Thanks to a partnership spanning over a decade between CERQUAL and the Vanzolini Foundation, more than 7,000 housing units have already been certified in Brazil.
Starting in 2025, the 2024 version of AQUA-HQE strengthens and facilitates the practical implementation of the four core commitments of the HQE certification framework, applicable across all phases of construction, renovation, and operation projects:
- Quality of life ;
- Environmental protection ;
- Economic performance ;
- Responsible management and governance.
Discover the 5 new key documents introduced in the 2024 AQUA-HQE Standard
Originally launched in 2010, the AQUA-HQE framework in Brazil has undergone several major updates, each reflecting significant advances in sustainability - especially in the residential construction sector.
Compared to the 2021 version, the 2024 edition introduces 40% more content, tackling urgent climate-related challenges and strengthening the framework’s alignment with current sustainability imperatives.
This new version also features five new documents, each serving a distinct function and objective :
- Certification rules for residential buildings
This document outlines the general framework, eligibility criteria, and conditions applicable to AQUA-HQE certification across the construction, renovation, and operation phases. - Project management and governance Guidelines
Clarifies expectations around governance and project management during the construction phase, aligned with the ISO High-Level Structure for management systems. - Customer Relationship Requirements for Residential Projects Under Construction
Outlines best practices in managing customer relationships during works and renovations, emphasizing transparency, precision, and proactive expectation management. - Performance Evaluation Framework for Residential Buildings Under Construction or Renovation
Defines the methodological framework for assessing both technical and environmental performance indicators. - Performance Evaluation Framework for Residential Buildings in Operation
Specifies the key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmark values used to evaluate the operational phase of residential buildings.
The 2024 AQUA-HQE version is the first certification standard to maintain the original HQE requirements while integrating over 70 ‘Brazilian Notes’ that reflect local specificities and the national regulatory context.
As such, the 2024 version meets the increasing demand for intelligent, high-performance, and climate-resilient buildings in the Brazilian real estate sector.
Key benefits of the 2024 AQUA-HQE Standard for the Brazilian market
Widely recognized as the national benchmark for residential building performance in Brazil, the 2024 version of AQUA-HQE aims to:
- Improve project efficiency through passive architectural design;
- Integrate Brazilian energy efficiency regulations ;
- Optimize occupant comfort strategies for hot and humid climates, particularly where air conditioning is limited or minimized ;
- Address emerging requirements in carbon life cycle assessment, smart technologies, biodiversity, and climate resilience ;
- Lower operational costs and reduce environmental impact;
- Improve user experience and occupant satisfaction ;
- Increase the market value of real estate assets;
- Reinforce the environmental leadership and brand reputation of developers and construction firms.
According to Felipe Coelho, Technical Director at the Vanzolini Foundation for AQUA-HQE certification :
“This new version of AQUA-HQE incorporates the latest Brazilian regulations on energy and comfort. It also addresses key emerging topics such as carbon cycles, building life cycle analysis, biodiversity, and resilience. It’s a modernized version—better suited to local realities and today’s environmental challenges.”
