Mapping the Knowledge Frontier in Environmental Health and Sustainability in Construction

Abstract

Environmental health concerns remain a major global challenge. In many nations, the adoption of measures to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of construction-related activities has been slow. Prior research has clarified that further study/advancement are required to improve environmental health/sustainability (EHS). To determine the focus of previous studies, this study attempts to identify, analyse, and visualise the trends in research concerning EHS in construction-related domains. The data were obtained from the Scopus database, and the study employed a bibliometric approach. The following keywords were used to search the database: ‘environmental health’ OR ‘ecological health’ OR ‘environmental sustainability’ OR ‘ecological sustainability’ OR ‘Environmental safety’ OR ‘ecological safety’ AND ‘construction industry’ OR ‘building industry’ to retrieve relevant documents. The analysis included co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence and trend mapping. The findings revealed four themes: Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making, Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete, Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices, and Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis. The keyword findings revealed very scant research in environmental health unlike environmental sustainability. Spain, China, and Saudi Arabia are the top three in terms of citation-to-publication ratio, indicating strong influence in literature sources. However, India has the highest number of publications. The findings also suggest that more relevant studies are required in African nations and South Asian countries. It further highlighted a knowledge gap that emerging economies must address to enhance the sustainability and environmental performance of construction projects. This bibliometric analysis is unique in its integrated examination of environmental sustainability and environmental health in the construction industry, employing strategic thematic mapping to reveal system-level linkages, contextual gaps, and targeted directions for future research. The conclusions provide scholars and stakeholders in the built environment with a solid theoretical basis, enhancing the industry’s preparedness to mitigate the adverse environmental and climatic impacts of traditional construction methods.

1. Introduction

Environmental deterioration is one of the most widely discussed issues on local, national, and global levels [1]. The ozone layer, resource depletion, ecological harm, and global warming have all been exacerbated by population growth and the drive for advancement, which includes the enhancement of the built environment [1]. Structures support human existence by providing shelter, enhancing the environment, improving their locations, and adapting to a shifting climate [2]. However, built environment/construction industry (CI) activities have been recognised as one of the leading contributors to the decline of the natural environment [3,4]. For instance, it accounts for approximately 40–45% of energy and raw material consumption [4]. Based on data and previous studies, buildings are responsible for one-sixth of the world’s freshwater withdrawals, one-quarter of the timber harvested, and two-fifths of its materials, indicating their heavy resource use [5].

Similarly, CI is a major source of environmental pollution and waste generation. It generates approximately 40% greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of solid waste [2,6]. These statistics emphasise the importance of incorporating sustainability and environmental health concepts into construction practices. Notably, the sustainability of both the natural environment and human society is now seriously threatened by the operations of the CI, especially the building sector. A paradigm shift to modern methods that promote environmental health, social benefits, and economic vitality is desperately needed.

Nevertheless, ecological degradation is not the only environmental health issue faced by the CI. Dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, noise pollution, and improper waste management are just a few of the hazardous substances to which construction workers and those in their vicinity may be exposed. These substances can be harmful to both physical and mental health [7,8]. While pollution from building sites degrades the quality of air and water in metropolitan areas, inadequate environmental health management has been linked to respiratory conditions, accidents, and other occupational health issues among construction workers [9,10,11,12].

Consequently, the concept of sustainability has evolved from being solely an environmental agenda to a comprehensive framework that encompasses social well-being, economic viability, and environmental protection in response to these challenges [13]. Sustainability in construction encompasses methods such as resource efficiency, eco-friendly material selection, waste reduction, integration of renewable energy, green design, and environmental risk management [14,15]. To steer industry toward more sustainable outcomes, governments and regulatory agencies have increasingly enacted laws such as green building codes, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and occupational health restrictions [16].

Despite these global shifts, many developing nations continue to struggle with fully integrating environmental sustainability into their building projects. It has been challenging to design a built environment with little adverse environmental impact [3]. Problems include inadequate enforcement of regulations, insufficient knowledge, budgetary limitations, and a lack of skills that persist [17,18]. Ref. [18] posits that a key challenge to actualising environmental health and sustainability is inadequate knowledge sharing. This includes a lack of public awareness and shortcomings in the requisite expertise to drive the environmental health/sustainability initiative forward [19]. Additionally, the CI is under pressure to produce infrastructure quickly in areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa, due to rising urbanisation, often at the expense of environmentally responsible practices [20].

Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the field’s evolution is hindered by the fragmentation of existing studies across strategic, material, operational, and assessment-oriented perspectives, despite the growing body of research on environmental sustainability and environmental health in the construction sector. Previous reviews have primarily focused on discrete subjects, such as low-carbon materials, life-cycle assessment techniques, or green building practices, without systematically charting their connections or thematic development over time [21,22,23]. Furthermore, despite the growing discussion of material innovation and circular economy concepts, their integration with life-cycle-based evaluation frameworks, policy-driven decision-making, and environmental health considerations is still inadequate [24,25,26]. These restrictions are exacerbated by the underrepresentation of developing nations, particularly in Africa, where construction activities pose significant environmental and public health risks due to growing urbanisation and regulatory limitations [27,28,29]. For instance, subfields such as concrete material innovation are notably underrepresented on the African continent, and both academic and industrial sources concur with this gap [30,31].

Thus, this study employs a bibliometric review to address these gaps by methodically identifying, analysing, and visualising environmental health and sustainability research trends in construction-related fields, identifying prominent and overlooked research themes, and exposing structural relationships and blind spots in the literature. By doing so, the study provides an empirically supported foundation for advancing integrated, context-sensitive, and health-conscious sustainability research in the CI. Likewise, the study’s conclusions aim to support enthusiastic researchers who are eager to examine how construction operations affect the environment. Additionally, the study will help relevant stakeholders better understand the area of focus, enabling them to curb unsustainable practices and improve environmental health/sustainability in the CI.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Environmental Health and Sustainability

Environmental health and sustainability are two interrelated fields that are crucial for maintaining the well-being of both humans and the environment. Understanding and advancing environmental health and sustainability are crucial for achieving long-term ecological balance and human progress, as the globe grapples with escalating issues, such as resource depletion, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, and climate change [8]. Environmental health refers to recognising and controlling environmental risks that could endanger people or neighbouring communities [7]. Environmental health has gained importance due to the CI’s substantial ecological footprint and its implications for human well-being.

Environmental health in relation to construction specifically refers to the ways in which construction activities impact environmental conditions that pose hazards to nearby populations and workers [32,33]. These risks include exposure to chemicals such as asbestos and solvents, noise pollution, dust, and emissions from mechanical and machinery, as well as improper waste management [34,35]. Approximately 7–8% of the world’s CO₂ emissions originate from the cement industry alone [36]. The air quality for workers and surrounding communities is severely deteriorated by dust produced during demolition, excavation, and material handling [37]. Increased noise, poorer air quality, surface water contamination, and suboptimal sanitary conditions are common complaints from communities near construction projects [38]. In addition, according to estimates, 30–40% of the world’s solid waste is composed of construction and demolition waste [39,40]. Long-term soil and groundwater contamination is caused by the improper disposal of hazardous substances, such as lead-based paints and asbestos, as well as chemical solvents [41]. These concerns are exacerbated by unlawful dumping and informal recycling, particularly in low-income countries. The consequences of global warming also exacerbate vulnerabilities, such as the increased exposure of outdoor construction workers to high temperatures and heat stress, which negatively impacts their productivity and health [42]. These effects demonstrate the urgent need for sustainable construction methods that protect the environment and public health. Construction sites, therefore, represent intersections between occupational health and wider environmental health challenges, making sustainability a critical industry priority.

Environmental sustainability, on the other hand, aims to preserve natural systems for the benefit of present and future generations [43]. It includes measures for sustainable development [44], backed by scientific data, that prioritise biodiversity preservation [45,46], climate change mitigation [47], and responsible resource management [43].

