Uso do sistema de aquecimento solar de água na habitação de interesse social: estudo de caso do Programa Lares Habitação Popular da COHAB-MG em Itatiaiuçu

Abstract

Proposal: This paper presents some results from a study that evaluated the insertion of solar water heating in the social housing produced by "LARES-Habitação Popular" Program of COHAB-MG, in small towns of the province of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It discusses the impacts of incorporating solar collectors in the habits and customs of the users and possible changes in behavior resulting from this technology. Methods/Approaches: It presents a case study carried out on the "Residential Higino da Fonseca", located in the city of Itatiaiuçu. To the post-occupancy evaluation we adopted methods such as the documentary and field survey, using direct observation and structured interviews with residents. Results: As there was positive impact user satisfaction with the financial savings generated and the comfort afforded by increasing the quality of bathing, and lack of concern with energy consumption. On the other hand, there was a lack of regular maintenance of the solar heating system, which can compromise the effectiveness of the system over time, and the disconnect between the use of technology and reducing environmental impacts. Contributions and Originality: Despite the positive impacts related to economic and cultural sustainability, the users don't make connections between solar technology and environmental sustainability. It is recommended that the incorporation of solar water heaters in the social housing is accompanied by environmental awareness actions to extend the benefits to the population for long time.