Sustainable Alternatives to Concrete Applied in South America

Abstract

This research explores the feasibility of green materials and technologies in San Juan de Lurigancho (SJL), in Lima, Peru. The district is threatened by pollution caused by city factories, affecting citizens’ health. There is a need to improve the neighborhood’s safety and quality of life, summed up with a positive outlook on building sustainably, expressed by neighbors through surveys and by other authors in Latin America. The research shows how through architecture and alternatives to traditional materials like sustainable concrete and cement, the neighborhood’s quality of life could be improved by constructing buildings from new materials. Doing so would improve the air quality, address seismic concerns, and create a safe space for the community to learn, grow, and develop. An investment is needed for the project to be executed, considering the cost of implementation and the machines to produce the materials. However, it will also rely on the use of local resources, and overall, will improve residents' lives.