Globally, human activities such as industrial and economic, seem to be the main source of air, water and soil pollution, which in turn, bring and lead to phenomena such as climate change, deterioration of the ozone layer, the biodiversity loss, among others. Despite this, it is a mistake to attribute solely to the industry the main source of pollution. The built environment or urban areas where humans inhabit more than 90% of their life, is also responsible for the country's environmental problems. Such constructions consume between 20% and 50% of natural resources such as water and wood.

To meet the challenges of climate change and the destruction of natural systems, sustainable construction is to make a very important role in this. The development of new strategies and actions aimed at saving and optimization of natural resources is one of the main objetives of sustainable construction. Similarly, limiting CO₂ emissions and promote the rational use of energy, will meet the needs of civilization to improving the quality of life, taking into account environmental issues that are live and will live in tomorrow.

The ecourbanism is an essential part of sustainable development of a country. That is the reason that within the National Development Plan 2010-2014 in Colombia, saw a strategy of Housing and Friendly Cities, Promoting the Supply and Demand for Housing, which aims to define guidelines and policy on sustainable urban construction, standards for the efficient use of resources, with different local incentives to do so. Based on this, are creating and establishing a National Policy for Sustainable Building and Urban in Colombia. The document is application area rural and urban areas of country, thus adapting to the entire national territory.

The application of this policy will not only decrease the ecological footprint of Colombia to protect strategic ecosystems and their services, also prepare and create cities resilient to climate change, reducing their vulnerability and increasing their adaptability to events such as floods and droughts. As a result of this adaptability will help the economic, social and ecological country. Giving in this way, one step at a better future.