Sustainable Non-Metallic Building Materials

TLDR

Buildings are the largest energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters, with up to 50 % of CO₂ emissions in continental Europe arising from building energy use, driving urgent needs for energy savings, emissions control, renewable resources, and material recycling. This review examines the key trends in sustainable non‑metallic building materials that have emerged over the past decade. The authors conduct a comprehensive survey of the sector, summarizing developments in material production, application, and eco‑friendly practices.

Abstract

Buildings are the largest energy consumers and greenhouse gases emitters, both in the developed and developing countries. In continental Europe, the energy use in buildings alone is responsible for up to 50% of carbon dioxide emission. Urgent changes are, therefore, required relating to energy saving, emissions control, production and application of materials, use of renewable resources, and to recycling and reuse of building materials. In addition, the development of new eco-friendly building materials and practices is of prime importance owing to the growing environmental concerns. This review reflects the key tendencies in the sector of sustainable building materials of a non-metallic nature that have occurred over the past decade or so.