Sustainable Construction Practices Research Articles

Carbon Footprint of a Nearly Zero Energy Building in Accra (Ghana): an LCA-based Model

This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in Accra, Ghana, comparing its environmental impact with a conventional Business-As-Usual (BAU) building over a 50-year lifespan. Adhering to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, the research evaluates the carbon footprint and operational efficiencies essential to sustainable building designs. Utilizing SimaPro 9.5 software and the IPCC 2021 GWP100 method, the total carbon footprint was quantified at 1727 tons of CO2-equivalent for the NZEB, significantly lower than the BAU comparison. The analysis highlights the operational phase, including waste generation as the most substantial contributor to the NZEB's environmental impact, accounting for 725 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Conversely, the strategic inclusion of solar panels and enhanced material selection for the NZEB markedly reduced energy demands, contributing to a net positive environmental outcome with an avoided carbon footprint of approximately -859.72 tons CO2-eq. This reduction underpins the NZEB's effectiveness in leveraging eco-friendly materials and renewable technologies, setting a benchmark for future sustainable construction practices. The study ultimately advocates for an integrated approach, harmonizing technological innovation with environmental stewardship, to mitigate the carbon footprint of the built environment, steering the construction industry towards sustainability.

ESTIMATION OF GREEN BUILDING OVER CONVENTIONAL BUILDING

This report investigates the comparative costs and benefits of green building versus conventional building practices. By integrating five advanced techniques: Biophilic Design, Passive House Design Strategies, Digital Twin Technology, Net Zero Energy Techniques, and Water Harvesting System into the construction of a conventional building, we transformed it into a green building at an additional cost of approximately ₹6,72,420. The total cost for constructing the green building amounted to ₹24,23,876.78, inclusive of the base cost of a conventional building. The study outlines a comprehensive methodological approach, which includes creating theoretical models, conducting cost analyses using current market rates in India, and evaluating environmental impacts through carbon emissions calculations. The findings reveal that although the initial costs for green buildings are higher, they offer substantial long-term benefits, including reduced operational expenses, improved occupant health, and minimized environmental footprints. Green buildings are designed to maximize resource efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and utilize renewable energy sources, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. This investment in sustainable construction practices not only promotes environmental stewardship but also ensures economic viability through long-term savings and improved occupant well-being. The transition to green buildings is a crucial step towards addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development for future generations. This report underscores the importance of adopting green building techniques and demonstrates that the benefits far outweigh the initial financial outlay, making green buildings a worthwhile investment for a sustainable future.

Assessing the Impact of Recycled Building Materials on Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: A Comprehensive Framework for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In this study, we critically examine the potential of recycled construction materials, focusing on how these materials can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage in the construction sector. By adopting an integrated approach that combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) within the circular economy framework, we thoroughly examine the lifecycle environmental performance of these materials. Our findings reveal a promising future where incorporating recycled materials in construction can significantly lower GHG emissions and conserve energy. This underscores their crucial role in advancing sustainable construction practices. Moreover, our study emphasizes the need for robust regulatory frameworks and technological innovations to enhance the adoption of environmentally responsible practices. We encourage policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the academic community to collaborate and promote the adoption of a circular economy strategy in the building sector. Our research contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable construction, offering evidence-based insights that can inform future policies and initiatives to improve environmental stewardship in the construction industry. This study aligns with the European Union’s objectives of achieving climate-neutral cities by 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals outlined for completion by 2030. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable construction, providing a fact-driven basis for future policy and initiatives to enhance environmental stewardship in the industry.

Fire behaviour of biochar-based cementitious composites

The study aimed to test the hypothesis that biochar's unique properties, such as its microporous structure, can enhance concrete's resilience to high temperatures. Despite expectations of reduced crack formation and enhanced fire resistance, the experimental results revealed a limited impact on concrete's fire behaviour. The investigation involved the use of two biochar types, fine and coarse biochar as replacements for cement and aggregates, respectively. Fine biochar exhibited higher water absorption and Young's modulus than coarse biochar, but both resisted ignition at 35 kW/m2 radiative heat flux and had peak heat release rates below 40 kW/m2. Incorporating these biochars at varying weight percentages (10, 15, and 20 wt.%) into concrete led to a gradual decline in compressive and tensile strength due to reduced binding ability with increased biochar content. Exposure to 1000 °C compromised mechanical properties across all the samples. However, the biochar concrete maintained compressive strength (compared to the control) with up to 20 wt.% biochar as a fine aggregate substitute after exposure to 600 °C, and as a cement replacement after exposure to 200 °C. This substitution also yielded a significant reduction in CO2 emissions (50 % reduction as the biochar loading amount doubled) from concrete manufacturing, showcasing biochar's potential for sustainable construction practices. Despite not fully supporting the initial hypothesis, the study demonstrated biochar's viability in reducing carbon footprint while maintaining concrete strength under certain fire conditions.

