Submitted by JOSIANE SANTOS DE OLIVEIRA (josianeso) on 2017-05-29T13:46:22Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tiago Bitelo da Silva_.pdf: 5257031 bytes, checksum: 4b8ed7539ed6c92fe4cb99cb8bd6f237 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-29T13:46:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tiago Bitelo da Silva_.pdf: 5257031 bytes, checksum: 4b8ed7539ed6c92fe4cb99cb8bd6f237 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-25 / Nenhuma / A sustentabilidade na construção civil ganha importância com o avanço da degradação ambiental e a necessidade premente em se otimizar recursos. Sendo este um dos setores cujo impacto no meio ambiente é dos mais significativos, prover ações que reduzam o consumo de materiais e aumentem a eficiência energética das construções tornou-se uma importante diretriz na concepção de empreendimentos. Para ratificar as ações sustentáveis empregadas, surgiram as certificações ambientais, em uma abordagem na qual pode-se, de certa forma, pontuar o quanto um edifício é sustentável. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral estabelecer diretrizes de projeto para a certificação ambiental de edifícios LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) na categoria Schools de um edifício de uso educacional, através do estudo de caso da escola SESI de Ensino Médio, a ser construída na cidade de São Leopoldo, no Rio Grande do Sul. Através da aplicação do check-list do LEED for Schools, foram identificados quais os critérios são atendidos pelo referido estudo de caso e quais deveriam ser contemplados, para viabilizar a certificação do empreendimento. Ao final do trabalho são apresentadas diretrizes de projeto a serem seguidas, conforme os níveis de certificação do LEED e um guia para certificação de outros empreendimentos educacionais. A análise deste estudo de caso demonstra a necessidade de adaptação dos projetos à normas técnicas norte-americanas e a importância da relação entre o projeto e a vizinhança onde é inserido, a necessidade de busca de materiais com certificado de origem e o atendimento a níveis de desempenho energético. Tais fatos demonstram que a busca pela certificação traz modificações de grande impacto nos projetos de instalações principalmente e a localização do empreendimento pode contribuir significativamente para sua viabilização. / Sustainability in construction has a lot of importance with the advancement of environmental degradation and the urgent necessity to optimize resources. This is being one of the sectors which impact on the environment is the most significant, and provide actions that reduce material consumption and increase energy efficiency of buildings has become an important guideline in designing projects. To ratify the sustainable actions employed, there were the environmental certifications, in an approach which can, in a way, quantify how much is a building sustainable. This study has the general objective to establish design guidelines for LEED certification in the Schools category, through the case study of SESI´s High School project, to be built in the city of São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul. By applying the check-list of LEED for Schools, the criteria already attended by the project have been identified and also the ones that should be attended. At the end of this work design guidelines are described, according to the certification levels of LEED. The analysis of this case study demonstrates the need to adapt the project to the US technical standards and the importance of the relationship between the project and the neighborhood where it is inserted, the use of certified materials and the attendance to high performance levels of energy efficiency. These facts demonstrate that the quest for certification brings great impact of changes in the projects and that the location of the project can contribute significantly to it’s viability .

Novas concepções de gestão empresarial têm surgido, baseadas no princípio que estabelece uma política de qualidade ambiental, incorporando à atividade industrial as bases da promoção da sustentabilidade do desenvolvimento. Objetivos: Avaliar o processo da certificação ISO 14001 em uma empresa do setor automotivo e o grau de conhecimento e envolvimento dos entrevistados, com relação ao processo de implantação, implementação, certificação e pós-certificação. Metodologia: um estudo de caso, com abordagem metodológica descritiva, quantitativa e qualitativa, de uma multinacional do setor automotivo, localizada no Município de São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. Alguns dos critérios para o estudo foram: certificação em conformidade com a ISO 14001; SGA implementado e em funcionamento; liderança na área de meio ambiente em nível nacional e internacional; com