A importância da análise do ciclo de vida aplicada a sustentabilidade ambiental no setor da construção civil

Abstract

The increasing concern over the environmental impacts caused by the construction industry demands the development and application of tools that enable more efficient and sustainable environmental management. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) stands out as an essential methodology for evaluating and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product or service, from raw material extraction to final disposal. This study aims to explore in detail the application of LCA in the construction industry, with an emphasis on reinforced concrete buildings, demonstrating how this tool can contribute to more informed and sustainable decision-making processes. The research contextualizes LCA within the current environmental challenges, describes its main phases – goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and result interpretation – and provides practical examples of its implementation. Moreover, the advantages of LCA are discussed, including the identification of improvement opportunities in processes and products, optimization of material usage, and reduction of carbon emissions, as well as its limitations, such as the complexity of data collection and the need for methodology standardization. The contribution of this study lies in the theoretical and practical integration of LCA with environmental management in the construction industry, offering valuable insights for public and private organizations aiming to reduce their environmental impacts and align with global sustainability goals. The study emphasizes the importance of LCA as a strategic management tool to promote more efficient, economically viable, and environmentally responsible constructions, meeting the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the construction sector.