Experimental Study to Replace Conventional Bricks with Papercrete Bricks Incorporating Various Admixtures

The study focuses on identifying suitable admixtures that can positively impact the workability, strength, and insulation capabilities of papercrete. Various types and concentrations of admixtures, such as fly ash, glass fiber, and glass powder, silica fumes, iron powder, jute fibre etc are introduced to the papercrete mix to assess their influence on the material's overall performance. The results of this study contribute to the broader goal of promoting sustainable construction practices by improving the performance and versatility of papercrete. By identifying effective admixtures, this study offers practical guidance for architects, engineers, and builders seeking environmentally friendly alternatives in the pursuit of more resilient and energy-efficient building materials.

An Experimental Study On Strength Characteristics Concrete by Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Bethamcherala Waste Stone

In the current research work, as per the best knowledge of the authors, for the first time Bethamcherla stones has been used as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in concrete mix. The scarcity of natural aggregate as well as finding alternative materials that can maintain or enhance the properties of concrete is crucial for sustainable construction practices. Bethamcherla stones (BS), which mainly comprises by limestone can be a potential substitute for coarse aggregate. Limestone is a common material used in concrete production, and its use as an aggregate could offer advantages such as reducing the demand for traditional aggregates and utilizing local resources efficiently. The concrete specimens, casted using BS, were kept for curing for different durations (7, 21, and 28 days), and the mechanical property was assessed using the compressive strength test, a standard procedure for evaluating concrete performance. Compressive strength is a fundamental parameter that reflects the ability of concrete to withstand loads and pressures, making it an essential property to study. It would be interesting to see the results of this study, especially how the compressive strength of the concrete changes with different replacement levels of coarse aggregate with BS aggregates (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). This data would provide insights into the effectiveness of using BS as a substitute and help determine the optimal replacement ratio that balances cost and performance considerations. Additionally, while compressive strength is a critical mechanical property, other properties such as flexural strength, durability, and elevated temperature effect also need to be evaluated to understand how the BS aggregates influence the overall behavior of the concrete. If this experimental study proves successful, it could pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective construction practices in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and other regions facing similar challenges with traditional aggregate availability. Remember that the success of this research will depend on the accuracy of testing methods, the representativeness of the specimens, and the relevance of the findings to real-world construction applications. Seeing such innovative efforts toward improving construction materials and practices for a more sustainable future is exciting.

ANALYSIS OF TIMBERCRETE: SAWDUST-INFUSED CONCRETE MIXTURES

This investigation aims to advance sustainable construction practices by investigating the feasibility and environmental benefits of incorporating sawdust instead of sand in concrete mixtures. By using sawdust, a byproduct of the forestry industry, in the process of making concrete, the investigation addresses the pressing need for resource conservation and waste reduction, since the construction sector is a significant user of raw materials. According to British European Norm Standard BS 8500-2:2023 for C35 grade concrete, the experimental programme examines how different percentages of sawdust (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) substituted for sand affect the physical characteristics of concrete, including its compressive strength, dry density, and water absorption. The workability, consistency, and strength of the sawdust-incorporated concrete mixes were assessed by a combination of techniques including sieve analysis, slump testing, casting and curing procedures, and compression tests. The results indicate a potential reduction in material costs and environmental impact with the ideal sawdust content by showing a negative association between the amount of sawdust and the concrete's density and compressive strength. A larger sawdust content was associated with higher rates of water absorption, highlighting the hygroscopic nature of sawdust and its implications for the durability of concrete. According to the investigation's results, it is possible to substitute concrete with up to 5% sawdust, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete while still having sufficient mechanical properties for use in construction. It is recommended that further research be conducted to improve sawdust's compatibility with cementitious materials, increase the durability of sawdust-incorporated concrete, and create industry guidelines for its use. This investigation contributes to the body of knowledge on environmentally friendly building materials by promoting the use of sawdust and other eco-friendly substitutes in the building sector to reduce negative effects on the environment and increase resource efficiency.

