About this Research Topic
Traditional building materials, such as cement and steel, are associated with significant carbon emissions during production. This has spurred a global effort to innovate and develop construction materials that reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprints, and enhance overall sustainability. Researchers in this field are exploring various avenues, including the incorporation of recycled materials, the development of novel composites, and the utilization of advanced technologies to enhance the performance of construction materials.
This research topic seeks to delve into the advancements, challenges, and implications of sustainable construction materials, shedding light on the latest innovations and their potential to transform the construction industry toward a greener and more environmentally responsible future.
The problem at the heart of this research topic is the urgent need to address the environmental impact of traditional construction materials, particularly cement, and the imperative to decarbonize this vital industry. Cement production is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. This is primarily due to the energy-intensive process of clinker production and the use of fossil fuels in kilns.
To achieve the goal of decarbonizing cement and construction materials, several strategies have emerged as recent advances in this field:
Alternative Binders: Researchers are exploring the use of alternative binders, such as geopolymers and calcium sulfoaluminate cement, which have lower carbon footprints compared to traditional Portland cement.
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): Innovations in CCU technologies are being employed to capture CO2 emissions from cement production and use them as feedstock for other processes, effectively reducing net emissions.
Recycled and Supplementary Materials: Utilizing industrial by-products, such as fly ash, slag, and recycled aggregates, can reduce the demand for virgin materials and lower carbon emissions.
Low-Carbon Technologies: Advancements in energy-efficient kiln designs and the use of renewable energy sources in cement production are critical for emissions reduction.
Decarbonizing cement is necessary to mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, which is vital for sustainable urban development. Recent advances in alternative materials and low-carbon technologies are promising steps toward achieving this goal, offering the potential to revolutionize the construction industry while significantly lowering its environmental impact.
We invite various types of manuscripts, including:
Original Research Articles: Presenting novel findings and innovations in the field of sustainable construction materials and decarbonization.
Review Articles: Providing comprehensive reviews of recent advances, challenges, and future directions in specific aspects of the topic.
Case Studies: Demonstrating practical applications of sustainable materials and decarbonization strategies in construction projects.
Policy Analyses: Evaluating existing policies and proposing recommendations for fostering sustainable practices in the construction industry.
Perspectives and Opinions: Thought-provoking articles offering unique viewpoints on the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Contributors are encouraged to explore these themes and contribute valuable insights and solutions to advance sustainable construction materials and decarbonization practices in the construction industry.
Keywords: Sustainable construction materials Innovative building materials Environmental impact Construction industry Building materials research
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.