CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION: REUSE OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE AS A WAY TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of the reuse of solid waste generated during the practical classes of the Technical Course in Civil Construction at CEFET-RJ. The main objective is to analyze how sustainable pedagogical practices can reduce the environmental impact of the civil construction sector, simultaneously empowering students to face global sustainability challenges in the sector. The research used quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the efficiency of the reuse of materials, such as 'argalama' mortar and PVC pipes, in two different laboratories: Masonry and Hydraulic Installations. The results show that these practices, once the obstacles are overcome, can reduce the costs of materials and the consumption of natural resources, such as water and energy, without compromising the quality of the teaching activities. The conclusions indicate that the integration of sustainable practices in technical education not only contributes to the training of professionals with greater environmental awareness, but also enables the development of solutions with this approach in real construction projects. The study highlights the relevance of technical education as an agent of transformation in the context of sustainability, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 12.