In Brazil, the development of the sustainable construction market has been promoted by financing from the Federal Development Bank (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social or BNDES), tax incentives in municipal laws and recent changes to the Public Procurement Law, which includes environmental measures as a criterion for bid proposals. Mostly, though, sustainable construction has been prompted by realization in the market that adoption of green construction principles offers economic advantages.
The economic advantages are mainly flowing to those that look for sustainable construction for their homes or those that add value to their brands.
Internationally known certifications, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the Green Building Council (GBC), are broadly adopted in Brazil. The accreditation is conducted by GBC Brazil and follows international principles. By 2023, Brazil had at least 3,500 buildings certified with a green certification or in the process of being certified.
Another broadly recognized certification in Brazil is Alta Qualidade Ambiental (AQUA), which is derived from the French Haute Qualité Environmentale (HQE) sustainability assessment, and consists of a methodology for certifying environmental management systems and the environmental quality of buildings.
The Federal Savings Bank (Caixa Econômica Federal) also has created a certification named “Selo Casa Azul,” intended to support and promote sustainable housing. Eletrobras, a government-owned company in the electric power sector, created the National Program for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (“PROCEL Edifica”), a certificate that measures energy performance in buildings.
From the same founders of the AQUA-HQE certification, the most recent certification in Brazil is the AQUA SOCIAL, created by the Vanzolini Foundation in 2018 to certify housing and economic developments of social interest eligible for the Minha Casa, Minha Vida Program, the federal government program that makes it easier for low-income families to buy their own homes. Certifications are voluntary in Brazil, but there is a plan for the PROCEL Edifica to become mandatory for all future construction.