At just 19 years old, José is already contributing to the environmental transition of Guimarães, the European Green Capital 2026. A former athlete and now coordinator of the Department of Ethics and Inclusion at his local sports club, Xico Andebol, he combines sport, community engagement and sustainability in his daily work, while studying public administration at university.
Growing up in Guimarães, but with family roots in rural Portugal, José Fernandes developed a strong connection to nature from an early age. “My family comes from a rural environment, so we’ve always had a close relationship with nature”, he explains. This background continues to influence his values and motivates his engagement with sustainability today.
Turning sport into a driver of sustainability
In Guimarães, sustainability is the result of long-term planning rather than recent change. José Fernandes sees the Green Capital title as both recognition and responsibility, reflecting years of structural investment across the city.
Sport is one of the areas where this transition becomes visible. At his club, more than 190 photovoltaic panels have been installed, contributing to a renewable energy community that supports over 50 families with more affordable electricity. The club is also part of the ‘Sport Carbon Zero’ programme, aimed at reducing emissions across local institutions.
Beyond large-scale initiatives, incremental improvements have also played a key role. By upgrading lighting systems, installing water-efficient equipment and improving infrastructure, the club has reduced its electricity consumption by around 60% since 2019.
“These are small changes, but over time they create a big impact”, said José.
From community impact to individual action
For José, sport has long been a tool for social transformation, and it can play a similar role in sustainability. By embedding environmental practices into everyday activities, sports organisations can influence behaviours and raise awareness among younger generations.
This approach extends to his personal life. He relies on public transport for long-distance travel and adopts simple habits such as waste separation, reflecting his belief in collective responsibility.
“I think if everyone does their small part, things can improve”, José states.
Giving young people a role in change
A key lesson from his experience is that young people engage more when they are given responsibility. His own involvement deepened when he took on a leadership role within his club.
“That sense of responsibility makes you feel that you can actually change something”, he explains.
Through initiatives such as educational sessions and sustainability-focused activities, the club encourages young people to take part in shaping their community. For José Fernandes, this is essential: sustainability is not only about infrastructure, but about building awareness and long-term commitment.
Looking beyond the Green Capital year
José highlights that Guimarães’ progress began well before receiving the European Green Capital title. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and continue embedding sustainability into everyday practices.
At a broader level, he points to Portugal’s growing investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a sign of positive change.
Ultimately, he believes the future depends on empowering the next generation. By combining responsibility, education and community engagement, young people can play a decisive role in driving long-term environmental transformation.