To improve EHS in the CI, policy and governance frameworks are essential. For building projects, several nations mandate environmental impact assessments (EIAs), pollution control regulations, and environmental management systems [48]. Nonetheless, research indicates ongoing difficulties with institutional coordination, monitoring, and enforcement, particularly in developing nations [9]. Through training, certification, and industry-wide cooperation, public–private partnerships and industry associations are becoming increasingly important in advancing sustainable construction [27].

Similarly, technological advancements and sustainable approaches are increasingly being utilised to improve EHS in most developed nations [49]. Environmental effects are significantly reduced by pollution mitigation techniques, including dust suppression systems, noise barriers, low-emission vehicles, and improved site planning [50]. Energy-efficient materials, low-VOC coatings, passive ventilation, and renewable energy systems are examples of green building technologies that improve both interior and outdoor environmental quality [14]. Recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement substitutes are examples of sustainable material choices that promote resource conservation and lower lifecycle emissions [23]. By optimising design, improving coordination, and reducing waste, Building Information Modelling (BIM) enhances environmental performance [51]. Compliance and performance are further enhanced by organisational tactics such as employee training, environmental awareness initiatives, and robust sustainability cultures [52].

Additionally, monitoring and assessing environmental health risks are crucial components of sustainable development, including sustainable construction [53]. Risk assessment frameworks tailored to the CI help identify risks, assess exposure routes, and guide mitigation tactics [54]. Continuous monitoring and performance evaluation are supported by environmental indicators, including waste generation measurements, carbon footprint metrics, and air quality indices [55,56]. Drones, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing are examples of advanced technologies that enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate the early identification of hazards [57,58]. Ref. [58] found that the use of UAVs and AI for safety monitoring in large-scale infrastructure projects reduces workplace accidents by approximately 25% compared to conventional monitoring techniques. The early identification of risks, such as shaky scaffolding and unsafe safety procedures, was credited with this decrease [58]. Similarly, a strong performance of AI analysis of aerial data was demonstrated in a study that combined drones with deep learning for real-time safety monitoring at building sites, reporting up to 93.1% precision in identifying safety hard hats and other safety indications [59]. Additionally, drone surveys and AI image analysis were utilised in a construction waste management case in Dubai to map three square kilometres of construction plots in five hours, with AI processing making data analysis approximately 90% faster than manual approaches (FEDS). However, due to institutional limitations, high costs, and a lack of qualified labour, the use of technology is still limited in many areas, especially in developing nations [60].

Furthermore, a comprehensive, life-cycle approach to building development, encompassing design, construction, operation, and demolition, is necessary to integrate environmental health and sustainability [61,62]. Environmental justice concerns have garnered significant attention, as construction projects often disproportionately affect low-income communities through displacement, pollution, and increased exposure to risk [63]. Therefore, sustainable construction necessitates ethical planning, community engagement, and equitable land-use decisions [64]. Future directions emphasise modular construction, net-zero energy buildings, low-carbon buildings, and circular economy strategies as crucial elements for enhancing sustainability and environmental health [23]. However, using bibliometric analysis, this study highlights the trends and areas of interest in environmental health and sustainability research in construction-related studies in a robust manner. This was done in the following sections of the study.

2.2. Challenges of EHS Research in Developing Countries and Africa

2.2.1. Limited Resources and Infrastructure for Research

The implementation of EHS research and development is hindered by several issues that developing nations, particularly those in Africa, must address. Inadequate funding, a shortage of laboratory space, and insufficient institutional infrastructure are significant obstacles [65]. When it comes to obtaining funds and institutional assistance, short-term economic or clinical health objectives frequently take precedence over long-term environmental assessments [65]. Likewise, Ref. [66] reported that financial barriers limit the adoption of technology and analytical capacity. The ability to conduct complex environmental health studies and long-term sustainability research is hindered by the fact that many African nations allocate a small portion of their GDP to research and development, which is significantly below global targets [65,67]. Ref. [67] emphasises the need for increased funding to support data collection and analytical capacities, underscoring the broader research capacity deficit affecting environmental health research across Africa.

