CERIS Researcher Inês Flores-Colen Contributes to the Book: 108 Vozes pela Habitação (108 Voices for Housing)

Professor Inês Flores-Colen, CERIS researcher and faculty member at the DECivil of Instituto Superior Técnico, has contributed to the recently published book 108 Vozes pela Habitação (108 Voices for Housing), an initiative that brings together the perspectives of 108 experts, academics, professionals and representatives of civil society to address one of Portugal's most pressing societal challenges: access to affordable, adequate and dignified housing.

The book was officially launched on 8 June 2026 at the Lisbon Book Fair, during an event organised by Iscte Executive Education, in partnership with LeYa and Oficina do Livro. The launch was attended by the Secretary of State for Housing, Patrícia Gonçalves Costa, together with several of the contributing authors and invited experts from across the housing sector.

The publication is based on the premise that housing is a fundamental pillar of social and economic development. By bringing together 108 different voices, the book promotes a multidisciplinary reflection on the causes of Portugal's housing crisis and explores potential pathways towards more effective and sustainable solutions.

In her contribution, Professor Inês Flores-Colen highlights the importance of improving and rehabilitating the existing building stock as part of the response to the housing crisis, advocating for an integrated approach that combines building rehabilitation, energy efficiency, climate resilience and social justice.

Reflecting on her participation, she stated:

"It was a privilege to contribute to the book 108 Voices for Housing, a publication that brings together specialists and professionals from different fields to reflect on one of the greatest challenges facing our society: ensuring access to decent, adequate and affordable housing. In my contribution, I argue that addressing the housing crisis requires looking beyond the market and recognising the value of the existing building stock. Integrated building rehabilitation, energy efficiency, tackling energy poverty, climate resilience and social justice must all be part of the same equation."

Professor Inês Flores-Colen's contribution reflects CERIS' commitment to advancing research that supports more sustainable, resilient and inclusive built environments. By integrating technical expertise with broader societal challenges, her work reinforces the importance of evidence-based solutions for improving housing quality and promoting sustainable urban development.

CERIS congratulates Professor Inês Flores-Colen on her contribution to this important publication and for helping foster a broader and more informed discussion on the future of housing in Portugal.