3DLightSlab. Design to 3D concrete printing workflow for stress-driven ribbed slabs

In addressing the critical need to lower CO2 emissions in concrete construction, where slabs represent 43% of embodied carbon in midrise buildings, this study presents an innovative approach utilising 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP). We introduce 3DLightSlab, a carbon-efficient design for load-bearing slabs that leverages stress-driven design to generate isostatic ribs that adapt to diverse shapes, support arrangements, and load conditions, optimising structural layout and material efficiency. A case study demonstrates the design and fabrication of a slab supported by two columns tailored to withstand combined loads. Our methodology integrates Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for precise rib dimensionsing and density adjustment. The study includes the 3DCP of steel-reinforced prototypes, which were tested in 3-point bending and validated against Eurocode standards for serviceability, confirming the structural integrity of the slab under anticipated loads. This investigation demonstrates the potential of 3DCP in producing structurally sound, carbon-efficient horizontal structures, marking a significant step towards sustainable construction practices.

A Review Paper on Low Cost Housing

This study delves into cost-efficient construction materials and methods within civil engineering, aiming to address the pressing challenge of housing affordability. Traditional materials such as fired bricks and cement concrete, while prevalent, pose environmental concerns due to their high energy consumption during production and soil depletion. By scrutinizing existing research and practical applications, this research evaluates the potential of alternative materials such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks and fly ash concrete in building design. The research conducts a comparative analysis of construction costs for a duplex employing both conventional and alternative materials, quantifying potential cost savings achievable through adopting these alternatives. Through assessing the economic viability of these options, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainable construction practices. The findings provide valuable insights into mitigating the environmental and financial burdens associated with traditional building materials

Recycled Excavation Soils as Sustainable Supplementary Cementitious Materials: Kaolinite Content and Performance Implications.

In response to the environmental implications of the massive quantities of excavation soil generated by global urbanization and infrastructure development, recent research efforts have explored the repurposing of calcined excavation soils as sustainable supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). As it is still at an early stage, current research lacks systematic analysis across diverse soil deposits regarding their reactivity and mechanical properties within cementitious binders, despite recognized geographical variability in kaolinite content. Through comprehensive experimentation with soils sourced from four major southern Chinese cities, this study presents a pioneering assessment of the compressive strength, pozzolanic reactivity (X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance), and microstructural development (mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy) of mortars modified by various calcined excavation soils (up to 28 days curing). The experimental data suggest that soils with a kaolinite content above 53.39% produce mortars of equal or superior quality to plain cement mixes, primarily due to their refined pore structures, microstructural densification, and enhanced hydration reactions. The findings highlight kaolinite-specifically, aluminum content-as the principal indicator of excavation soil viability for SCM application, suggesting a promising avenue for sustainable construction practices.

A Review Paper on Study of Low Cost Housing

This study investigates cost-efficient construction materials and methods in civil engineering to tackle the growing challenge of housing affordability. While widely used, traditional materials like fired bricks and cement concrete raise environmental concerns due to high energy consumption during production and soil depletion. By analysing existing research and practical applications, this project assesses the potential of alternative materials like Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks and fly ash concrete for building design. We compare construction costs for a 2BHKhouse using both conventional and alternative materials to quantify potential cost savings from adopting these alternatives. By evaluating the economic viability of these options, this research contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable construction practices. Our findings offer valuable insights into reducing the environmental and financial burdens associated with traditional building materials

Role of supplementary cementiteous materials in mitigating heat of hydration in mass concrete elements

Concrete’s heat of hydration can cause wide restraint cracks, delayed ettringite formation and low strength. The heat of hydration in concrete poses significant challenges in the construction industry particularly in mass concrete elements. Addressing these challenges, the utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in concrete has been extensively studied for their individual contributions in modifying the heat of hydration. However, the comparative effectiveness of FA and GBFS, as well as the implications of their combined use in a ternary blend mix, remain underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the heat evolution profiles of concrete blends incorporating varying proportions of FA, GBFS, and general Portland cement (GPC). Through a series of semi-adiabatic tests, the study evaluates the hydration kinetics, maximum temperature rise, and time delay to peak temperature for binary and ternary mixes. The findings suggest that while individual SCMs like FA and GBFS offer distinct thermal benefits, their combined use in a ternary blend presents a synergistic effect, optimizing heat management in concrete. In essence, this study not only underlines the potential of ternary blends in enhancing concrete's thermal performance but also emphasizes their role in promoting sustainable and resilient construction practices.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE BUILDING METHODS

