Certificações de sustentabilidade para edificações residenciais: estudo comparativo entre LEED for Homes e certificação GBC Casa

Abstract

This study presents a comparison between the LEED for Homes and GBC Brasil Casa certifications, in order to understand which one is more suitable for residential buildings and to identify possible improvements that can be made in these processes, so that more dwellings are certified in Brazil. The work is justified due to the sustainability agenda of Brazil, the housing deficit that creates a great demand for residential buildings, and the difficulty of the ecolabels in being correctly applied. Thus, the objective of the work is to compare the LEED for Homes and GBC Brasil Casa certification systems, analyzing their criteria, methodologies and process costs. This research is developed through a bibliographic review, introducing the subject of sustainable construction and environmental performance in Brazil. It then presents a brief overview of the most used certification processes in the country, such as AQUA, Caixa Azul's label and PROCEL, of the Brazilian Labeling Program (PBE Edifica). The bibliographic review is finalized with a study of the LEED for Homes and GBC Brasil Casa ecolabels, providing a detailed description of its criteria, documentation, costs and procedural fees. A comparative analysis was developed through the elaboration of tables and charts, which identify the similarities and differences between the two labels studied. From a critical analysis it was possible to conclude that the certification of residential buildings, especially in the case of single-family houses, is still uncommon. The lack of dissemination and understanding of the certification processes are obstacles to the application, due to the technical complexity of some of the labels studied. In Brazil, most of the residences are self-built, or built by little specialized staff, which makes it difficult to popularize the certification process. The paper presented conclusions consistent with the initial hypothesis, since the GBC Casa label was well adapted to the climatic, environmental and social reality of Brazil. The gross cost of this certification has been identified as one of the factors that interfere with its wide use. The work suggests that this cost could be reduced, to increase market acceptance, at the same time as a dissemination and awareness-raising work should be done. The high housing deficit and demand for housing represents a potential for the growth of certification systems. The study also opens up opportunities for conducting research in the area of ​​certifications, suggesting an analysis of Zero Energy, also a label available at LEED platform and adapted by GBC Brazil.