Circularity as a Sustainable Alternative in the Self-Construction of Housing in Vulnerable Areas of Latin America

Abstract

This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of incorporating by-products derived from construction and demolition waste, as well as recycled materials, in the construction of enclosures for social housing invulnerableareas.It is applied toa case study in the city ofTemuco (Chile), comparing the proposed solution with a conventional construction method and with other studies that also employ by-products in building. The methodology includes cost analysis based on construction databases and the architectural project to determine resources and economic and environmental impacts. The environmental assessment is carried out using indicators such as carbon footprint, ecological footprint, embodied energy, and the generation of construction and demolition waste, using specialized databases such as Ecoinvent and SimaPro. The results show that the use of by-products not only reduces construction costs but also lowers environmental impact, promotes the circular economy, and supports local employment. Comparison with other studies indicates that the proposal offers economic and environmental advantages. However, the use of cement is identified as a major contributor to environmental impact, highlighting the need to explore more sustainable alternatives in future research. In conclusion, the study confirms the economic and environmental viability of sustainable construction solutions in social housing in vulnerable areas, contributing to the development of more responsible and resilient practices in the construction sector.