2.2.2. Limitations on Quality and Data Gaps

Reliable environmental monitoring systems are either nonexistent or inconsistent in many developing countries, and private sector data are frequently unavailable [68,69]. Ref. [67] discusses how inconsistent monitoring systems and low data availability across regions hinder the production of robust evidence on environmental health. Cross-country comparisons and evidence synthesis are hampered by the lack of consistent local datasets and evaluation frameworks used throughout African infrastructure and environmental projects, according to systematic studies on sustainability assessment procedures [70].

2.2.3. Human Capacity and Expertise Limitations

A lack of knowledge and awareness is a barrier to participating in and implementing environmental research findings, according to studies on environmental sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises [71]. Capability gaps extend to innovative research techniques and the adoption of technology, restricting local research outputs in sustainability contexts [66]. Additionally, Ref. [65] highlighted that environmental health research in Africa is further hindered by problems with recruitment, participant retention, and compensation.

2.2.4. Governance, Institutional and Policy Barriers

The conversion of research into successful environmental and health policies is affected by weak governance frameworks, lax policy enforcement, and institutional fragmentation [70,71]. According to ref [71], Weak regulatory compliance impedes the adoption of sustainability and the impact of research. Additionally, Ref. [72] noted that long-term planning and regulatory frameworks are often not influenced by research findings. Moreover, Ref. [73] reveals that in southern Africa, inadequate institutional capacity to support sustainability research and policy implementation, poor agency cooperation, and low accountability are predominant. Furthermore, Ref. [72] noted that institutional flaws and poor governance continue to impede environmental performance, which has an indirect impact on funding flows and research prioritisation. Hence, integrated policies that combine environmental preservation and economic development are desperately needed, as this gap is frequently observed in emerging nations [72,73].

2.2.5. Limited Local Sustainability Assessment Frameworks

The lack of locally adapted sustainability assessment tools and frameworks that consider cultural, ecological, and socioeconomic contexts frequently limits research on environmental sustainability and impact assessment in Africa. Many of the tools currently in use are imported from developed nations and do not adequately address local dynamics [70,74]. According to Ref. [70], a research deficit exists in context-specific sustainability evaluation, as only a small number of African countries have developed local sustainability assessment procedures for infrastructure projects.

2.2.6. Complex Environmental and Health Issues

Air pollution, water scarcity, poor sanitation, land degradation, climate change, and new toxins are just a few of the multifaceted environmental and public health problems in Africa that intersect with socioeconomic vulnerabilities, including poverty and fast urbanisation [67]. Without strong multidisciplinary frameworks, it is challenging to conduct and evaluate research investigations because of these intricate relationships. Hence, there is a need for studies that integrate risks of communicable and non-communicable diseases with environmental exposures [67]. Similarly, sustainability studies that link ecology, human health, and socioeconomic factors are necessary to mitigate environmental pressures, such as biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and the impacts of climate change [75].

Table 1. Summary of key research challenges in developing countries and Africa.

Research Challenge	Why It Matters	Literature Source
Funding & Infrastructure	Limits scope & technology	[65,66,67]
Data Gaps & Quality	Weak evidence base	[67,68,69]
Human Capacity	Reduces expertise & output	[65,66,71]
Institutional Governance	Hinders policy uptake	[70,72,73]
Policy Translation	Limits the impact on action	[70,72]
Complex Interactions	Requires interdisciplinarity	[67,75]
Local Sustainability Tools	Context mismatch	[70]

presents a summary of the key research challenges in developing nations and Africa.

3. Methods

This study aims to identify the primary topics of interest in publications related to EHS in the construction sector. This necessitated the use of a bibliometric analysis to map the domains of knowledge and spot research trends. Relevant publications were identified using the Scopus search engine, which offers broader coverage by encompassing numerous papers from other databases, including “Web of Science”, “ScienceDirect”, and “Google Scholar”, among others [76,77]. Additionally, it is one of the rapidly expanding databases, and many universities have large subscriptions to Scopus [78]. Ref. [79] also affirmed that it provides particularly strong coverage of engineering, environmental science, and applied research domains.

