III Sobratema Forum addresses Sustainability, Certification and Management

Speaking on the theme of ‘Sustainability in Construction Processes’, Engineer José Joaquim do Amaral Ferreira, director of the Fundação Vanzolini, opened the series of presentations at the III Sobratema Forum – Brazil Infrastructure: “Innovation and Technology” which took place last October 30th at Fecomércio in São Paulo/SP, Brazil. In his presentation, the engineer pointed out the benefits that are provided by construction that is deemed sustainable. 

 

According to the Foundation’s director, Brazil is presently in the spotlight for investments in sustainable construction projects. “Several countries are seeking to invest in Brazil. The market is very active and there are opportunities for business that can afford assured, on the mark results - and that has been attracting foreign investors and companies,” he states. 

 

Based on a post-doctoral study combining knowledge of civil construction and a system of management, the AQUA certificate of sustainability was created. The AQUA certificate assesses the environmental management of construction works and their technical and architectural specificities which are: ‘Eco-Construction’, Management, Comfort, and Health.  According to Amaral, the AQUA Process assures and certifies the ‘High Environmental Quality of the Project’, which is attested by independent auditors.  

 

Among the main benefits that an AQUA certified construction project provides are: reductions in the consumption of water, energy, waste disposal and maintenance, and a contribution to the social and economic development of the region in which the project is established. 

 

We have to present sustainable solutions - and economically - and education, innovation and technology are indispensable in this process,” Amaral concludes.