. Located within the campus, Permalab promotes and demonstrates permaculture practices, exploring the use of various techniques to improve the provision of various ecosystem services in a transdisciplinary and transformative research-action environment. The FCULresta project also has a direct impact on campus, transforming an old lawn into a mini-forest with a high density of plants. This transformation will take place in a short period of time and involves dozens of volunteers from the Faculty of Sciences.