The keywords utilised were ‘environmental health’ OR ‘ecological health’ OR ‘environmental sustainability’ OR ‘ecological sustainability’ OR ‘Environmental safety’ OR ‘ecological safety’ AND ‘construction industry’ OR ‘building industry’. To preserve conceptual specificity and analytical accuracy, a lengthy list of synonymous or nearly comparable terms, such as “sustainable construction” and “green building”, among others was intentionally excluded. It has been demonstrated that arbitrarily expanding search strings significantly increases the retrieval of conceptually near or marginally relevant studies, adding noise and lowering the accuracy of bibliometric datasets [80,81]. Similarly, excessive keyword breadth in bibliometric analyses can obscure the fundamental intellectual structure of a research domain, distort co-occurrence networks, and inflate thematic clusters [81]. This is especially true when the study’s focus is on a clearly defined intersection of topics rather than the larger sustainability discourse [82,83]. Additionally, concepts such as “green building” and “sustainable construction” are frequently used inconsistently across studies and may encompass social, economic, or architectural aspects that are not directly related to the CI’s primary focus on EHS. Therefore, their exclusion is a methodological trade-off that prioritises internal validity and interpretability over maximum recall. According to Refs. [81,84], this strategy is generally accepted as appropriate when it is openly disclosed and aligns with the specific goals of the study.

The review spanned a 10-year period (2015–2025). The search took place on 23 December 2025. The initial search, conducted without any restrictions, yielded 1188 documents. However, after applying some restrictions, 471 documents were identified. Only ‘journals’, conference papers’ and ‘book chapters’ were taken into consideration. The objective was to draw attention to the most important knowledge sources, considering structure, indexable metadata, citation, and network connectivity, as well as coverage across time and disciplines [76,85]. Similarly, the inclusion of journal articles provided research depth and peer-reviewed rigour [85].

Furthermore, the construction-related studies considered comprised ‘engineering’, ‘environmental science’, ‘material science’, ‘earth and planetary sciences’, ‘energy’, and ‘social sciences’. These were chosen as the most relevant subject areas to the construction domain for the research topic [86,87,88]. Additionally, the search was restricted to the English language due to its dominance in international publishing and indexing [79], as well as its citation advantage and research accessibility [89], and field-specific relevance [85]. The data was graphically analysed using Vosviewer version 1.6.20.0, a tool suitable for bibliometric assessments [90]. The study procedure and expected outputs are illustrated in Figure 1, which includes the following metrics: “number of yearly publications”, “publications per country”, “publications by document source”, “most cited papers”, and “co-occurring analysis”.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Yearly Publication

Of the 471 EHS-related works extracted from the Scopus database, 291 were journal articles, 147 were conference papers, and 33 were book chapters. Figure 2 displays the annual publications from 2015 to 2025. The findings show that the number of publications increased from 2015 to 2020. However, there was a drop to 38 papers in 2021, followed by an increase to 44 in 2022. Another drop to 39 papers in 2023. Nevertheless, the number of publications increased significantly in 2024 and 2025, reaching 102 and 103, respectively. Hence, 2025 recorded the highest number of publications. Therefore, it can be inferred that the subject has garnered significant attention in recent years.

4.2. Publications: Document Source

The initial search of the 471 retrieved articles resulted in 170 sources, meeting the threshold of “1” document and “1” citation. However, using a threshold of six papers, 15 sources were identified as the most notable. As shown in

Table 2. Publication Source.

Source	Number of Documents	Citations
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental science	31	190
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering	27	47
Buildings	18	188
E3S Web of Conferences	18	56
Construction and Building Materials	17	433
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering	15	37
Case Studies in Construction Materials	12	333
Science of the Total Environment	9	394
Environmental Science and Pollution Research	8	175
Journal of Building Engineering	8	253
Materials Today: Proceedings	8	168
Asian Journal of Civil Engineering	7	19
Building and Environment	6	255
Journal of Environmental Management	6	196
Malaysian Construction Research Journal	6	6

, “IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science” ranked first with 31 publications and 190 citations. The remaining top five sources include “Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering” (27 publications; 47 citations), “Buildings” (18 publications; 188 citations), “e3s web of conferences” (18 publications; 56 citations), and “Construction and Building Materials” (17 publications; 433 citations). Despite the number of papers from these sources demonstrating their importance and interest in EHS, the results reveal that there are very few publications in the top-rated journals. As a result, more document publications in Scopus-indexed construction-related fields are required.