participação junto às comunidades do entorno, no exercício da cidadania corporativa e que concordasse e permitisse a realização do estudo, com acesso às informações necessárias. Os dados foram observacionais e obtidos por meio de entrevistas com os indivíduos envolvidos. A análise dos dados foi feita utilizando o Método de Análise de Conteúdo de BARDIN (1995). Resultados: A empresa possui mais de 9.000 funcionários, 21 setores envolvidos no processo de implementação do SGA. A maioria dos entrevistados possui curso superior completo e destes, 68,2 por cento em engenharia. As principais motivações da empresa ao buscar a certificação foram, de acordo com 43,5 por cento das respostas, a preocupação e o comprometimento com o meio ambiente e, para 34,8 por cento dos entrevistados, as exigências de mercado e o controle sobre os impactos causados ao ambiente. Após a certificação, ocorreram mudanças significativas dentro da empresa na opinião de 82,6 por cento dos colaboradores. Com relação à minimização dos riscos de novas e futuras vulnerabilidades legais e à maior conscientização e percepção dos trabalhadores em relação à questão ambiental, 95,7 por cento das respostas foram positivas. Sobre as dificuldades e conflitos encontrados durante o processo de certificação, 52,2 por cento apontaram a conscientização em todos os níveis como sendo a maior delas. Os funcionários do chão de fábrica (47,5 por cento ) sabem dizer que a ISO é relacionada com o meio ambiente. Alguns dos principais benefícios obtidos, após 19 meses da certificação, são a responsabilidade ambiental, com 43,5 por cento , e a melhoria da imagem da empresa, com 21,7 por cento das respostas. A certificação trouxe ganho para a empresa, para os funcionários, para a sociedade em geral e para o meio ambiente, tendo sido considerada a maior conquista de todas a conscientização ambiental adquirida, na opinião de 50,0 por cento dos entrevistados. Conclusões: O SGA, embora não seja a única solução para a resolução de todas as questões ambientais de uma organização, ele é uma ferramenta muito importante para o diagnóstico e gerenciamento destas questões. / New conceptions of environmental management arise all the time, based on the principles that establish an environmental quality policy, incorporating the basis of a sustainable development to the industrial activities. Objectives: To evaluate the certification process in an industry of the automotive sector and how involved the employees of the company are. Methods: ISO 14001 implementation case study, with a descriptive, qualitative and quantitative methodology, in a multinational company located in São Bernardo do Campo - São Paulo. Some criterions used to choose this company were: having an ISO 14001 certificate; an effective EMS; leadership in the environmental issues; social work with the local communities; and, most of all, that would allow this study to happen. Data were obtained through a survey technique, and a questionnaire as the main tool of the research. Data analysis was carried out through contents analysis methods (BARDIN 1995). Results: The company has more than 9.000 employees and 21 internal divisions involved with the implementation process. Most of the employees are engineer (68,2 per cent ). The decision of going after the ISO 14001 certificate was based on the companys environmental commitment (43,5 per cent ), and according to 34,8 per cent of the answers, it was motivated by the attraction of new customers and markets (or at least retain access to customers and markets with EMS requirements) and to prevent pollution and conserve resources. After the certification, 82,6 per cent of the employees said that some significant changes were made inside the company, such as: enhance compliance and reduce/mitigate risks (95,7 per cent ); enhance awareness and involvement of the employee team (95,7 per cent ). You should note, however, that developing and implementing an EMS may have some difficulties. 52,2 per cent pointed out that the environmental education is the most difficult thing to achieve. The answers obtained with the working class show that they do know (47,5 per cent ) the meaning of ISO 14001. Once the system is implemented, it is possible to realize the most relevant benefits obtained through the certification, which are the environmental liability (43,5 per cent ); and enhance image with public, regulators, lenders, investors (21,7 per cent ). The ISO 14001 certification brings improvements in overall environmental performance and compliance. Conclusions: Although the EMS is not the solution for all environmental issues, it can result in both business and environmental benefits. The standard establishes a management framework by which an organizations\' impacts on the environment can be systematically identified and reduced.

