Sustainability in civil construction applied in the construction site phase

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the theme of sustainability applied to the construction site, showing some impacts that may be imposed on the environment during the construction phase of a building and presenting some solutions to alleviate these effects. World history shows us that buildings have always been constructed to meet the immediate and basic needs of humankind. At this time of rapid growth, scant care has been taken about construction techniques or environmental conservation. Indeed, increased environmental degradation has resulted in serious risks to society and, bearing in mind that over 60% of the solid waste generated in urban centers is from construction sites, the need arises to develop techniques and solutions to mitigate these impacts. This paper seeks to present a research study and diagnosis at the construction site stage into the process of sustainability of an undertaking, with the completion of a case study. The article is structured in four parts: presentation of a brief introduction to the topic and the research methodology to be used; description of certification processes for civil construction; description of risks and mitigation of same at the construction site phase; and a case study focusing on sustainability during the construction phase of an undertaking. A sustainable undertaking is defined not only by environmental and social benefits in its use and operation, but also in its construction. This phase can cause serious damage and impacts to the neighborhood and the environment, such as depletion with excessive consumption or wastage of natural resources and increased pollution caused by poor management of the construction site. © 2011 WIT Press.