The adoption of strategies for sustainable cities: A comparative study between Seattle and Florianopolis legislation for energy and water efficiency in buildings

Developing cities suffer from overpopulation, with direct effects on environmental sustainability issues. Using model sustainability cities to address the problem can help these cities. The cities of Seattle and Florianópolis were used for this research to analyze which water and energy efficiency programs in Seattle buildings can be applied in developing cities such as Florianópolis. This research was elaborated with the approach of the qualitative problem, using a checklist to collect the data in own documents and respective to each city research. The research resulted in a sustainability index of 100% for Seattle and 35% for Florianópolis. In addition, a series of programs have been identified that are carried out in Seattle, but which can serve as a model for mitigating the deficiencies of Florianópolis, such as energy and water conservation, and efficient irrigation equipment. We consider limitations of this research the methodology adopted and the cities surveyed. The research aims to contribute in theoretical aspects with the literature on the sustainability of cities and buildings. In practical aspects, the research aims to contribute to help developing cities to mitigate the impact caused, as well as, the financial and environmental economy, aiming at the growth of the city in an economically viable and environmentally sustainable way.