Project - CENSE

The Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE) at the University of Algarve focuses on Sustainable Water and Resource Recovery and ComputationaSustainability. These two thematic areas are part of the main CENSE research center based at NOVA University, Lisbon.

At UAlg, this center conducts research on resource efficiency by “closing the loops” through enhanced recycling and reuse. This approach is a cornerstone of sustainability policies, where waste and water are viewed as valuable resources, thereby reducing the impact of human activities on the ocean. The research includes advanced studies on sustainable products for water treatment, the recovery of high-value by-products for renewable energy, the optimization of anaerobic digestion systems, the removal of emerging contaminants and micro/nanoparticles, and the development of new methods to assess the risks associated with wastewater discharge. 

Improving wastewater management not only protects ocean health but also contributes to climate resilience, public health, and the sustainability of coastal economies that rely on fisheries and tourism. Strengthening governance, enhancing public-private partnerships, and promoting community engagement are essential for driving this transition. These efforts directly support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14—by reducing marine pollution and promoting the sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems—and 7, by transforming wastewater treatment plants into resource recovery facilities that both purify water and generate renewable energy.

By intertwining research on marine conservation with clean water and energy innovation, CENSE embodies the essence of the Ocean: Blue Dialogue—highlighting how multidisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement can together support a sustainable and equitable future for both people and the planet.

  Find out more about CENSE