BRAZILIAN ALUMINUM - solutions for sustainable living

BRAZILIAN ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING 38 ALUMINUM AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING SOLUTIONS process from the Vanzolini Foundation are the most reputed certifications in use for green buildings. The civil construction market in Brazil demanded about 198,000 tons of aluminum in 2015, which corresponded to nearly 15% of the total aluminum consumed in that year. The world average of this segment represents about 26% of the total aluminum consumed that year. In terms of per capita consumption, the following table shows that Brazil holds still a huge potential for growth, even when it is compared to countries with a similar per capita income, like Mexico and Argentina. Per capita consumption - The Civil Construction Market - 2015 (kg/inhabitant/year) The benefits of Aluminum to civil construction Before 1920, using aluminum in construction was too scarce. The first building known for having larger use of aluminum applications for structure and finishing works was the Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931, the world’s highest building at the time. Nowadays, it is rather common to link the use of aluminum in civil construction with modern skyscrapers, exhibiting large glazed areas in valued urban regions. Besides, aluminumstands out for being versatile and featuring assorted solutions. Its properties make it a notable material for the civil construction industry for:  It is both lightweight and sturdy, which favors its use in structures.  It is durable and corrosion resistant, not only for the natural oxidation of its surface, but also for accepting application of other types of treatment.  It is flexible and can be manufactured in any shape or size.  It is reflective, both light and heat, making it a material that strongly favors energy saving.  It is safe. Using it in construction does not pose risk neither to the environment nor to people.  It is endlessly recyclable, saving 95% of energy when it is exploited, in contrast to primary aluminum. Europe Canada/USA Japan 4.5 3.0 1.5 0 Source: International entities and ABAL’s calculation 4.57 3.97 3.92 Mexico 0.52 Brazil 0.97 Argentina 1.36