Supplier Evaluation: Graffiti Cleaning Monitoring in Lisbon, Portugal

The main goal of the project was to establish and manage a system for handling information, inspections, and controls related to tags and graffiti in the city. This included monitoring and verifying that the removal and cleaning services provided under contracts with the City Council met all agreed-upon standards.

We carried out quality control for the graffiti cleaning services provided by five different companies specialized in graffiti removal, surface cleaning, and restoration services with a team of six technicians.

Our graffiti cleaning monitoring service ensured that graffiti was removed quickly and effectively from public and private spaces, preserving the integrity of the city’s buildings and infrastructure, and included a thorough assessment of affected areas, determined the most appropriate cleaning methods for different surface materials, and ensured compliance with environmental regulations regarding chemical use and waste disposal.

For this cleaning evaluation process, we used mobility software to collect data in situ and compare the previous and subsequent situations.

Additionally, we delivered a report to the Lisbon Council establishing the actions carried out in a specific period, identifying the companies that performed best and the neighborhoods with the most significant issues in order to define an action plan.

Major cities around the world, including Lisbon, face the challenge of graffiti in public spaces. While some graffiti can be considered artistic, most are unauthorized and often regarded as vandalism that degrades the appearance of buildings, historical monuments, and public infrastructure. This contributes to a sense of neglect and disorder in urban areas, affecting residents’ quality of life and tourism. In Lisbon, where historic architecture and cultural landmarks are vital to the city’s identity, graffiti can have a detrimental impact on both the city’s aesthetics and its economy.

In recent years, the city has seen a notable increase in graffiti, especially in tourist areas and heavily frequented residential neighborhoods, that affects not only aesthetics but can also lead to long-term damage to surfaces, increasing restoration costs. Therefore, it is essential to have an effective and regular graffiti removal program.

Ensuring that graffiti is properly removed helps cities to:

• Preserve the aesthetics of the city, keeping spaces well-maintained and pleasant for residents and tourists.
• Maintain property values, especially in residential areas that might otherwise be devalued in run-down neighborhoods.
• Increase the feeling of safety, as graffiti often creates an environment of neglect that can lead to an increase in crime and antisocial behavior.
• Protect cultural heritage and the appeal and value of historic buildings.