Advancements in low-carbon concrete as a construction material for the sustainable built environment

TLDR

Researchers seek sustainable materials for eco‑friendly cement and concrete to reduce CO₂ emissions. The paper reviews low‑carbon concrete technologies—alternative binders, supplementary cementitious materials, and carbon capture and utilization—to reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint and support sustainable development. The review examines low‑carbon concrete through life‑cycle assessments, economic analyses, and financial implications, evaluating alternative binders, supplementary cementitious materials, and carbon capture technologies. Substituting supplementary cementitious materials such as slag, metakaolin, calcined clay, and limestone for clinker reduces carbon emissions without compromising strength, but market adoption and material availability remain key challenges.

Abstract

Researchers seek sustainable materials for eco-friendly cement and concrete to reduce CO2 emissions. This paper offers an extensive overview of the research conducted on concrete technology with minimal to zero-carbon emissions. This review paper reviews materials and technologies for lowering the construction industry's carbon footprint, focusing on alternative binders and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Additionally, the paper explores the transformative potential of carbon capture and utilization technologies for sustainability. It also explored life cycle assessments, economic aspects, and financial implications of this technology. Overall, the review summarizes low-carbon concrete in the context of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. It has been found that substituting SCMs for cement reduces carbon emissions in concrete without compromising strength and durability. Materials such as slag, metakaolin, calcined clay, and limestone can replace clinker, eliminating CO2 emissions in cement production. This study highlights challenges, including market adoption and material availability, offering insights for successful implementation.