Byggsektorn genererar årligen stora ekologiska fotavtryck genom rivning av byggnader, då behovet av allt fler byggnader ökar i städerna, men det dessvärre råder en brist på exploaterbar mark. En alternativ lösning för att staden fortfarande ska kunna växa är att bygga på höjden och på så sätt förtäta städerna. Detta görs idag ofta genom rivning av den befintliga byggnaden för att kunna ersätta den med nybyggnation, vilket inte alls är hållbart. Det är inte rimligt att riva fullt fungerande byggnader av bra kvalité enbart för att öka mängden LOA1 och BOA2. Återanvändning är nyckeln för ett mer hållbart byggande och en alternativ lösning för att öka LOA och BOA är då att genom påbyggnation addera ytterligare våningar på redan befintliga byggnader. Syftet med denna utredning är att underlätta beslutstagandet i utredandet av det befintliga beståndet. Genom att analysera byggnaders potential för påbyggnation i tidigt skede så kan riskerna minimeras för oväntade kostnader.Vi har genom en kvalitativ utredning som främst tagits fram genom intervjuer med branschkunniga, arbetat för att identifiera mönster hos fyra redan slutförda påbyggnationer som gjorts av Fabege. Vi anser att genom att identifiera de fallgropar som kan uppkomma vid arbeten med påbyggnationer som ekonomiskt och tidsmässigt kan minimera risk och förhindra problem. Detta utförs i förhoppning att uppmuntra fler byggaktörer att påbörja fler påbyggnationer, eftersom påbyggnader i dagsläget associeras med krångel och oväntade kostnader, vilket gör att många aktörer inte vågar försöka. Denna metod som tas fram blir i form av en lathund som stegvis kan följas, där samtliga centrala faktorer vilka vi i denna utredning kallar benchmarks3 gås igenom. Varje central faktor som bedömdes som avgörande för en lyckad påbyggnad klassades i skala A, B och C för hur pass viktig den faktorn ansågs för att klara av en storskalig påbyggnad. Med storskaliga påbyggnationer menar vi främst större kontorsbyggnader där cirka 4–5 våningar är aktuellt att byggas på.För att enkelt kunna göra bedömningen så inkluderar lathunden ett polärdiagram där de olika faktorerna sammanställts. Genom ifyllning av denna, utifrån den befintliga byggnadens förutsättningar kan utredaren då få en visuell överblick över vilka faktorer som kan komma att vara hinder under byggarbetets gång.Lathunden inkluderar även en stegvis beskrivning på hur processen inleds för en påbyggnation och även fördjupningspunkter som ska ses över i tidigt skede för att minimera framtida kostnader och svårigheter.Nyckeln till en lyckad påbyggnation är goda kunskaper och grundligt förarbete. Därför tar vi fram denna lathund för att upplysa vad som är viktigt att se över i tidigt skede och lägger en god grund kunskapsmässigt och översiktmässigt. Detta för att fler byggnader ska kunna prövas som potentiella påbyggnationer. / The construction sector generates large ecological footprints annually through the demolition of buildings, as the need for more and more buildings increases in the cities, but unfortunately there is a shortage of exploitable land. An alternative solution for the city still being able to grow is to build on the height and thus densify the cities. This is often done today by demolition of the existing building in order to be able to replace it with new construction, which is not at all sustainable. It is not reasonable to demolish fully functional buildings of good quality only to increase the amount of LOA and BOA. Recycling is the key to a more sustainable construction and an alternative solution for increasing LOA and BOA is to add additional floors to already existing buildings by extension. The purpose of this investigation is to facilitate the decision making in the investigation of the existing stock. By analyzing the potential of buildings for upgrading at an early stage, the risks can be minimized for unexpected costs.Through a qualitative study, which was mainly produced through interviews with industry experts, we have worked to identify patterns of four already completed extensions made by Fabege. We believe that by identifying the pitfalls that can arise during construction with extension work can economically and temporally minimize risk and prevent problems. This is done in the hope of encouraging more companies in the field to start more constructions of this kind, as this type of building is currently associated with hassle and unexpected costs, which means that many players do not dare to try. This method that is developed will be in the form of a “reference card” that can be followed step by step, where all the key factors that we in this investigation call “benchmarks” are reviewed. Each central factor that was judged to be crucial for a successful extension was classified in scale A, B and C for how important this factor was considered to cope with a large-scale extension. By large-scale superstructures we mean mainly larger office buildings where approximately 4-5 floors are currently being built.To be able to easily make the assessment, the crib includes a polar diagram in which the various factors are compiled. By filling this in on the basis of the existing building's conditions, the investigator can then get a visual overview of what factors may be obstacles during the construction work.The guide also includes a step-by-step description of how the process begins for an extension and also in-depth points to be reviewed at an early stage to minimize future costs and difficulties.The key to a successful extension is good knowledge and thorough preparation. Therefore, we present this reference card to inform what is important to revise at an early stage and put a good foundation of knowledge and overview. This means that more buildings can be tested as potential additions.

