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Assessing the Sustainability of Local Construction Materials in Ecuador Through an Interdisciplinary Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Sebastián Martínes

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador)

  • Estefania Barros

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador)

  • Kristi Padrón

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador)

  • Jonnathan Aguirre

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
    Faculty of Socio-Environmental Sciences, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena 150101, Ecuador)

  • Cecilia Matasci

    (Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
    Competence Center in Sustainability, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • Eleonora Crenna

    (Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
    Institute of Sustainable Energy, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, 3960 Sion, Switzerland)

  • Marcel Gauch

    (Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland)

  • Paul Vanegas

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
    Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador)

  • Dolores Sucozhañay

    (Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador
    Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, University of Cuenca, Avenue 12 de Abril, Cuenca 010203, Ecuador)

Abstract

Worldwide, concrete is used as the material of choice in the construction sector. In Latin American countries, concrete is primarily used in structural elements, because it is a low-maintenance, versatile, and economical material. With its characteristics, concrete has made it possible to cover Ecuador’ housing deficit to some extent. However, this construction material does not entirely respond to the needs of local communities, who are especially concerned about the displacement of traditional techniques and the loss of cultural heritage. In Ecuador, different fiber- and earth-based materials have been used in the construction sector for a long time. These materials present different technical, environmental, social, and cultural characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of the production of six local materials in Ecuador under three dimensions: environmental, social, and cultural, using local data. The data were collected in local production workshops, and life-cycle-based methodologies were applied. The results showed the relevance of developing regional inventories to represent the reality of production within the territory. Additionally, integrating the evaluation of environmental, social, and cultural dimensions shed light on the current situation of the building materials production sector, identifying possible trade-offs or synergies with a sustainable and interdisciplinary approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Sebastián Martínes & Estefania Barros & Kristi Padrón & Jonnathan Aguirre & Cecilia Matasci & Eleonora Crenna & Marcel Gauch & Paul Vanegas & Dolores Sucozhañay, 2025. "Assessing the Sustainability of Local Construction Materials in Ecuador Through an Interdisciplinary Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-32, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1775-:d:1595346
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Duc Binh Tran & Van Tan Tran & Xuan Anh Pham & Van Tuan Nguyen, 2023. "A General Framework for Sustainability Assessment of Buildings: A Life-Cycle Thinking Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Hossain, Md. Uzzal & Ng, S. Thomas & Antwi-Afari, Prince & Amor, Ben, 2020. "Circular economy and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective framework for sustainable construction," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    3. Deborah Arduin & Lucas Rosse Caldas & Rayane de Lima Moura Paiva & Fernando Rocha, 2022. "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Earth Construction: A Systematic Literature Review Considering Five Construction Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-30, October.
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