4.3. Most Cited Publications

Out of the 471 documents initially discovered, it was crucial to analyse the retrieved papers to determine the most cited texts and their areas of interest, to obtain a thorough comprehension of the EHS study. To distinguish the most pertinent works, a criterion of 70 citations was applied, resulting in 18 publications. Most of the publications were from experimental and questionnaire studies.

Table 3. Most cited articles.

Author(s)/Year	Title	Citations	Method
Di Maria et al. [91]	“Downcycling versus Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste: Combining LCA and LCC to Support Sustainable Policy Making”	271	Case Study
Ahmad et al. [92]	“Investigating associations among performance criteria in Green Building projects”	225	Delphi and Questionnaire
Darko and Chan [93]	Strategies to promote green building technologies adoption in developing countries: The case of Ghana	166	Interview and Questionnaire
Avotra et al. [94]	“Examining the impact of e-government on corporate social responsibility performance: the mediating effect of mandatory corporate social responsibility policy, corruption, and information and communication technologies development during the COVID era.”	145	Questionnaire
Zolfani et al. [95]	“Evaluating construction projects of hotels based on environmental sustainability with MCDM framework”	127	Case Study
Chu et al. [96]	“Coupled effect of polyvinyl alcohol and fly ash on mechanical characteristics of concrete.”	121	Experiment
Faleschini et al. [97]	“Valorisation of co-combustion fly ash in concrete production”	116	Experiment
Xu et al. [98]	“Development of basalt fibre engineered cementitious composites and their mechanical properties”	104	Experiment
Nanayakkara [99]	“Alkali-activated slag concrete incorporating recycled aggregate concrete: Long-term performance and sustainability aspect”	102	Experiment
Tinoco et al. [100]	“Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental sustainability of cementitious materials for 3D concrete printing: A systematic literature review.”	99	Review
Pisello et al. [101]	“Multifunctional analysis of innovative PCM-filled concretes”	97	Experiment
Maglad et al. [102]	“Bim-based energy analysis and optimisation using insight 360 (case study).”	89	Case Study
Hossain et al. [103]	“Critical consideration of buildings’ environmental impact assessment towards adoption of circular economy: An analytical review.”	89	Review
Opoku [9]	“Barriers to environmental sustainability of construction projects.”	87	Interview
Iodice et al. [104]	“Sustainability assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste management applied to an Italian case.”	79	Questionnaire
Hossain [105]	“Comparative LCA on using waste materials in the cement industry: A Hong Kong case study.”	76	Case Study
Zahan et al. [106]	“Green purchase behaviour towards green housing: an investigation of Bangladeshi consumers.”	75	Questionnaire
Mohammadi and South [107]	“Life cycle assessment (LCA) of benchmark concrete products in Australia.”	70	Experiment

presents the most cited publications.

4.4. Publication: Country

The 471 downloaded publications came from 79 countries. However, to elicit the most contributing countries in terms of publications from 2015 to 2025, a threshold of 10 publications was set. This resulted in 16 countries. This was implemented to prevent potential overlap in articles. Figure 3 illustrates the countries that have made significant contributions in terms of research publications. India topped the ranking with 72 publications and 615 citations. China (52 papers, 1271 citations), Russia (42 papers, 110 citations), Italy (32 papers, 474 citations), and Malaysia (32 papers, 154 citations) followed as the top five. The findings underscore the pressing need for more articles to be indexed by Scopus, particularly in developing countries in Africa. For example, South Africa was the only African country listed in Figure 3. Thus, there is a great need for African countries to contribute significantly to the EHS discussion.

However, it is noteworthy that high publication output does not always indicate strong influence and research focus may differ. For instance, Indian research typically focuses on ground-level practice realities, barrier analysis, and context-specific adoption challenges with connections to environmental health arising from exposure patterns in dust, trash, and traditional construction practices [108,109]. China’s research is frequently structurally oriented, focusing on system-level evaluations, policy consequences, and technical advancements that interact with public health and environmental protection outcomes [110,111].

