This Research Group (RG), coordinated by Prof. Alberto Reaes Pinto, contains 4 Research Lines according to a specific theme, of which Research Projects are a part: RL 1: Sustainable Construction, RL 2: Heritage, RLI 3: Color in Architecture and RLI 4: Light in Architecture.

These Lines of research will constitute, through their articulation, a set of basic knowledge that allow achieving more consistent results in the investigation and articulation of action of the research groups that comprise the CITAD.

These research areas include, among others, the knowledge and study of materials whose choice should fall on the principles of sustainable construction, rehabilitation of built heritage, energetic efficiency, the study of color and light in architecture. These different areas of research, which are within the scope of which the researchers of this Group have been developing in the period 2013-2017.

During this period the researchers contributed to the results within the context of this four research lines ranging, prominently, from:

• Publications in international scientific journals

• Publications in proceedings of international and national conferences

• Communications at international and national conferences

• Books

• Book chapters (international and national publications)

• Organization of conferences and seminars

Keywords: Technology Sustainable Construction Heritage Rehabilitation

In the scope of Sustainable Construction, buildings are responsible for about 30% of the total production of carbon dioxide in their life cycle, considering the construction, operation and maintenance phases (and its deconstruction and selective dismantling), due to the high consumption of fossil fuels, the large and uncriterious use of resources, and the excessive production of waste. It is also supported by low productivity workforce and high marketing costs. 
In this context, it is fundamental, among other factors, how to manage the choice of materials and their assembling technologies, aiming at minimizing the negative environmental impacts resulting from the Construction Industry activity. Therefore, it is urgent the integration of this industry in the scope and principles of Sustainable Construction.
In this regard, Universities and their Research Centers can have relevant involvement, working together with municipalities, companies and industries, in order to contribute to the built environment with sustainable alternatives, not only to contain global warming, to meet the objectives set at the Paris COP 21 Conference, but also to solve our local problems.
The aim of this Research Group has been to research several areas related to building technology and the environment, from the perspective of sustainable construction, which require the built environment to be the result of a global and sustainable approach. These research areas include, among others, the study and understanding of materials for sustainable construction, heritage rehabilitation, energy efficiency and the study of color and light in architecture.

1. Sustainable Construction

Responsible: Alberto Cruz Reaes Pinto
Brief description: Knowledge of the materials and technologies of its application, energy efficiency and waste reduction, within the principles of Sustainable Construction, is essential to minimize negative environmental impacts resulting from the building industry. This RL contains research projects related to the construction and operation of buildings.

2. Heritage

Responsible: Alberto Cruz Reaes Pinto
Brief description: With the construction of new dweeling blocked, as a result of having built at a much higher rate than the market could absorb, the rehabilitation of the built environment is a very significant potential market. This RL includes the rehabilitation of the built heritage in order to transmit it without problems to the coming generations and within the principles of Sustainable Development.

3. Color in Architecture

Responsible: Cristina Maria dos Santos Nunes Pires Caramelo Gomes
Brief description: The Laboratory of Color aims to provide scientific responses to projects on color in various areas, disseminate knowledge of the research carried out and promote its application in the field of science, architecture and design, in close connection with other universities, with companies and with civil society in general. The research team of the "Junqueira Street" study project has been developing its activity in the last 15 years in the analysis of the relationship between color, architecture and intervention technologies in the rehabilitation processes of the built heritage and the projects of ongoing research are within this scope.

4. The Light in Architecture

Responsible: Research Line temporarily
Brief description: The Laboratory of Light is a platform of open cooperation between institutional leaders, researchers, technicians, artists and the academic community, aiming at an objective qualification of the various fields in the field. The project consists of mapping, interpreting, drawing, revealing and solving challenges that range from the design and perception of small objects, to theatrical and cinematographic scenography to the urban and non-urban landscape, highlighting its nocturnal expression, where art and sustainability are the touchstones.