The construction industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and health-related pollutants. Monitoring and benchmarking emissions will provide practitioners with information to assess environmental impacts and improve the sustainability of construction. This research focuses on real-time measurement of emissions from non-road construction equipment and development of a monitoring-benchmarking tool for comparison of expected vs. actual emissions. First, exhaust emissions were measured using a Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) during the operation of 18 pieces of construction equipment at actual job sites. Second-by-second emission rates and emission factors for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons were calculated for all equipment. Results were compared to those of other commonly used emission estimation models. Significant differences in emission factors associated with different activities were not observed, except for idling and hauling. Moreover, emission rates were up to 200 times lower than the values estimated using EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) guidelines. Second, the resulting database of emissions was used in an automated, real-time environmental assessment system. Based on videos of actual construction activities, this system enabled real-time action recognition of construction operations. From the resulting time-series of activities, emissions were estimated for each piece of equipment and differed by only 2% from those estimated by manual action recognition. Third, the actual emissions were compared to estimated ones using discrete event simulation, a computational model of construction activities. Actual emissions were 28% to 144% of those estimated by manual action recognition. Results of this research will aid practitioners in implementing strategies to measure, monitor, benchmark, and possibly reduce air pollutant emissions stemming from construction. / Master of Science

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / The professional team play a critical role during the design phase to ensure the implementation of a green building design, but in what way do they differ from a traditional design team? The research seeks to determine, whether the professional team members need to be specifically alert to green building principles and willing to learn and apply green building principles through an investigation of a commercial project case study. The research design embraces a qualitative approach through the gathering of data on the case study, where project information was examined and the professional team members interviewed. To reinforce the project specific information, professionals in the construction industry were canvassed for their opinions on the awareness of professional team members, and their willingness to learn and apply, green building principles on commercial projects seeking green star rating. The findings from the case study indicate that a non-traditional, integrated design approach stimulated the professional team‟s alertness and willingness to learn and apply green building principles to great success, as the project achieved a four star green rating. The survey found that professional‟s perceived green buildings to have a positive impact on the environment and if possible reverse the harmful effects that conventional buildings have on the environment. Furthermore, professional team‟s early involvement is highly imperative to achieve a green star accreditation. The green design process requires continuous input and sharing of information from all professional team members. The respondents who were surveyed indicated a positive attitude towards developing their awareness and willingness to learn and apply green building principles. Knowledge of green star rating requirements for commercial developments in South Africa as well as general green building principles, allow professional team members to gain a competitive edge over more traditional practitioners in the building sector. In addition, professional members who are aware and alert to green building are at a better position to successfully implement a green building design, consequently minimising the negative impact buildings have on the environment and ensure sustainability.

Construction activity is known to have a major impact on the environment and is a major consumer of a wide range of naturally occurring and synthesized resources. Despite the recognition that environmental issues are important to the survival of the construction industry, the industry continues to degrade the environment, exploiting resources and generating waste, and is slow to change its conventional practices to incorporate environmental matters as part of its decision making process. With increased awareness and knowledge of these impacts, efforts are being made to avoid these adverse effects and to work towards impact mitigation. Among these is sustainable building material selection. Building material selection is an important issue in building design and construction decision-making and environmental issues need to be incorporated into the evaluation process. The research reported in this thesis was initiated to address these issues in the UK, towards developing an assessment model for incorporating sustainability into building material selection process. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the level of awareness, knowledge and implementation of sustainable practices among architects and designers and how this impacts on their design decisions. To facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices into building material selection, a set of sustainable assessment criteria (SAC) for modeling and evaluating sustainability performance of building materials was developed. Building material can be assessed using an index system that combines the principal criteria of sustainable development. The derived criteria were assessed and aggregated into a composite sustainability index using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique which has been praised for its ability to incorporate both objective and subjective considerations in the decision process. The development of a sustainability index is a way of supporting decision makers faced with making numerous and sometimes conflicting evaluation as with building material selection. The methodology adopted in undertaking this research was the mixed method approach involving a detailed review of the relevant literature, followed by an industry-wide survey of UK architects and designers. Following this, case study was conducted to collect data for sustainability criteria used in the assessment model. The data collected were analyzed, with the aid of SPSS, Excel and expert choice software using a variety of statistical methods including descriptive statistics analysis, relative index analysis, Kendall’s concordance and factor analysis. The key finding was the existing gap between awareness and implementation of sustainable construction practices, which has led to failure of realizing the benefits of a sustainable approach to construction. The study showed a discrepancy between what architects and designers claim to be convinced about, and knowledgeable in, and their commitment and practices; they seem to be unable to translate their environmental awareness and knowledge into appropriate design decisions and are in need of a decision support system that can aid the incorporation of sustainability into building design. The model developed satisfy this gap and was validated by application to a roof covering material selection decision process for a case study building project by means of experts’ review via a survey and the findings obtained suggest that the model is valuable and suitable for use in practice. Finally, areas for further research were identified.

