Low-carbon Building Materials: an Overview of Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Materials

Abstract

The building industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of global energy-related emissions. Low-carbon building materials offer a promising opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of the building sector. Low-carbon building materials are those that have low embodied carbon, meaning that they require less energy and resources to produce. They can be made from a variety of materials, including recycled materials, natural materials, and sustainable materials. This study will examine the benefits, limitations, challenges, and opportunities associated with the use of low-carbon building materials. The study will focus on the different types of low-carbon building materials and technologies currently available, including straw bale, bamboo, fly ash, and CEB. The study will examine the benefits, limitations, and challenges associated with using these materials and explore the opportunities provided by their adoption. A review of academic literature, industry reports, and case studies will be conducted as part of this study.