Challenges and political implications of sustainable maintenance in residential condominiums in Brazil: A life cycle perspective.

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges and political implications of sustainable maintenance in residential condominiums in Brazil from the perspective of the building life cycle. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Structured questionnaires were administered to 94 participants, selected based on accessibility and interest in the topic, along with participant observation in a condominium certified by the AQUA-HQE™ Process and document analysis. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Bartlett's test of sphericity, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index, which, together with exploratory factor analysis, identified five factors that explain 45.2 % of the total variance in the data, highlighting the relevance of key variables related to perceptions of sustainability, incentives, and challenges in maintenance. The results reveal a low awareness among owners' residents about the importance of sustainable maintenance, difficulties in the transfer of information between construction companies and managers, and the insufficiency of effective public incentives. Thus, the study highlights a gap in the integrated application of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment in the construction sector, suggesting the need to develop more robust public policies and establish quantitative indicators to measure the economic and environmental benefits of these practices. In summary, the findings contribute to understanding the barriers and opportunities in promoting sustainable practices in buildings, emphasizing the importance of interventions that articulate technical, economic, and social aspects to enhance condominium management and foster more sustainable urban development.