He actively participates in research and development projects focused on nature-based solutions. He led the Green Urban Living project, which developed the first Portuguese green roof system entirely made from cork industry waste (https://www.neoturf.pt/en/investigation/gul-greenurbanliving). 

Due to his expertise in green roofs, he is frequently invited to teach courses in different parts of the country and abroad, and he is a guest speaker at major international events.

Paulo Palha was the founder and current president of the Portuguese Green Roofs National Association (www.greenroofs.pt). His work includes coordinating the working group responsible for the first Portuguese technical guide for the design, construction, and maintenance of green roofs. He was also the author of the Porto’s fifth facade project (PQAP), an initiative that delivered a report to the Porto Municipality on the best approach to incorporating green roofs into the city’s strategy. The PQAP project gained international recognition and awards. 

Paulo Palha is the President of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations (EFB) and represents Portugal in the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN). 

He founded Landlab (www.landlab.pt), a company dedicated to the development and commercialization of systems that promote the water cycle, vegetation in built structures, and noise reduction. 

He is a Climate Reality Leader trained by Al Gore. 

His latest project/start-up company is focused on using plastic waste from the sea to create vertical gardens (www.wallgreen.pt). 

He is ranked 27th on the world Fairforce list, which recognizes 100 ecological design professionals who have made a significant impact on sustainability in their respective sectors. 

Passionate about the sea, Paulo Palha is an active sailor and frequently competes in SB20 and J80 racing series.