Renewable-sourced EWPs offer enhanced dimensional stability, durability, and mechanical properties, facilitating larger and more complex structural elements, and contributing to faster construction times and better energy performance. The research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) as sustainable building materials in the construction sector by a comparison of their cost, performance, and environmental impact against conventional concrete. The research emphasises the importance of innovative design, recycling, and waste reduction in fostering sustainable construction methods that satisfy the demands of present and future generations while conserving energy. However, there are negative environmental impacts linked to the production of concrete, such as habitat destruction, atmospheric emissions, and waste generation. The research adopted a web-based survey to gather quantitative data from construction experts. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was adopted to analyze the respondents' perceptions of the benefits of EWP and concrete negative effects. The results of the research reflect respondents' significant preference for EWPs and are consistent with their outstanding environmental qualities. In conclusion, this paper argues that EWPs possess the potential to effectively revolutionise the construction industry by minimising its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable construction practices that are required for addressing the expectations of both the present and the future.

Fungal mycelium-based biofoam composite: A review in growth, properties and application

Recent years have shown a surge in interest in incorporating living systems into materials research to synthesize functional materials using biological resources. Among these, mycelium-based materials, notably biofoam, have emerged as innovative solutions for repurposing organic wastes that were previously considered unusable. The growth of mycelium, vital for the synthesis of biofoam, is influenced by a multuple of factors including substrate composition, moisture content, temperature, nutrient availability, pH levels, oxygen concentration, and measures for contamination control. Additionally, physical stimulation techniques have been explored to enhance mycelium growth, ranging from cold stress-induced adaptations to electrical shock-induced modifications and optimization of sound treatments and light exposure. This review highlights the growing interest in biofoam composite materials, a novel class of environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials that are gaining popularity, for advancing sustainable construction practices. Biofoam composites use organic fungal growth as a low-energy bio-fabrication process to transform abundant agricultural byproducts and waste into viable alternatives to energy-intensive manufactured building materials. Their versatility in composition and manufacturing methods allows them to be used in a wide range of applications, including insulation and door cores, panelling, flooring, and furniture components. Notably, biofoams outperform synthetic foams and engineered wood in terms of thermal insulation, sound absorption, and fire resistance, making them highly promising for construction industry. Besides, due to its customizable composition and production method, biofoam can be used in the replacement of foams, leather, wood, and plastics in a variety of applications such as water treatment and filtration, medical supplies and healthcare applications. However, despite their remarkable properties, biofoam typically serve as non- or semi-structural supplements to traditional construction materials due to inherent limitations. Nevertheless, the useful material properties of these materials, combined with their low cost, ease of manufacture, and environmental sustainability, imply that they will have an important part to play in the development of environmentally friendly materials in the future.

Exploring Olive Pit Powder as a Filler for Enhanced Thermal Insulation in Epoxy Mortars to Increase Sustainability in Building Construction

This article explores the use of olive pit powder (OPP) as a promising resource for enhancing the thermal insulation properties of epoxy mortars. A comprehensive analysis of the chemical and physical characteristics of OPP was conducted, employing analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis and emitted gas analysis (TG-MS-EGA), and proximal analysis. Experimental samples of epoxy grout were prepared by using different proportions of a conventional inorganic filler, quartz powder, and OPP within an epoxy mortar matrix. As the percentage of OPP in the formulation increased, the microstructure of the samples gradually became more porous and less compact. Consequently, there was a decrease in density with the increase in OPP content. The 28-day compressive strength decreased from 46 MPa to 12.8 MPa, respectively, in the samples containing only quartz (Sample E) and only OPP (Sample A) as a filler. Similarly, flexural strength decreased from 35.2 to 5.3 MPa. The thermal conductivity decreased from 0.3 W/mK in Sample E to 0.11 in Sample A. Therefore, increasing the %wt of OPP improved insulating properties while reducing the mechanical resistance values. This study highlights the potential of OPP as an environmentally friendly and thermally efficient filler for epoxy mortars, thereby promoting sustainable construction practices.

