This research study analysed the effect of adding fine—fMRA (0.25% and 50%)—and coarse—cMRA (0%, 25% and 50%)—mixed recycled aggregate both individually and simultaneously in the development of sustainable recycled concretes that require a lower consumption of natural resources. For this purpose, we first conducted a physical and mechanical characterisation of the new recycled raw materials and then analysed the effect of its addition on fresh and hardened new concretes. The results highlight that the addition of fMRA and/or cMRA does not cause a loss of workability in the new concrete but does increase the amount of entrained air. Regarding compressive strength, we observed that fMRA and/or cMRA cause a maximum increase of +12.4% compared with conventional concrete. Tensile strength increases with the addition of fMRA (between 8.7% and 5.5%) and decreases with the use of either cMRA or fMRA + cMRA (between 4.6% and 7%). The addition of fMRA mitigates the adverse effect that using cMRA has on tensile strength. Regarding watertightness, all designed concretes have a structure that is impermeable to water. Lastly, the results show the feasibility of using these concretes to design elements with a characteristic strength of 25 MPa and that the optimal percentage of fMRA replacement is 25%.

The aim of this documentary review was to determine the level of scientific production on environmental analysis tools and certifications for sustainable cities and communities, or “Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment Tools”, worldwide between the years 2016 and 2023, considering as a precedent the appearance of the SDG 2030 and SDG 11. The analysis developed in this work was carried out based on WoS, Scopus and ScienceDirect. The eligibility of the results of 685 potential articles, in addition to complementary articles, was evaluated, leading to 27 selected reviews. Our analysis revealed the main and most recent results post implementation of sustainability measures, identifying limitations, success factors, trends and forecasts for the future selection, development or improvement of evaluation tools for the sustainability of human sites and describing strategies specific to local realities, which are valid from a global point of view but include the particularities of distinct communities in specific places.

This research raises questions about the possibilities and options of using the BIM methodology associated with software for the wood design and construction of structure modeling along an asset’s cycle life. Likewise, several academic and research initiatives are reviewed. In this sense, this paper aims to establish an appropriate link between two agendas that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, academia, and governments normally handle separately. By conducting several literature reviews (book, journals, and congresses) and extensive software tests (BIM software: Revit v2023, Archicad v27, Tekla, and wood plug-ins: AGACAD, Archiframe, Timber Framing 2015, WoodStud Frame, etc.), the state-of-the-art was assessed in both fields, and several cases linking BIM and wood are shown in detail and discussed. Various theoretical samples are modelled and shown, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and stage are explained. On the other hand, although wood construction has been most common for hundreds of years, this is not the case of BIM software developments associated with this materiality. Furthermore, since the appearance of materials such as steel and reinforced concrete, all software developments have focused on these materials, leaving aside the possibility of developing applications for use in wood projects. According to that previously discussed, it can be concluded that BIM for wood has been used more frequently in academia, that both fields have several common processes, and, in many cases, that only a few BIM-wood tools have been used, thus disregarding the high potential and high level of benefits that result with the application of these methodologies for the complete building life cycle (design, construction, and operation).

BIM models are seldom used for the energy certification of buildings. This paper discusses the advantages of linking two important fields: building information modeling (BIM) and building environmental assessment methods (BEAM), presented as a rating system and a proposal for the Chilean context. The state of the art in both fields around the world is discussed, with an in-depth examination of current BIM software and related applications, followed by a discussion about previous research on integrating them. A lack of interoperability and data losses between BIM and BEM were found. A new tool is presented that addresses these challenges to ensure accurate rating system data, and this new framework is based on database exchange and takes crucial information from BIM to BEAM platforms. The development of the method includes BIM programming (API), database links, and spreadsheets for a Chilean building energy certification through a new tool, also applicable to multiclimactic zones. This new semi-automatic tool allows architects to model their design in a BIM platform and use this information as input for the energy certification process. The potential and risks of this method are discussed. Several improvements and enhancements of the energy certification process were found when incorporating this new framework in comparison to current methodologies.

The effectiveness of ozone (O₃) in eliminating various types of microorganisms, as well as in oxidizing a wide range of contaminants present in wastewater, and drinking water, is extensively documented in the literature, along with the required concentrations, contact times (Ct values), reaction mechanisms for different pollutants, and overall efficiency. This article presents a comprehensive review on the use of aqueous O₃ for treatment and disinfection, specifically for low-contaminant domestic greywater (LGW), providing information for its integration into the design of small-scale treatment systems. Additionally, to complement the theoretical findings, experimental tests were conducted using a portable O₃ generator in an operational facility treating greywater (GW) from handwashing sinks. The results confirmed that O₃ concentration increases over time but decreases as the volume of water to be treated increases. Water analysis results showed significant reductions in BOD₅, turbidity, and total suspended solids after treatment. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the presence of microorganisms in LGW is minimal, as in the case of fecal coliforms, ensuring a 1 Log disinfection level in this type of system. O₃, as the sole treatment and disinfection system, with an oxidation potential nearly twice that of chlorine, proved to be highly effective in small-scale treatment systems, promoting sustainable practices, water resource conservation, environmental protection, and public health.