<p>Traditional product features such as price, quality and supply service have been extended and nowadays includes environmental aspects as well. It raises new and increasing demands on haulier companies. The transport sector is responsible for a large part of the pollutants causing today’s environmental problems. The business is being closely monitored and to operate environmental friendly is seen as one of the most important elements for the industry’s future development. Haulier companies must not only meet the restrictions of the government, but also respond to the customers’ demands on</p><p>environmental performance.</p><p>The aim of the study is to review the environmental demands of PNLs present customers and what they think their demands will look like in three years time. The scope of the survey is two-fold. The study will partly review if the changing environmental aspects can impact on supply service and price; and partly investigate the importance of an environmental certification. To reach the aim of the study qualitative interviews have been carried out with nine of PNLs present customers. The choice of customers has been made to represent</p><p>an overall picture of PNLs customer portfolio.</p><p>The study concluded that supply service and price is more important than environmental aspects today. The customers are prone to compromise on delivery time and price to the advantage of the environment. But it can not cost too much or take too long, and there must be a possible choice of transport.</p><p>There are today no expressed environmental demands on transport, but the conclusion is that it is only a matter of time before they will prevail. The results prove that environmental issues are estimated to be fundamental for hauliers in the future. It is seen as a competitive advantage to be at the leading edge of offering green transportation alternatives.</p><p>It is considered important today that hauliers pursue environmental issues aggressively. A certification according to ISO or other environmental management systems is considered less important. The results show that environmental management systems and an operative environmental framework will increase in importance in the future when choosing between hauliers.</p>

Traditional product features such as price, quality and supply service have been extended and nowadays includes environmental aspects as well. It raises new and increasing demands on haulier companies. The transport sector is responsible for a large part of the pollutants causing today’s environmental problems. The business is being closely monitored and to operate environmental friendly is seen as one of the most important elements for the industry’s future development. Haulier companies must not only meet the restrictions of the government, but also respond to the customers’ demands on environmental performance. The aim of the study is to review the environmental demands of PNLs present customers and what they think their demands will look like in three years time. The scope of the survey is two-fold. The study will partly review if the changing environmental aspects can impact on supply service and price; and partly investigate the importance of an environmental certification. To reach the aim of the study qualitative interviews have been carried out with nine of PNLs present customers. The choice of customers has been made to represent an overall picture of PNLs customer portfolio. The study concluded that supply service and price is more important than environmental aspects today. The customers are prone to compromise on delivery time and price to the advantage of the environment. But it can not cost too much or take too long, and there must be a possible choice of transport. There are today no expressed environmental demands on transport, but the conclusion is that it is only a matter of time before they will prevail. The results prove that environmental issues are estimated to be fundamental for hauliers in the future. It is seen as a competitive advantage to be at the leading edge of offering green transportation alternatives. It is considered important today that hauliers pursue environmental issues aggressively. A certification according to ISO or other environmental management systems is considered less important. The results show that environmental management systems and an operative environmental framework will increase in importance in the future when choosing between hauliers.

The paper identifies three topics in order to evaluate the improvements in the regulation of the National System of EnvironmentalImpact Assessment, looking to benefit the people’s trust in the environmental certification. The first one consists in the gradual transition from the prevention paradigm to the integration one, as the purpose of the different instruments that compose the system; the second involves the enrichment in the evaluation of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), by incorporating the scoping phase; and the third involves adopting additional measures that reinforce the independence of the teams in charge of the elaboration and evaluation of the EIS. / El artículo identifica tres áreas para evaluar mejoras a la regulacióndel Sistema Nacional de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental, con miras a favorecer la aparición de confianza ciudadana respecto de la certificación ambiental. La primera tiene que ver con transitar gradualmente del paradigma preventivo al integrativo como finalidad de los instrumentos que componen el sistema; la segunda, con enriquecer la evaluación del estudio de impacto ambiental (EIA) incorporándole una etapa de scoping a cargo del Estado; y la tercera, con adoptar medidas adicionales que refuercen la independencia de los equipos de elaboración y evaluación del EIA.