At MAP Group, sustainability is a daily commitment to excellence, responsibility, and the future. To mark National Sustainability Day, we invited Ana Estrócio, Director of Quality, Safety, and Environment at MAP Group, to share her perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the construction sector.
1. National Sustainability Day (September 25th) invites us to reflect on the role of companies in this area. In your opinion, how important is sustainability for a construction company like MAP Group?
“Construction plays a major role in resource consumption and environmental footprint. That’s why sustainability cannot be seen as an add-on, but as an integral part of the way we work. At MAP, we believe every project is an opportunity to create value not only for the client but also for the community and the environment. Integrating responsible practices allows us to reduce impacts, innovate, and leave a positive, lasting mark. This commitment is also reflected in the fact that we are certified by Bureau Veritas in Quality, Environment, and Safety — a validation of the consistency and seriousness of our work.”
2. Considering MAP operates essentially in civil construction, mainly as an executor, how do you contribute to sustainability in a project that is already defined?
“MAP mainly works as an executor, ensuring excellence and quality in the implementation of pre-defined projects. Our teams are fully prepared to meet the growing sustainability requirements, which are now an integral part of many works. We have been collaborating with our clients in the delivery of projects with BREEAM, LEED, WELL, and Carbon Footprint certifications.
Beyond that, we see it as our duty to promote best practices and propose sustainable solutions to our clients and partners, helping raise the level of environmental responsibility in every project.”
3. Construction is often associated with inconvenience for those living or working nearby. MAP Group has been rethinking its construction sites and hoardings. Could you explain this new approach?
“This attitude reflects our culture, which for the second consecutive year has been recognized as a Great Place to Work — a distinction earned through the trust and anonymous evaluation of our employees. If we nurture a positive environment internally, it only makes sense to bring that same spirit to the outside, into the communities where we operate.”
4. Looking ahead, what do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the construction sector in terms of sustainability?
“I see several challenges that, at the same time, open the door to new opportunities.
The first is the shortage of labor in construction, which is a national issue. Relying on workers from different nationalities, often coming from contexts where sustainability is still a new concept, requires us to take on an educational role. We focus on developing best practices in our construction sites, which then extend into the communities as well.
Another challenge is waste reduction, both due to the saturation of landfill capacity in Portugal and the need to cut associated costs. This demands strategic thinking and investment in recycling and waste recovery solutions, supported by careful planning and efficient use of resources.
Finally, there’s the challenge of aligning innovation and sustainability. The sector needs to increasingly embrace eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency solutions, and circular economy models. But I see this not only as a challenge, but as a huge opportunity: the more we invest in sustainable practices, the more competitive and relevant we become. For us, the future of construction lies in transforming every challenge into sustainable innovation. We want MAP to be remembered not only for the projects we deliver but also for the way we pave the way towards more responsible, creative, and conscious construction.”
