Desenvolvimento de planilha de cálculo de pegada hídrica de edificações

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources, including water, which is essential in various production stages. The water footprint of construction materials is a relevant indicator for assessing the environmental impact of buildings. This study aims to quantify and compare the embedded water consumption in different materials and construction solutions used in buildings, considering the stages of raw material extraction and production within the factory. For this analysis, a water footprint calculation spreadsheet for construction materials was developed, adapting the original CasaCO tool, which was designed for the carbon footprint of buildings. The tool enables the estimation of a building's water consumption by considering the water footprint coefficients (WFC) of the materials used, allowing comparisons and supporting more sustainable decision-making. In addition to the quantitative assessment, the study discusses construction solutions that can contribute to more efficient water management, such as environmental certifications, the use of materials with a lower water footprint, and water reuse practices. The results highlight the importance of considering the water footprint in the planning and execution of construction projects, promoting a more sustainable construction industry.