Portuguese 
Spanish 
Project Approved in the Senate Recognizes Technical Initiatives Aimed at Low-Income Families and Proposes Benefits for Professionals and Companies Committed to Social and Sustainable Actions
The Social Affairs Commission (CAS) of the Senate approved this Wednesday (21) the bill that creates the Solidarity Engineering or Architecture Seal. The proposal, which recognizes actions aimed at underprivileged communities, now moves to the Infrastructure Services Commission (CI).
The project (PL 4.553/2023) is authored by federal deputy Túlio Gadêlha (Rede-PE) and originated in the Chamber of Deputies. In the Senate, the rapporteur of the matter was senator Paulo Paim (PT-RS), who praised the initiative.
According to him, the goal is to encourage technical projects directed at low-income families, especially those included in the My House, My Life Program or in similar housing programs.
-
Key Infrastructure Projects for Brazil’s Next President: Expanding Railways to Cut Transport Costs, Reduce Truck Traffic, Create Jobs, and Boost Industries Nationwide
-
While China Builds Undersea Rail and Mexico Connects Two Oceans, Brazil Struggles with Grain Transport Due to Lack of Railways
-
Students Build Kansas’ First Hemp-Insulated Social House for a Needy Family: 85% Less Concrete, Solar Roof Returns Energy to Grid, Carbon Negative in Under 20 Years
-
China to Drill 90 Kilometers Under the Sea to Connect Two Cities Currently Linked Only by Ferry
Three Levels of Recognition
The seal will be granted in three categories — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — according to the size of the projects and the number of people benefited.
To receive the certification, it will be necessary for the company or professional to have executed projects aimed at families registered in the Unified Register for Social Programs of the Federal Government (CadÚnico).
In addition, it will be necessary to adopt sustainable practices and promote equity in the management of the people involved.
Among the types of works contemplated are structural constructions, renovations, expansions, improvements, adaptations for accessibility, and temporary installations. The public authorities may offer benefits such as tax exemptions, land grants, or use of public spaces, according to specific legislation.
Paim Advocates Congressional Action
During the presentation of the report, senator Paulo Paim emphasized that the proposal aims to stimulate the construction industry and combat the housing deficit in the country. “If millions and millions of Brazilians lack adequate housing, it is evident that the National Congress should do everything to optimize and facilitate the construction and access to housing for our people,” he stated.
Inclusion of Universal Design
During the discussion in the CAS, an amendment to the wording by senator Mara Gabrilli (PSD-SP) was incorporated into the text. She proposed the inclusion of the concept of “universal design” among the criteria for obtaining the seal.
The architectural project, according to the amendment, must meet the needs of all individuals, without the need for subsequent adaptations.
“It is a design that facilitates and brings people together; it does not exclude,” the senator explained. The regulation of the seal and the technical criteria for its granting will be the responsibility of the Executive Branch.
With information from Senate News.
