The UAlg currently has around 10,000 students, 20% of whom originate from more than 90 countries.
The University of the Algarve (UAlg) is renovating three university residences, forecasting to spend around three million euros, 80% of which will be funded by Brussels, revealed the educational institution.
In a press release, the UAlg informs that the building renovations, which began in early June, focus on the “adequate preservation and enhancement of pre-existing facilities, and improving well-being conditions and quality of life” for students.
“This intervention phase, which will include 237 beds, will thus contribute to providing an integrated and long-term response to higher education students who are away from home”, says the note.
The Algarve University explains that “it decided to carry out the referred interventions during this period, to cause fewer constraints to the normal functioning of academic life”.
The works are carried out at this time because “many students no longer have activities during June”, and school holidays last until the first half of September.
According to the UAlg, all students were informed of the ongoing procedures at the beginning of the lease agreement and accommodation, or relocation was guaranteed to all those who needed it during June at no additional cost.
“In addition to structural reinforcement, these interventions will focus mainly on the construction’s thermal behaviour and increased energy efficiency. It will thus combine rational energy consumption management objectives, according to energy efficiency principles, with the guarantee of a comfortable and healthy building”, informs the academic institution.
The UAlg explains that redesigning the sanitary installations in the three residences is also contemplated. Inaddition to the intervention in the water supply and wastewater drainage network, more efficient water consumption facilities, with water savers in showers, sinks and faucets, will be installed to promote water efficiency.
The statement also mentions that, in terms of social sustainability, one of the objectives is not only to promote “respect for the individuality of each resident but also coexistence with each other, with the adoption of shared spaces, such as the existence of a lounge, study and dining room, encouraging common living”.
According to figures from the institution, UAlg currently has around 10,000 students, 20% of whom are foreigners from more than 90 countries. Brazil, the country with the most significant representation, stands out.