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo traçar um panorama do gerenciamento dos processos das indústrias de fundição ferrosa no estado do Rio Grande do Sul que utilizam areias de fundição, com ênfase nas alternativas buscadas por estas empresas quanto à minimização, recuperação e destinação final dada às areias usadas. Esta avaliação foi feita enfocando desde a recepção das areias virgens, armazenamento, preparação da mistura para fabricação dos moldes e machos, até o descarte nos setores de desmoldagem e retirada dos fundidos, recuperação e reutilização das areias no próprio processo ou descarte, e a procura de possibilidades de reúso em outros processos. No gerenciamento dos processos foram abordadas ainda, questões relativas às emissões geradas durante o manuseio, armazenamento, mistura, operações de moldagem e macharia, bem como no resfriamento e desmoldagem. Procurou-se relacionar o gerenciamento ambiental adequado dos processos acima mencionados ao licenciamento ambiental e à existência de certificação ambiental. O trabalho iniciou com pesquisa no Banco de Dados da FEPAM, sendo verificado o número de fundições no estado, elaborados e enviados questionários para essas empresas, utilizando-se o método survey. Os resultados obtidos possuem uma boa representatividade, considerando resposta de 85% dos mesmos. Através dos resultados verificou-se que, apesar de 81% das empresas descartarem as areias geradas em aterros industriais licenciados pelo FEPAM, somente uma delas está procurando alternativas de reúso das areias geradas. Também verificou-se que não há uma preocupação com a minimização da geração desses resíduos. O licenciamento ambiental no Rio Grande do Sul é hoje a única ferramenta através da qual é possível exigir das empresas a adequação de suas atividades de forma a não impactar o meio ambiente. Quanto às demais questões ambientais relacionadas aos processos envolvendo areias, a percepção das empresas ainda é bastante incipiente. / This work aimed to present a preliminary evaluation of foundry sand processes management in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, with emphasis in alternatives related to sand reduce, regeneration e final destination. This evaluation was made with focuse since sands reception, their storage and preparation, till the discharge in the shakeout system, regeneration e their reuse. It also aims to relate the proper waste management to environmental license as well to the existence of environmental certification. Attempt was made to verify if the companies, in regard of their costs with new sand and molding sand disposal in specialized landfills, as well as to the requirements of environmental agency, are working in sense of seeking and implant new recycling technologies and reuse of used sands. In adition to that, it was verified if it would exist a relation between environmental license and/or certification with the sand used correct management and proper foundry sand destination. Or still, within the approach of cleaner technologies and best available techniques if the alternatives for recycling sand into their own processes or reuse in other process are being pursuited. Within the sand management, it was still approached questions related to emissions generated during handling, storage, mixing, molding and coremaking, as well as cooling and shaking. This work was developed inicially through research on FEPAM, the environmental state agency, database, where it was verified the number of foundry industries in Rio Grande do Sul state, being elaborated and sent to the companies, questionnaires using the survey method. The gotten results have good representation considering that 85% of the questionnaires had been answered.Through the gotten results it was verified that, although 82% of the companies discharge used sands in licensed landfills, in accord with regulamentation, only one of them is seeking for reuse alternatives out of the process. It also was verified that there isn’t any concernig about reducing the sand generation. The environmental licence here in Rio Grande do Sul is in fact, the only way to make the companies adequate their installations aiming at environmental protection. To the other questions related to the processes using sands, the companies perception are very incipient.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:09:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6388.pdf: 21386897 bytes, checksum: cefe21747b085edb2abd307e6772d66f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-06 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / This paper addresses the concept of sustainability and its application in construction sites. The construction sector seen as great usufruidor of natural resources and the waste generator to interfere in the natural characteristics of the environment. In order to change this paradigm is a set of necessary actions related to the integration of sustainable practices that seek to reduce waste indices, improve quality processes and qualify manpower. Seeking to identify how sustainable a construction site can be, this work proposes a methodology for evaluating the implementation of sustainability based on practices aimed at execution phase adopted by seals environmental certifications existing, through a checklist of six items: sustainable site, rational use of water, rational use of energy, materials and resources, environmental quality, and innovation processes. The main purpose of this tool is to identify good practices, scoring the situations observed and classify sites in sustainability levels. The checklist was applied in six construction systems sites and geographies distinct, aiming at studying the different occurrences. In a final step the results of the visits were compiled, and from exposure of the analyzed data it was found that the checklist should function as a guide of recommendations in the execution phase of construction. It was found a list of viability for different types of works, such as Housing Development Social Interest (EHIS), certified environmentally or not, located in different geographical regions. It was concluded that the companies visited are concerned with environmental issues in accordance with the business strategy adopted, and that sometimes occurs lack of planning, knowledge and support tools for adequate insertion of sustainable practices at construction sites. / Esta dissertação aborda o conceito da sustentabilidade e a sua aplicação nos canteiros de obras. O setor da construção civil é visto como grande usufruidor