Circular economy principles applied to the execution of works of social interest

The Brazilian Chamber of the Construction Industry (CBIC) projects a 4.1% growth for the construction sector in 2024, driven by the increase in the average income of Brazilian workers. According to IPEA (2024), the habitual average income grew by 5.8% annually, with real earnings reaching a peak of R$ 3,255.00 in April 2024. Effective management of construction processes is crucial to minimize waste on building sites and invest in a skilled workforce. This study aims to analyze the waste generated in civil construction that can be reused within the context of the circular economy, reducing costs in a single- story social housing project. A practical example was employed to estimate waste generation and identify reuse possibilities: monitoring the construction of a 66.31 m² social housing unit in Lindóia do Sul, SC. Waste materials were classified, weighed, and applied in strategic locations during the monitoring. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted using Begum's equations to estimate net benefits after construction monitoring. The study concludes that construction waste can be effectively reused and that material waste is mainly correlated with unskilled labor. Proper planning, starting from project design and material selection, is essential for minimizing waste.