A construção sustentável é uma condição essencial para o alcance do desenvolvimento sustentável da sociedade. Para isso, é necessário preocupar-se com a sustentabilidade de todas as etapas do ciclo de vida de um empreendimento, desde sua concepção, passando pelo projeto, construção, manutenção, até sua demolição, considerando sempre as três dimensões da sustentabilidade: econômica, social e ambiental. Portanto, destaca-se o estudo da redução dos impactos negativos da etapa de construção de empreendimentos na medida em que a indústria da construção civil, além de grande consumidora de recursos naturais, é fonte de diversos impactos negativos causados ao meio ambiente. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta pesquisa é propor práticas a serem adotadas por empreendedores e empresas construtoras e seus subcontratados em seus canteiros de obras, visando a um processo de produção de edifícios mais sustentável em áreas urbanas. Essas práticas envolvem diretrizes tecnológicas e gerenciais, além de um guia, que propõe uma estratégia para implantação de canteiros de obras mais sustentáveis. A pesquisa, de propósito exploratório e caráter qualitativo, foi desenvolvida por meio de estudos teóricos, envolvendo revisão bibliográfica nacional e internacional, assim como observações em campo. Como principais resultados, apresentam-se: a evolução da matriz de correlação de aspectos e impactos ambientais de canteiros de obras de edifícios; a formulação de conjunto de diretrizes tecnológicas e gerenciais que visem a um processo de produção mais sustentável em canteiros de obras; e a elaboração de um guia para implantação de um canteiro de obras mais sustentável. / Sustainable construction is an essential condition for society sustainable development achievement. So, concerning about sustainability is indispensable for all stages of the building life cycle, since its conception, through design, construction, maintenance, until its demolition, considering the three dimensions of sustainability: economical, social and environmental. Hence, the building construction negative impacts reduction study stands out, as the construction industry, besides being a great consumer of natural resources, causes unwanted environmental impacts. Thus, the purpose of the research is to provide recommendable practices to be adopted by the constructors in their site works, aiming at a more sustainable production process in urban areas. These practices involve technological and managerial guidelines, besides a guide, which proposes a more sustainable site works establishment strategy. The research has exploratory object and qualitative nature, and was developed through theoretical studies, involving national and international literature review, and field observations. As main results there are: the evolution of the site works environmental aspects and impacts correlation matrix, the formulation of technological and managerial guidelines aiming at a more sustainable site works production process, and the preparation of a guide for a more sustainable site works establishment.

