Contrary to what might be expected, there was growth in the construction industry market of 8,30% during the pandemic, according to the National Civil Construction Index (SINAPI), led by the 'ant' market for adaptation works and the new role of housing during this period.
The civil construction sector represents 7% of the Brazilian GDP and, in addition to being a thermometer of economic growth and job creation, it is also responsible for the use of finite resources, greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the consumption of energy and water resources . In terms of waste from operations and packaging, it is estimated that the segment is responsible for 54% of global waste.
The good news is that there is a movement seeking to rethink the circularity of this industry, led by three main strands. The first covers the wave of ESG (environmental, social and governance), which are criteria increasingly required by banks and investors to check the compliance of companies, their reputation in ESG management and, therefore, mitigate potential credit and image risks. An example in this logic comes from the BNDES, which is in the process of structuring a credit line for companies in the construction industry that prove good ESG management.
The second aspect is related to the circular economy from the perspective of innovation, through the identification and incubation of businesses that support gaps within the chain. In this sense, an example comes from Vedacit. Since 2018, the company has already invested R$ 4 million and accelerated 10 businesses, including the startup NETResidues, whose solution contributes to waste management at construction sites, and Construcode, to digitize project plans and eliminate the need to print them. documents.
When it comes to a circular economy in the construction industry, it is impossible not to mention the urgency to rethink the matrix of plastic packaging, given even the blackout of raw materials for products and packaging during the pandemic, as well as the need to generate fewer problems for waste management by construction companies. Another interesting point is the complementary chains within the construction segment. As an example, we highlight Prolata, the Reverse Logistics Program for Steel Cans, carried out by Abeaço and Abrafati, in partnership with companies in the paint segment in the country. The steel produced by this initiative is later acquired by Gerdau.
Finally, the third aspect is related to an end user who is aware of the products and their uses, in order to minimize the environmental impact and possible damage to health.
We believe there are many opportunities for civil construction to surf the ESG wave and become a successful case and a global benchmark. The way to do this involves placing sustainability as a lens to leverage innovation, whether in the construction system or in the supply chain, and, with this, increase the possibility of business perpetuity. Just open your eyes to this agenda discussed around the world.
Source: Exam – Blogs – 09/02/2021
