Page 48 - Respond 2018 Magazine

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Construction industry’s

paths and challenges towards

a sustainable future

By Petrônio Braz Junior, Construtora Queiroz Galvão National CEO

Construtora Queiroz Galvão Brasil combines economic development and environmental
preservation in one of the most complex engineering projects in Brazil.

Performing complex engineering projects combining the developer an appointment to the ECO Amcham
population quality of life, economic development and & Estadão Award, Brazil’s most traditional seal of
environment preservation is the great challenge for corporate sustainability, created in recognition of
Construtora Queiroz Galvão Brasil (CQG) in major companies with business models that combine profit
engineering projects. Historically associated with and social responsibility.
high consumption of natural resources and energy,
the industry begins to incorporate concepts of The reduction of impacted areas began during
sustainable construction into the productive chain. We engineering studies and assessments in April 2015. The
are overcoming cost, infrastructure and technology suppression areas are located within an Atlantic Forest
challenges to become a global benchmark in green Conservation Unit, the Serra do Mar State Park, a region
building. Our projects respect the harmony among of marked topography and difficult access. The CQG
economic, social and environmental sustainability, provided a multidisciplinary team of professionals to
having construction and the environment working verify impact assessment. The work group carries out
together for innovation, job creation and income. topographic and geological surveys, field inspections,
recognition of obstacles to engineering, as well as studies
A good example of these new practices is the of local fauna and flora. The goal is to understand the
duplication of the Tamoios Highway, on the North region as much as possible in order to use the most
Coast of São Paulo, where CQG has committed to appropriate engineering solutions and to promote good
reduce cutting areas and removal of vegetation, the sustainability practices. The group’s progress in the
so-called suppression areas. The initiative earned region has already reached 70%.