A presença de contaminação por substâncias perigosas no solo e na água subterrânea acarreta inúmeros problemas, tais como: risco à saúde humana e aos ecossistemas; comprometimento da água para abastecimento público; e redução do valor econômico e da função social do terreno. Embora as tecnologias de remediação sejam aplicadas para resolver problemas ambientais e de saúde pública, estas também podem gerar externalidades ambientais negativas como consumo de energia e recursos naturais; desequilíbrio do ciclo da água; erosão do solo; e emissão de gases de efeito estufa. Tendo em vista a recente ocorrência com áreas contaminadas na Universidade de São Paulo (USP) o presente trabalho visou elaborar um plano de gestão sustentável para uma dessas áreas localizada no campus USP da Capital, contribuindo com o Programa de Políticas Ambientais, sob coordenação da Superintendência de Gestão Ambiental da USP. A metodologia de pesquisa foi baseada em revisão bibliográfica sobre remediação sustentável e construção sustentável e em a análise qualitativa das ações, práticas e lições aprendidas de casos bem sucedidos de gestão das áreas contaminadas com elementos sustentáveis como subsídio para elaboração do plano. A partir da caracterização de quatro áreas contaminadas existentes no campus USP da Capital, foi selecionada a área da USP Leste para estudo de caso para promover o uso de práticas sustentáveis em campus universitário, de tal forma que proteja a saúde humana e minimize os impactos ambientais adversos. Com o intuito de buscar melhorias à gestão do campus, por meio da inserção da sustentabilidade na gestão da contaminação da USP Leste, a elaboração do plano de gestão sustentável considerou as especificidades locais nas práticas sustentáveis a serem implementadas, conforme as necessidades e diretrizes da USP. As soluções propostas incluíram a combinação do planejamento das fases de investigação e remediação com o design da construção de edifícios, que possam trazer benefícios ambientais, econômicos e sociais a todas as partes interessadas, tais como redução de custos a longo prazo relacionados à redução do consumo de energia e eletricidade pela implantação de sistemas de energia renováveis para fornecimento de energia elétrica ao sistemas de ventilação de metano / The presence of contamination by hazardous substances in soil and groundwater causes numerous problems, such as risk to human health and ecosystems; water impairment as drinking water; and reduced economic value and social function of the land. Although remediation technologies solve environmental and public health issues, they can also generate negative environmental externalities such as energy and natural resources consumption; imbalance of water cycle; soil erosion; and greenhouse gas emissions. Due to recent occurrence with contaminated areas at the University of São Paulo (USP) the present work aims to develop a sustainable management plan for one of these areas located on the USP Capital campus, contributing to Program of Environmental Policies, coordinated by the Superintendence of Environmental Management of USP. The research methodology was based on literature review about sustainable remediation and construction; and qualitative analysis of actions, practices and lessons learned applied on successful case studies of contaminated sites management with sustainable elements as subsidy for elaboration of the plan. Based upon a characterization of four contaminated areas located on USP Capital campus, the site of USP Leste was selected as case study in order to promote the use of sustainable practices on campus, through an approach that protects human health and minimizes adverse environmental impacts. In order to seek improvements to the campus management by sustainability integration in contamination management of USP Leste, the elaboration of sustainable management plan considered local specificities on sustainable practices to be implemented, according to the needs and guidelines of USP. The proposed solutions included the planning of investigation and remediation stages with the construction design of buildings that can bring environmental, economic and social benefits to all stakeholders, such as long-term cost savings related to the reduction of energy consumption and electricity by the implementation of renewable energy systems to supply electricity to methane ventilation systems

Long term durability is a major concern for wide-scale use of recycled aggregate materials in civil engineering construction. The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the damaging effects of combined wet-dry cycles and repeated mechanical loading in a recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) base course material made from recycled crushed concrete aggregate and cement. A coordinated experimental program followed by a mechanistic pavement modeling and life cycle analysis was conducted as part of this research study. This laboratory investigation was divided into three phases each consisting of both wet-dry exposed specimens (WD), and control or non wet-dry exposed specimens (NWD). Phase I experiments involved monotonic loading tests under compression and flexure to evaluate the strength properties. Phase II involved testing a total of 108 cylindrical specimens in cyclic compressive loading at three different stress ratios. After each regime of cyclic loading, residual compressive strengths were determined. In addition, the load-deformation hysteresis loops and the accumulated plastic deformation were continuously monitored through all loading cycles. Phase III included a flexural fatigue test program on 39 beam