Local Approaches to Achieve the Sdgs: Reuse of Solid Waste as Building Materials in Brazilian Ecovillages

Objective: This study investigates the typologies of solid waste incorporated into buildings in Brazilian ecovillages, aiming to highlight this practice and explore sustainable construction with reused materials. Theoretical Framework: The current environmental crises challenge the construction industry to overcome the linear production, consumption, and disposal paradigm, which generates excessive waste. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a framework for action, but their practical implementation remains a challenge. Ecovillages, as intentional ecological communities, demonstrate waste reuse in construction, reducing both new material consumption and waste. Relating this practice to the SDGs provides the study's contextual basis. Method: This research employed a literature review and primary data collection from ecovillage-managed social networks and websites. Data were analyzed by material type, usage, and function, correlating waste reuse with the geographical location of ecovillages. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 109 examples of solid waste reuse in 39 ecovillages across 4 out of 5 Brazilian regions. These findings were presented as an online thematic map, with descriptions and photographs of the materials used. The discussion quantitatively and qualitatively contextualizes the results within the theoretical framework, also addressing limitations. Research Implications: This research offers insights into how ecovillages' sustainable building practices can influence ecological architecture. The visual systematization of waste reuse supports discussions on integrating innovative materials and techniques into sustainable construction, advancing the SDGs. Originality/Value: This study uniquely systematizes waste reuse in Brazilian ecovillages, contributing a practical resource for promoting sustainable construction and supporting SDG implementation.