SMART HYDRO-SANITARY PLANNING IN URBAN BUILDINGS: PEOPLE AND COMPETENCY MANAGEMENT IN PROMOTING SYSTEMS READY FOR CONNECTION TO THE PUBLIC SEWERAGE NETWORK

Abstract

This article analyzes smart hydro-sanitary planning in urban buildings, focusing on the design and execution of building systems that anticipate future connection to the public sewage network, while linking this technical field to people management and competency development within the construction industry. It begins by acknowledging that basic sanitation is essential for public health, quality of life, and urban sustainability; yet, a significant number of Brazilian buildings are still constructed with individual sewage disposal systems that lack provisions for future integration into the collection network. This results in high retrofitting costs, environmental risks, and delays in meeting the targets set by the New Legal Framework for Basic Sanitation. Various studies indicate that achieving universal sanitation coverage depends as much on network expansion as on the actual connection of properties, requiring alignment between building design and urban planning (FUNDAÇÃO NACIONAL DE SAÚDE, 2019; IBGE, 2017; INSTITUTO TRATA BRASIL, 2024). From a broader perspective, authors discussing sustainable development and technology highlight that the use of infrastructure—such as sewage networks—reflects the "paradox of progress": the very technology capable of reducing environmental impacts can also exacerbate them if it is not appropriate and socially oriented (SACHS, 2009; BARBIERI, 2020; SARAIVA; SANTOS NETO; SANTOS JUNIOR, 2023). Methodologically, this is an applied, qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study structured as an academic case study; it is grounded in a literature review, an analysis of the report "Smart hydro-sanitary planning: design and execution of systems anticipating connection to the public sewage network," technical standards, legislation, and accounts of interactions with construction companies. The results indicate that the production of digital educational materials and dialogue with companies help raise awareness among students and professionals regarding the importance of planning for future connections to the public utility network during the design phase, while also highlighting limitations related to time, resources, and institutionalization. It is concluded that smart hydro-sanitary planning—integrated with people management and competency development—constitutes a strategic practice for urban sustainability and for training professionals committed to the right to sanitation and the reduction of socio-environmental impacts.