specimens, and fracture testing program on 6 notched beam specimens, each one having 19-mm initial notch. Traditional SR-N curves, relating the Stress Ratio (SR) with the number of cycles to failure (N or Nf), were developed. Fatigue crack growth rate and changes in Stress Intensity Factors were obtained to determine Paris Law constants and fracture toughness. A mechanistic analysis of a typical highway pavement incorporating RAC base was performed with KENPAVE program, followed by a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) using the GaBi software. It was found that the specimens subjected to wet-dry cycles suffered significantly higher damage expressed in terms of accumulated plastic deformation, and loss of residual compressive strength, modulus, fatigue endurance limit, and design life, compared to specimens not exposed to wet-dry cycles. Although such degradation in material properties are important considerations in pavement design, a concurrent Life Cycle Analysis demonstrated that recycled aggregate concrete base course still holds promise as an alternative construction material from environmental stand point. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:44:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANA CAROLINA DE FARIA.pdf: 3678742 bytes, checksum: 140dc6483cae0309eb8ac3a1056ce995 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-10 / Artificial lighting is essential to modern living and presents a major challenge for the twenty-first century. Many problems associated with it have become major global concerns, not only because of the scarcity of natural resources it requires, but also because of the extent of the negative consequences arising from the segment. By means of an exploratory, participatory research, and a theoretical and documentary review, with emphasis on sustainable principles, it was seen that the problems caused by artificial lighting, in addition to energy consumption, also include people s health and well-being, changes in the natural cycle of animals, plants and insects, emission of greenhouse gases, pollution and contamination of the air, water and soil. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) has been presented to the market as an efficient and sustainable product to replace the different existing lamps, while promising to revolutionize lighting in general. This study set out to explore certain aspects involving the sphere of artificial lighting, to identify problems, point to solutions and analyze why LED is the most appropriate resource available today. The survey records the many benefits of LED as a solution to the different problems identified. It is a promising, commercially available technology which is likely to be a serious alternative to conventional technologies and will increase the energy efficiency of lighting systems. LED makes a major contribution to the artificial lighting sphere, but is not sufficient to make the segment sustainable. To become sustainable, social, economic, political and environmental aspects must be addressed. / A iluminação artificial é imprescindível na vida do homem moderno e tem sido um grande desafio para o século XXI. Diversos problemas já foram identificados, o que tem sido uma grande preocupação mundial, não apenas pela escassez dos recursos naturais utilizados para produzi-la, mas pela dimensão de consequências negativas provenientes do setor. Através da pesquisa exploratória, participativa, revisão teórica e documental, com ênfase nos princípios sustentáveis, identificou-se que os problemas causados pela iluminação artificial além do consumo de energia, incluem a saúde e o bem-estar do homem, alteração do ciclo natural de animais, plantas e insetos, emissão de gases de efeito-estufa, poluição e contaminação do ar, água e solo entre outros. Os Diodos Emissores de Luz (LED) tem sido apresentados no mercado como um produto eficiente e sustentável, para substituição das diversas lâmpadas existentes, prometendo revolucionar a iluminação de modo geral. O estudo teve como objetivo explorar alguns aspectos que envolvem o âmbito da iluminação artificial, identificar os problemas, apontar algumas soluções e investigar por que o LED é o mais indicado recurso disponível na atualidade. A pesquisa registra os diversos benefícios do LED enquanto solução para os diversos problemas apontados. É a tecnologia promissora que está disponível no mercado e provavelmente será uma importante alternativa para substituir as tecnologias convencionais e aumentar a eficiência energética dos sistemas de iluminação. O LED é um fator de grande contribuição para o âmbito da iluminação artificial, porém não é suficiente para que o setor se torne sustentável. Para chegar a resultados positivos que visam à sustentabilidade do segmento, os aspectos sociais, econômicos, políticos e ambientais devem ser inseridos neste contexto.

