Brazil launches programme to reduce carbon footprint in construction

A new programme for the decarbonisation of the construction sector has been launched in Brazil. This was announced by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) of the Republic, according to the government website.

The programme aims to introduce more efficient construction materials and processes, as well as to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Special attention is given to thermal comfort in schools, residential buildings and public institutions.

In addition to new buildings, the project also takes into account the renovation of older structures and urban planning with an emphasis on reducing operational costs.

The project, named EDinova, brings together the federal government, experts from the public and private sectors, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the industrial sector, universities and research centres.

“Innovation is essential to address the real needs of the population: decent housing, more sustainable cities, reduced energy costs, and the creation of skilled jobs. The project is designed to bring all these aspects together,” said the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.

Another area of work will be knowledge management, addressing the fragmentation of information. The project will work on aligning information platforms and tools for calculating environmental indicators, increasing transparency, ensuring investor security, and strengthening the technical capacity of designers, builders and public officials.

The programme is expected to strengthen climate-conscious construction approaches and reduce the need for artificial climate control.

Brazil has received international recognition for the use of renewable energy sources in its energy mix: around 50 per cent of all energy and 90 per cent of electricity are generated from renewable energy sources.