Sustainability in Construction: Meanings, Practices and Ideology

Abstract

The context and de assumptions of sustainability constitute one of the most evident phenomena in the last decade. Hence, the organizations are suffering strong pressures related to the economic, social and environmental dimensions, which, considering civil construction are more specifically on the use of natural resources and waste generation. The context and de assumptions of sustainability indicate a need for actions in the civil construction sector in relation to the use of materials and management of the generation and discard of construction waste. This study has as objective revealing the meanings of sustainability for civil construction companies in Curitiba focusing on the management of the waste generation and discard in the ideological context of society. The understanding and meanings of sustainability were analyzed, as well as what actions taken by the companies demonstrate more efficiency in construction waste management. The research presents a qualitative content approach and sampling of non-probabilistic nature conveniently realized until the moment of saturation of the answers of companies’ managers in Curitiba. Even considering subjectivity as to sustainability, the results identify the companies clearly understand the context and their actions are strongly focused on it. Ergo, there is a great concern about the environment conservation and welfare of the planet.