Construction companies invest in sustainable construction sites – 11/24/2023 – Market

Civil construction is one of the most polluting activities on the planet: it generates waste, emits carbon dioxide, causes noise and consumes a lot of energy. To try to overcome these problems, construction companies are adapting their processes from the construction site to minimize the environmental impact.

Among the resources are the use of buckets and dumpsters for selective collection, cleaning of truck wheels so that waste does not spread across the street and protection of embankments for landfilling, in addition to educational activities for workers.

Many companies have sought international certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and AQUA (High Environmental Quality), which recognize sustainable buildings and constructions.

Arqos has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact (United Nations) since 2022 and implements its construction sites using recyclable and environmentally responsible materials, such as ecological enamel paint and a system for collecting water from the roofs for reuse.

The company is in the Edge certification process, and the Vista Alta Condomínio Residencial project, in Santana de Parnaíba (Greater São Paulo) is premised on reducing at least 20% in water and energy consumption compared to other buildings in the region.

According to Felipe Chukr, CEO of Arqos, To reduce water consumption, the condominium’s landscaping will be 100% native species, with low need for irrigation and use of water from rainwater catchment basins.

“To reduce energy consumption, a system of using solar energy will be implemented for common areas and the use of lighting with high-efficiency LEDs. Furthermore, the houses were designed to have thermal and lighting comfort that allows for the reduction of energy consumption.”

Trisul created the Works Sustainability Program and has an online data management system. From there, it generates economic and environmental indicators for the rational use of water and energy, and also manages waste on its construction sites.

The Oscar Ibirapuera project, launched in 2019 and delivered in 2022 in São Paulo, was the first building in Brazil to be certified with the Procel Residential Buildings Seal, managed by Eletrobras. The stamp attests to the energy efficiency of the project located in the south of São Paulo.

The project has a water reuse system for showers and taps, as well as smart light bulbs that consume 18% less energy.

For Victor Dias, sustainability coordinator at Trisul, civil construction is well advanced in terms of environmental concerns, with many companies wishing to incorporate sustainability into their processes.

“From an investment point of view, I say it’s worth it to get a conscious construction site, as the costs are negligible.”

The cost of setting up a construction site is directly related to the size of the team that will use the space. Arqos, for example, calculates that, for the implementation of a construction site that will be used by up to 550 people, the approximate cost is R$800,000.

Operating in 23 cities in the interior of São Paulo, Grupo ADN formed a partnership with Raízen Power to work only with renewable energy in construction sites, branches, headquarters and stands. According to the company, in addition to being a sustainable measure, the initiative can represent savings of 10% in the budget.

With the residential Boulevard Atlântica, América Realty focused on sustainability right from the choice of land. The developer took advantage of the topography to set up its sales stand, with a common area similar to that of the future development in Santo André (Greater SP).

Nicknamed Casa de Verão, the space will replicate an area of ​​140 m² that will have a swimming pool, gourmet space with barbecue and wood oven, swings and a large table with a cooler in the center to chill drinks. This piece of furniture, which cost the developer R$35,000, will be part of the project.

“All the linen, crockery, furniture and oven will be repackaged and delivered to the project when it is ready, or we will use it in new stands”, says Israel Eloy, president of América Realty.

“We estimate that 70% of what is on the stand will be reused. The only thing we will not reuse is flooring and drywall. The remaining 30% will almost entirely be recycled.”

The building will have apartments from 63 m² to 82 m², rainwater collection for landscaping and photovoltaic panels on the roof to capture solar energy. The average value per square meter is R$9,100.

According to Lopes, responsible for sales, 80% of the units were sold in 40 days.

Examples of sustainable practices adopted on construction sites

Efficient waste management through the implementation of selective collection and recycling systems, reducing the amount of materials sent to landfills

Use of sustainable materialsprioritizing those with environmental certifications, coming from renewable and recycled sources, contributing to reducing the carbon footprint

Energy efficiency possible by adoption of practices to reduce energy consumption, such as the use of more efficient technologies, LED lighting systems and the implementation of renewable energy sources whenever possible

Rainwater harvesting by installing our own systems.

Construction sites greensaiming not only at aesthetics, but also at improving the microclimate and absorption of carbon dioxide.

awareness and Training for the construction team, promoting sustainable practices in the day-to-day activities of the construction site

Sustainable Transport for moving personnel and materials, reducing pollutant emissions

Technological Innovations such as 3D printing of buildings, which can reduce material waste and speed up the construction process

Environmental monitoring to assess the impact of activities on the surrounding area and ensure compliance with environmental standards