Autonomous house: permacultural practices to live in a sustainable house in urban centers

Abstract

Following the global trend, the Brazilian population is mostly urban and is increasingly suffering from the impacts of climate change. This work proposes, through action research, to report experiences of sustainable housing in São Paulo, which seeks to promote autonomy for its inhabitants through permacultural practices. The action-research was conducted based on interventions, follow-up and systematization of actions at Casa do Chapéu de Sol (current headquarters of the Permacultores Urbanos network, in the city of São Paulo) in the following fields of interaction: i) solid waste management; ii) water autonomy and iii) food autonomy . In the process of systematizing the information, we sought to: i) present the relevant theoretical framework, contextualizing each thematic axis; ii) present practices, construction processes carried out or projects developed; iii) present the results from lessons learned and challenges. Different composting methods were put into practice, rainwater harvesting and appropriate sewage treatment for non-potable reuse, food production through aquaponics and hydroponics and responsible management of energy resources. Experience has proven that there are many practices that can bring sustainability to the day-to-day life of the São Paulo and urban population, whether carried out individually or collectively.