by Thaís Paiva Machado
In an era where we are already affected by the absence of control in the consumption of natural resources, a fact that requires immediate attention and action to direct sustainable development that encompasses the economic, environmental and social dimensions, including civil construction, which according to Gauzin-Muller (2002), 50% of the natural resources extracted from nature to construct and maintain in use the buildings, plus the consumption of 40% of the energy produced and 16% of water consumed, which together are responsible for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
A look at the past is necessary for there to be an advance in the techniques according to Lourenço (2002), the earth construction is the oldest and most comprehensive construction technique in nationalities and social classes. The study of this knowledge allied to new technologies intends to collaborate with the ecological and ecological and economic concerns of society. Earth as a raw material has stood out for reducing the demand for cement, minimizing transportation, high durability, low thermal conductivity, among other peculiarities of this technique. The potential of earthen architecture stands out for its significant advantages in relation to the current constructive methods, since the process is totally recyclable, regulates the humidity, saves energy and decreases the environmental contamination (PISANI, 2004).
Then we ask ourselves, why is it not extensively used around the world, for ordinary buildings like offices and houses? One of the major reasons is likely to be a lack of knowledge.