Overview of certification methodologies for sustainable constructions of Brazilian buildings

Abstract

The terms “sustainable” and “environmentally-friendly” have been used in the construction industry field as a marketing appeal. The methodology to judge in which level a building is sustainable in Brazil is incipient, without orientation and hardly ever there is a diffusion of these methods inside Brazilian territory. Almost all developed countries have their appropriate certification methodology for sustainable constructions. Some of these methodologies could be adapted to developing countries. The aim of this work is to study the processes of environmental assessment in buildings that have been adapted in Brazil, comparing their parameters. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) imported from the United States and Alta Qualidade Ambiental (AQUA) adapted from HQE-France. Both methodologies were imported and adapted to the reality of Brazilian construction. It can be concluded that both certification processes qualitatively evaluate the specified parameters, such as energy, water and waste management, among others and need to be adapted to the countries where they will be applied, considering their specific climate conditions and legislations.