Sustainable construction systems: an investigation into the use of materials and techniques that promote sustainability in buildings - Critical literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i4.50863Keywords:
Sustainable construction, Green building materials, Recycled concrete, Earthen construction, Green BIM, Research gaps.Abstract
The construction industry has been one of the largest consumers of natural resources and a significant emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide. Traditional materials, such as Portland cement and steel, drive high energy consumption, substantial carbon emissions, and massive solid waste generation. The general objective of this article is to synthesize evidence on sustainable materials and techniques, and the specific objective is to evaluate their advantages, disadvantages, and implications for future research. This study presents a critical semi-systematic literature review examining materials and techniques that advance sustainability in building construction. While conventional practices dominate, a growing body of evidence supports the adoption of alternatives, including recycled aggregates, green concrete, earthen materials (such as adobe, rammed earth, and soil-cement), geopolymers, and digital tools like Green BIM. Although these approaches demonstrate clear environmental benefits, the literature reveals important limitations: most studies focus on temperate climates, lack long-term durability data, and under-explore economic feasibility and social dimensions in tropical contexts such as Brazil’s Midwest region. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying critical research gaps, this review underscores the urgent need for context-specific scientific investigations. The findings provide a foundation for advancing truly sustainable construction practices that balance environmental, economic, and social imperatives.
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