Exploring sustainable construction: implications from Latin America

Abstract

The outcomes and implications from the regional Latin America and the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Building (SB04) are considered in conjunction with the current regional context. To understand the development of a Latin American approach to sustainable development in the property and construction sector, it is necessary to include the unique economic, social and natural problems faced by most of its countries. This unique context differentiates it from other regions and includes poverty reduction, maintaining economic growth, enhancing income distribution and coping with the unplanned growth of cities. The importance of a regional approach is highlighted and an overview provided on how sustainability relates to context specificities. Courses of action are suggested for major actors to accelerate progress towards sustainable building and construction implementation, including the development of new regional capabilities and networks, education and training, appropriate financial mechanisms and public policies, the use of appropriate technologies, and the development of appropriate metrics and assessment mechanisms to reflect local and regional needs.