Sustainable Construction in the Brazilian Amazon: an Analysis of Environmental Certifications Aligned with the 2030 Agenda
Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how environmental certifications applied to the construction sector contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Brazilian Amazon, with the aim of promoting sustainable development practices aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in sustainability theories and international environmental policies such as the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 21. It emphasizes the importance of certifications like LEED, GBC Brasil, AQUA-HQE, and the Casa + Azul Seal as mechanisms for environmental regulation and socio-environmental responsibility. Method: This qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research was conducted through literature review and document analysis. Data were collected from official reports, institutional platforms, and academic databases to analyze certification criteria and correlate them with 16 SDGs relevant to the Amazon context. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that certifications positively impact at least 10 SDGs through 16 specific targets, especially those related to health, water, energy, education, decent work, innovation, and biodiversity. The discussion highlights disparities in certification distribution across Brazilian regions and reflects on the challenges and opportunities for expanding these practices in the Amazon. Research Implications: The study offers practical and theoretical contributions by demonstrating how certifications can act as catalysts for sustainable construction in environmentally sensitive regions. The implications extend to public policies, urban planning, education, and ESG investment strategies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering an original correlation between certification systems and the SDGs in the Brazilian Amazon, an underexplored context in the field of sustainability. The findings reinforce the relevance of certification as a strategic tool for promoting socio-environmental transformation in developing regions.
Authors
- Iêdo Souza Santos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2563-3245)
- Manoel Tavares de Paula (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8795-8830)
- Bruce Correa
- Marcelo José Raiol Souza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5998-5041)
- Alice Maely Almeida Lima (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2019-1595)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental
- Published
- 2025-05-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v19n5-008
- Primary Topic
- Sustainable Building Design and Assessment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00