dos recursos naturais e gerador de resíduos que interferem nas características naturais do meio ambiente. Para mudar esse paradigma é necessário um conjunto de ações ligadas à inserção de práticas sustentáveis que busquem diminuir índices de desperdício, melhorar a qualidade nos processos e qualificar a mão de obra. Buscando identificar o quão sustentável um canteiro de obras pode ser, este trabalho vem propor uma metodologia de avaliação da sustentabilidade com base em boas práticas adotadas pelos selos de certificações ambientais existentes, por meio de uma lista de verificação com seis itens: canteiro sustentável, uso racional da água, uso racional de energia, materiais e recursos, qualidade do ambiente, inovações e processos. O objetivo principal desta ferramenta é identificar as boas práticas, pontuar as situações observadas e classificar os canteiros em níveis de sustentabilidade. A lista de verificação foi aplicada em seis canteiros de sistemas construtivos e localidades distintas, com intuito de observar as diferentes ocorrências. Numa etapa final foram compilados os resultados das visitas, e a partir da exposição dos dados analisados foi possível constatar que lista de verificação pode funcionar como um roteiro de recomendações para a fase de execução das obras. Verificou-se a viabilidade da lista para diferentes tipos de obras, como Empreendimento Habitacional de Interesse Social (EHIS), certificadas ambientalmente ou não, localizadas em diferentes regiões geográficas. Concluiu-se que as empresas visitadas preocupam-se com as questões ambientais de acordo com a estratégia empresarial adotada, e que algumas vezes ocorre falta de planejamento, de conhecimento e de ferramentas de apoio para inserção adequada de práticas sustentáveis nos canteiros de obras.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo traçar um panorama do gerenciamento dos processos das indústrias de fundição ferrosa no estado do Rio Grande do Sul que utilizam areias de fundição, com ênfase nas alternativas buscadas por estas empresas quanto à minimização, recuperação e destinação final dada às areias usadas. Esta avaliação foi feita enfocando desde a recepção das areias virgens, armazenamento, preparação da mistura para fabricação dos moldes e machos, até o descarte nos setores de desmoldagem e retirada dos fundidos, recuperação e reutilização das areias no próprio processo ou descarte, e a procura de possibilidades de reúso em outros processos. No gerenciamento dos processos foram abordadas ainda, questões relativas às emissões geradas durante o manuseio, armazenamento, mistura, operações de moldagem e macharia, bem como no resfriamento e desmoldagem. Procurou-se relacionar o gerenciamento ambiental adequado dos processos acima mencionados ao licenciamento ambiental e à existência de certificação ambiental. O trabalho iniciou com pesquisa no Banco de Dados da FEPAM, sendo verificado o número de fundições no estado, elaborados e enviados questionários para essas empresas, utilizando-se o método survey. Os resultados obtidos possuem uma boa representatividade, considerando resposta de 85% dos mesmos. Através dos resultados verificou-se que, apesar de 81% das empresas descartarem as areias geradas em aterros industriais licenciados pelo FEPAM, somente uma delas está procurando alternativas de reúso das areias geradas. Também verificou-se que não há uma preocupação com a minimização da geração desses resíduos. O licenciamento ambiental no Rio Grande do Sul é hoje a única ferramenta através da qual é possível exigir das empresas a adequação de suas atividades de forma a não impactar o meio ambiente. Quanto às demais questões ambientais relacionadas aos processos envolvendo areias, a percepção das empresas ainda é bastante incipiente. / This work aimed to present a preliminary evaluation of foundry sand processes management in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, with emphasis in alternatives related to sand reduce, regeneration e final destination. This evaluation was made with focuse since sands reception, their storage and preparation, till the discharge in the shakeout system, regeneration e their reuse. It also aims to relate the proper waste management to environmental license as well to the existence of environmental certification. Attempt was made to verify if the companies, in regard of their costs with new sand and molding sand disposal in specialized landfills, as well as to the requirements of environmental agency, are working in sense of seeking and implant new recycling technologies and reuse of used sands. In adition to that, it was verified if it would exist a relation between environmental license and/or certification with the sand used correct management and proper foundry sand destination. Or still, within the approach of cleaner technologies and best available techniques if the alternatives for recycling sand into their own processes or reuse in other process are being pursuited. Within the sand management, it was still approached questions related to emissions generated during handling, storage, mixing, molding and coremaking, as well as cooling and shaking. This work was developed inicially through research on FEPAM, the environmental state agency, database, where it was verified the number of foundry industries in Rio Grande do Sul state, being elaborated and sent to the companies, questionnaires using the survey method. The gotten results have good representation considering that 85% of the questionnaires had been answered.Through the gotten results it was verified that, although 82% of the companies discharge used sands in licensed landfills, in accord with regulamentation, only one of them is seeking for reuse alternatives out of the process. It also was verified that there isn’t any concernig about reducing the sand generation. The environmental licence here in Rio Grande do Sul is in fact, the only way to make the companies adequate their installations aiming at environmental protection. To the other questions related to the processes using sands, the companies perception are very incipient.