Syftet med examensarbetet är att bidra med ökad kunskap om hur plastanvändningen ser ut i dagens  byggande och vad den har för miljö- och hälsomässiga konsekvenser. Målet med studien är även att kunna visa på hur plastanvändningen kan förändras på ett hållbart sätt. Föratt kunna uppnå examensarbetets syfte och mål har tre stycken frågeställningar formulerats. Hur mycket och vilken typ av plast förekommer i en nybyggd villa idag? Vilka miljö- och hälsomässiga konsekvenser medför den plast som används i dagens byggande? Vad finns det för alternativa material, produkter och metoder? För att svara på dessa frågor har en grundläggande litteraturstudie gjorts kompletterat men enkvantitativ fallstudie. Fallstudien utgår från en villa som är typisk för hur nybyggda villor byggsidag,  år  2018.  Objektet  som  valts  för  fallstudien  är  en  nyproducerad  enplansvilla  på  170kvadratmeter boyta. Plastprodukter har inventerats i stommaterial, installationer, emballageoch förpackningar. Resultatet  av  inventeringen  visar på att  3181 kg plastprodukter inventerats i villan vilket betyder att nästan 19 kilogram plast går åt för varje kvadratmeter boyta. Viktmässigt återfanns85 procent av plasten i stommaterial, 11 procent i installationer och 4 procent till emballageoch förpackningar. Sammanställningen visar även att en övervägande del av plasten utgörs avpolystyren (PS). Därefter är polyvinylklorid (PVC), polyeten (PE) och polypropen (PP) de mestf örekommande plasterna. Plasterna har även bedömts ur ett miljö- och hälsoperspektiv. Bedömningen utgår ifrån trekategorier; toxicitet, klimatpåverkan och avfall. Resultatet av miljö- och hälsobedömningenvisar att polyeten (PE) och polypropen (PP) är de mest skonsamma plasterna för miljö ochhälsa,  bortsett  från  biobaserade  plaster.  Den  farligaste  plasten  är  enligt  denna  studiepolyuretan (PUR) tätt följt av polyvinylklorid (PVC), polykarbonat (PC) och polystyren (PS). Miljö- och hälsobedömningen av olika plasttyper visar på att det är viktigt att plast inte ses somett material utan en grupp av många olika material med olika egenskaper som är mer ellermindre  problematiska  för  hälsa  och  miljö.  Analysen  visar  även  att  flera  plastprodukter  i byggnadens stomme kan ersättas med alternativa material och på så sätt reducera inte baramängden plast utan även de miljö- och hälsokonsekvenser som plasten medför. För installationsplast är det bästa alternativet i dagsläget att byta PVC-plast till bättre plast såsom PE och PP. Detta för att minska påverkan på miljö och hälsa både vid tillverkning ochåtervinning. För emballage- och förpackningsplast gäller det främst att minska engångsanvändningen och öka återanvändningen av förpackningsplasten. För vidare studier kan det undersökas med vilka medel kan man hjälpa beslutsfattare inombyggbranschen att välja mer hållbara material, och studera hur stor påverkan den ekonomiskaaspekten har när material ska väljas. Ett annat förslag är att titta på hur plastanvändningenskiljer sig åt för olika typer av byggnader; flerbostadshus, offentliga byggnader, fritidshus.

O alcance do desenvolvimento sustentável, envolvendo as dimensões ambiental, social e econômica, é um desafio reconhecido mundialmente, sendo a construção sustentável uma condição essencial para o seu cumprimento. Dessa forma, uma importante ação é a diminuição dos impactos ambientais da construção civil, com a implantação de políticas voltadas à redução na sua própria geração. Observa-se, porém, que nem sempre os impactos podem ser reduzidos na origem. Sugere-se, assim, a adoção de medidas compensatórias que contrabalanceiem os prejuízos gerados, de modo a restabelecer as condições ambientais existentes antes dos impactos. O objetivo desta pesquisa, portanto, é a elaboração de uma proposta para a compensação dos impactos ambientais de canteiros de obras de edifícios em áreas urbanas, observando o meio antrópico. O estudo é conduzido em duas etapas: embasamento teórico, que envolve revisão bibliográfica nacional e internacional; e elaboração da proposta para a compensação ambiental. Esta tese apresenta um método de cálculo composto por quatro indicadores: ruídos, emissão de material particulado, danos a bens edificados e ocupação da via pública. Esses, por meio da adoção de Fatores de Ponderação, têm sua relevância graduada de acordo com o meio ambiente em que o canteiro está inserido. Tais fatores são calculados com o auxílio de questionários formulados para identificar as necessidades locais e aplicados à vizinhança da obra. Por fim, o cálculo resulta em um valor que, variando de 0 a 10, determina o grau de compensação necessário para cada obra. Discute-se, então, as maneiras de transformar o valor calculado em uma compensação efetiva, assim como formas de realizar a fiscalização de sua implantação. / The success of sustainable development, universally recognized regarding the economic, environmental and social limitations it incorporates, is primarily dependent on sustainable construction. Being so, the reduction of environmental impacts by implementing effective policies during initial construction operations becomes all important, although not always possible. Compensatory measures are therefore proposed to minimize and counterbalance the losses incurred and restore the environmental conditions existing prior to impact. In concurrence, this research aims to elaborate a course of action which will compensate for impacts produced at building construction sites in urban areas by strict observance of the anthropic environment. This study comprises two phases: a theoretical basis covering a review of national and international references; and the elaboration of a proposal for environmental compensation. Also presented is a method of calculation using four indicators: noises, particulate matter emissions, damage to buildings and the utilization of public streets. Weighed factors, considering building site location, are used to give a graduated relevance to each indicator. These factors are calculated with the aid of questionnaires that seek to identify local necessities and applied to the neighborhood surrounding the site. As a result, the method produces a value ranging from 0 to 10 which determines the degree of compensation each project warrants. This calculated value is then discussed, with the objective of transforming it into effective compensation and discovering ways of supervising its implementation.