Proposta de modelo para seleção, gestão e avaliação de ecoinovações na construção civil

Abstract

Despite the growing global concern for the environment, the sustainability of future generations, and the increasing pressure on companies to adopt more sustainable practices, the construction sector remains one of the leading contributors to the intensive consumption of natural resources, significant waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is observed that, despite the relevance of this topic, the application of eco-innovation in the sector remains limited and is still underexplored in academic literature, revealing a significant gap in scientific knowledge. In light of this, the research problem that arises is: How should eco-innovations in the construction sector be selected, managed, and evaluated? Accordingly, this study aimed to develop a model for the selection and management of eco-innovations that contribute to reducing environmental impact throughout their life cycle in the sector. To achieve this, the Design Science Research (DSR) method was adopted as the central approach. Initially, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) identified the state of the art regarding eco-innovation in the sector, revealing barriers (organizational capabilities, demand, information, financial and human resources) and enablers (relationships, organizational direction, and market demands). Subsequently, a Complementary Literature Review (CLR) analyzed existing models to support the development of the proposed model, identifying strengths (logical data organization, graphical representation, methodological simplicity, and sectoral coverage) and limitations (overgeneralization, assessment difficulties, and sample restrictions). Based on these analyses, a theoretical model was proposed. To validate the findings from the literature and the theoretical model, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from major construction companies in Brazil and Portugal. As a practical contribution, the research offers a novel and structured model to support managers in the implementation and management of eco-innovations in the construction industry, guiding the stages of research, selection, adoption, and management. From a theoretical perspective, the study advances scientific knowledge on eco-innovation in the sector and introduces a new, adapted application of the DSR methodology for the development of management models.