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo traçar um panorama do gerenciamento dos processos das indústrias de fundição ferrosa no estado do Rio Grande do Sul que utilizam areias de fundição, com ênfase nas alternativas buscadas por estas empresas quanto à minimização, recuperação e destinação final dada às areias usadas. Esta avaliação foi feita enfocando desde a recepção das areias virgens, armazenamento, preparação da mistura para fabricação dos moldes e machos, até o descarte nos setores de desmoldagem e retirada dos fundidos, recuperação e reutilização das areias no próprio processo ou descarte, e a procura de possibilidades de reúso em outros processos. No gerenciamento dos processos foram abordadas ainda, questões relativas às emissões geradas durante o manuseio, armazenamento, mistura, operações de moldagem e macharia, bem como no resfriamento e desmoldagem. Procurou-se relacionar o gerenciamento ambiental adequado dos processos acima mencionados ao licenciamento ambiental e à existência de certificação ambiental. O trabalho iniciou com pesquisa no Banco de Dados da FEPAM, sendo verificado o número de fundições no estado, elaborados e enviados questionários para essas empresas, utilizando-se o método survey. Os resultados obtidos possuem uma boa representatividade, considerando resposta de 85% dos mesmos. Através dos resultados verificou-se que, apesar de 81% das empresas descartarem as areias geradas em aterros industriais licenciados pelo FEPAM, somente uma delas está procurando alternativas de reúso das areias geradas. Também verificou-se que não há uma preocupação com a minimização da geração desses resíduos. O licenciamento ambiental no Rio Grande do Sul é hoje a única ferramenta através da qual é possível exigir das empresas a adequação de suas atividades de forma a não impactar o meio ambiente. Quanto às demais questões ambientais relacionadas aos processos envolvendo areias, a percepção das empresas ainda é bastante incipiente. / This work aimed to present a preliminary evaluation of foundry sand processes management in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, with emphasis in alternatives related to sand reduce, regeneration e final destination. This evaluation was made with focuse since sands reception, their storage and preparation, till the discharge in the shakeout system, regeneration e their reuse. It also aims to relate the proper waste management to environmental license as well to the existence of environmental certification. Attempt was made to verify if the companies, in regard of their costs with new sand and molding sand disposal in specialized landfills, as well as to the requirements of environmental agency, are working in sense of seeking and implant new recycling technologies and reuse of used sands. In adition to that, it was verified if it would exist a relation between environmental license and/or certification with the sand used correct management and proper foundry sand destination. Or still, within the approach of cleaner technologies and best available techniques if the alternatives for recycling sand into their own processes or reuse in other process are being pursuited. Within the sand management, it was still approached questions related to emissions generated during handling, storage, mixing, molding and coremaking, as well as cooling and shaking. This work was developed inicially through research on FEPAM, the environmental state agency, database, where it was verified the number of foundry industries in Rio Grande do Sul state, being elaborated and sent to the companies, questionnaires using the survey method. The gotten results have good representation considering that 85% of the questionnaires had been answered.Through the gotten results it was verified that, although 82% of the companies discharge used sands in licensed landfills, in accord with regulamentation, only one of them is seeking for reuse alternatives out of the process. It also was verified that there isn’t any concernig about reducing the sand generation. The environmental licence here in Rio Grande do Sul is in fact, the only way to make the companies adequate their installations aiming at environmental protection. To the other questions related to the processes using sands, the companies perception are very incipient.

The main aim of this thesis is  to demonstrate and critically assess life cycle approaches’ and environmental certification (EC) tools’ potential for supporting decisions for improved environmental performance in the building and real estate sectors. Using life cycle approaches, the thesis shows that for new build and renovation cases aiming for low operational energy use that embodied global warming potential (GWP) due to material production can constitute a large portion of a building’s lifetime GWP. Therefore life cycle based information about materials’ embodied GWP needs to be made available to and utilized by design process decision makers. It was also shown that applying the Swedish EC tool Miljöbyggnad was useful in highlighting potential positive and negative changes in indoor environmental quality arising from renovation packages aiming at significant operational energy use reduction in existing multifamily buildings. However such renovation packages are not profitable from a property owner perspective. Miljöbyggnad may be useful when designing policy instruments to overcome this.    The thesis also showed that EC and related environmental enhancements contribute to achieving property owners’ and tenants’ overall strategic objectives for value creation. For property owners this arises for example through lower energy costs and attracting desirable tenants. For tenants, value creation arises as support for internal and external environmental communication. For the further development of life cycle approaches’ and EC tools’ application to buildings and real estate it is important to consider how they can be adapted to consider ‘distance to sustainable’ targets referencing for instance the planetary boundaries approach. It is also interesting to investigate how valuation of buildings and real estate may be performed in a way that expands from the current narrow focus on the economic perspective to also include environmental and social perspectives. / <p>QC 20170210</p>