DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-INNOVATIONS IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION: A THEORETICAL PROPOSITION

Abstract

Concern for the environment and the future of the next generations has been increasing in recent years, creating pressure for companies to adopt eco-innovation practices. The construction sector is one of the most responsible sectors in the world for resource consumption, waste production and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the adoption of eco-innovation practices in this sector, especially in developing economies, such as Brazil, remains little explored in the literature. Thus, the present study aims to propose a method for the development of eco-innovations that are capable, throughout their life cycle, of reducing the environmental impact in the sector. To respond to this objective, a Systematic Review of the Literature was carried out through which it was possible to evaluate the state of the art of eco-innovation in civil construction. Subsequently, a complementary review of the literature was carried out to understand how similar development proposals are constructed. With this information, a method was proposed and validated by three doctors who are experts in the area. As a practical implication, the work presents a method composed of five stages of proposed activities that, in a clear and didactic way, allows the creation of a schedule to guide managers in the implementation and management of eco-innovations in the Civil Construction sector. As a theoretical implication, the research aims to advance scientific knowledge on how to implement, manage, and evaluate this type of innovation, filling a gap in the existing literature.