SB10 - SUSTAINABLE BUILDING - AFFORDABLE TO ALL

The conference Portugal SB10 - Sustainable Building Affordable to All is organized by University of Minho – UM, Technical University of Lisbon – IST and the Portuguese delegation of the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment – iiSBE Portugal in Vilamoura, Algarve - Portugal, from the 17th till the 19th of March 2010. This conference is included in the “SB10” series of international conferences that are being organized all over the world. The event is supported by high prestige partners, such as the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment (iiSBE), Ordem dos Engenheiros (OE – Portuguese Engineers Professional Association) and Ordem dos Arquitectos (OA – Portuguese Architects Professional Association). Currently it is undeniable the importance of buildings on sustainable development due to their potential environmental impacts. It is also undeniable the role that the construction sector can play against climatic changes through the integration of high performance and low emission construction solutions, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impacts throughout the buildings life cycle. Several solutions are already available on the market that allow performance improvements, proving that it is actually possible to contribute to the formulation of new construction strategies, not only with improved technical and environmental quality, but also economically feasible, innovative and capable of promoting the sustainable development. The international conference Portugal SB10 is an excellent opportunity to discuss and reflect on good technical practices applicable not only to buildings but also to urban areas and communities. With the organization of this event, we expect to share knowledge, examples and strategies, to formulate proposals that include new principles and initiatives for the creation of a more sustainable environment and to stimulate sustainable construction policies that can lead to more responsible construction, affordable to all. The subjects discussed in this conference cover a wide range of important issues related with sustainable construction. The contributions given by the authors are the reflection of profound work and critical research that will give an important contribution towards sustainable development.