Hybrid lighting approach to improve interior workspace environments: a case study in the UAE

PurposeInterior workspace environments use exclusively artificial light, resulting in a loss of biological connection and natural light quality, as well as greater energy consumption. The purpose of the study is to identify a suitable system that can provide natural light to such interior spaces throughout the day while supplementing it with artificial light when necessary. The fundamental aim is to provide insights into the most effective solutions for energy-efficient lighting design in the UAE's environment, with the potential to lower energy consumption related to interior lighting.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted an empirical approach to gather and analyze primary data based on field measurements to understand and assess existing lighting conditions, as well as DIALux lighting simulation software to test the efficacy of the proposed HLS in terms of natural light delivery, illumination quality and energy consumption. A branch of a local bank in the United Arab Emirates, situated inside one of the shopping malls where there is no natural light penetration, has been chosen as a case study.FindingsThe findings of comparing the base case to four probable scenarios that used HLS revealed that the third scenario, which uses 100% pure sunshine and 35% artificial LED light during daylight operations and 100% LED light during night duty, is considered to be optimal in terms of illumination quality and energy efficiency.Originality/valueThe study demonstrated the potential of innovative lighting to improve the visual working environment in interior spaces with limited access to direct natural lighting, especially in arid regions, where sunlight is plentiful throughout the year. The study contributes new insights into the establishment of lighting-related recommendations and standards for the UAE context. This may include advice for sustainable construction practices, lighting guidelines or incentives to encourage the use of hybrid lighting technology in commercial and institutional buildings.

Efficacy of Admixtures on Compressive Strength of Concrete

This report investigates the impact of reducing cement proportion in concrete by adding varying percentage of silica fume and glass fibre. The aim is to evaluate the compressive strength of modified concrete mix with varying percentage. The experiment involved varying levels of cement replacement with silica fume and the addition of glass fibre to determine the optimal combination for enhancing concrete performance. Testing methodologies included compressive strength tests of concrete cube. The results provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing silica fume and glass fibre to improve the strength characteristics of concrete while reducing cement content, contributing to sustainable and durable construction practices.

Evaluating sugarcane bagasse fly ash as a sustainable cement replacement for enhanced performance

This study evaluated the potential of sugarcane bagasse fly ash, collected from boiler exhaust stacks via a bypass pipe, as a renewable supplementary cementitious material. The bagasse fly ash was ground into three different particle sizes (D50 of 10, 20, and 30 μm) and characterized in terms of morphology, porosity, specific surface area, and pozzolanic activity. The influence of the ashes on paste hydration was investigated using isothermal calorimetry. Mortars were then tested with 20% cement replacement by fly ash, analyzing packing density, compressive strength evolution, and durability against sulfuric acid. Results indicated the suitability of the fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material, with low contamination and greater pozzolanic activity at smaller particle sizes. This enhanced initial hydration and long-term strength, with finer ashes showing superior mechanical properties when compared to the reference mortar (an 8% increase). Mortars with fly ash exhibited higher packing density and reduced mass loss under sulfuric acid attack, but increased water absorption and capillarity, alongside decreased compressive strength compared to the reference. Briefly, the findings highlighted that the potential of bagasse fly ash as a promising low cost and eco-beneficial material for sustainable construction practices.

Uncovering the research tapestry: bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions

Uncovering the research tapestry: bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions

Application of Greenroads Rating System and Life Cycle Assessment in Informing the State of the Practice in Sustainable Roadway Construction

This paper highlights the application of the Greenroads Rating System in collecting, measuring, and communicating sustainable best practice data in the context of roadway infrastructure construction. Once measured, meaningful comparisons between common practice and what goes above and beyond routine can be recognized, educated, advertised, spread, and finally, implemented. This study collected, organized, and analyzed data from 33 Greenroads-certified roadway construction projects completed between 2011 and 2018 with a total value of over 2 billion USD. We believe such a database is scarce within the literature and is worth exploring. Greenroads scorecards, which indicate the level of achievement in sustainable construction practices, were analyzed to show the frequency with which best practices are pursued. Findings show that projects typically perform activities that can be considered common practice and avoid activities that fall outside of their prior experience realm. Realizing that roadway surfaces including pavement structures often contribute to a high proportion of a roadway project’s sustainability efforts, the last piece of this study is dedicated to the life cycle assessment (LCA) of paving materials as conducted and reported by project teams. Integrating LCA results with financial information from pay item lists, correlation analyses between carbon and energy footprints and the price of major paving materials such as asphalt mixtures and portland cement concrete were carried out. Results show that the quantified environmental footprints of projects and the materials used to build them strongly correlate with the total price of projects and the price of constituent materials, respectively.