Comparative Analysis of Environmental Impacts Between Different Masonry and Cast-in-Place Concrete Wall Alternatives for Social Housing in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Building construction is responsible for 37% of global operational energy and 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Brazil, the sector is mainly driven by the Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (MCMV), which is currently part of the Sustainable and Resilient Cities axis, demonstrating the concern to renew itself to follow the eco-conscious line. This study sought, through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, to establish comparisons among the construction systems most currently used in Social Housing (SH), a structural wall built from concrete cast in situ and a concrete structure placed in ceramic blocks, with an unconventional construction: the compressed earth block (CEB). This study aimed to assess the potential environmental impacts of each of these inputs and to demonstrate more ecological alternatives and new opportunities for construction materials to be employed. The concrete system resulted in the highest environmental impact in construction, whereas CEB proved to be a viable and less environmentally aggressive alternative.