Similarly, a citation-to-publication ratio may constitute high influence and impactful research. Therefore,

Table 4. Ranking based on citations per publication for the top publishing countries.

Countries	No. of Publication	Citation	Citation per Publication	Rank
Spain	10	266	26.6	1
China	52	1271	24.4	2
Saudi Arabia	14	331	23.6	3
Brazil	10	212	21.2	4
Germany	14	268	19.1	5
Turkey	14	230	16.4	6
Italy	32	474	14.8	7
USA	26	368	14.2	8
Portugal	12	167	13.9	9
UK	28	366	13.1	10
Australia	27	328	12.1	11
South Africa	12	120	10	12
India	72	615	8.5	13
Malaysia	32	154	4.8	14
Russia	42	110	2.6	15
Indonesia	15	27	1.8	16

presents the citation-to-publication ratio ranking for the top publishing countries. According to Table 4, the top five countries with the strongest literature influence, based on the citation-to-publication ratio, include Spain, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Germany. Conversely, Russia and Indonesia had the lowest citation-to-publication ratio with 2.6 and 1.8, respectively.

4.5. Co-Occurrence Keywords

Keyword co-occurrence analysis was employed to conduct a thematic analysis of bibliometric terms and generate a keyword co-occurrence map. Author and indexed keywords were extracted, resulting in a total of 3979 keywords. However, there was a need to filter the keywords and identify the major research topics. Hence, a threshold of 7 co-occurring keywords was set. This threshold was used to reduce noise from rarely used keywords and highlight central themes and clusters [112]. Thus, a total of 140 keywords were found, resulting in four clusters.

Table 5. Co-occurring keyword clusters.

Cluster	Keywords	Occurrence	Total Link Strength	Keywords	Occurrence	Total Link Strength
Cluster 1:	Construction industry	275	2081	accident prevention	15	89
	sustainable development	209	1803	decision making	15	169
	environmental sustainability	157	1399	housing	14	97
	environmental impact	63	680	cost effectiveness	13	106
	construction	47	415	economics	12	140
	sustainable construction	42	237	planning	11	85
	construction sectors	34	257	structural design	11	74
	environmental safety	34	178	building	10	123
	energy efficiency	33	244	environmental performance	10	115
	environmental management	32	325	green building	10	84
	energy utilization	28	296	surveys	10	74
	sustainable building	24	196	ecology	9	46
	energy utilization	28	296	investments	9	64
	sustainable building	24	196	construction activities	8	62
	project management	23	189	historic preservation	8	74
	buildings	22	216	risk assessment	8	50
	green buildings	22	176	current	7	77
	architectural design	17	160	air quality	7	62
	climate change	17	167	commerce	7	46
	building material	16	298	economic sustainability	7	51
	construction projects	16	116	safety engineering	7	48
	developing countries	16	148	sensitivity analysis	7	92
	energy conservation	16	134	sustainability assessment	7	86
	environmental technology	16	153	sustainable development goals	7	58
	intelligent buildings	16	153
Cluster 2:	compressive strength	54	389	geopolymers	10	123
	fly ash	27	248	inorganic polymers	10	123
	carbon footprint	26	235	waste disposal	10	126
	cements	22	182	tensile strength	9	67
	Portland cement	21	214	thermal insulation	9	78
	carbon dioxide	20	251	brick	8	82
	concrete aggregates	20	231	carbon sequestration	8	73
	mechanical properties	20	136	coal ash	8	96
	greenhouse gases	19	226	concrete construction	8	48
	mechanical	17	107	concrete industry	8	57
	mortar	17	111	environmental concerns	8	84
	slags	17	144	geopolymer	8	82
	property	16	107	ordinary Portland cement	8	82
	concretes	15	214	bending strength	7	44
	water absorption	13	123	cement industry	7	73
	durability	12	80	construction and demolition	7	44
	energy	12	100	fibers	7	45
	aggregates	11	123	geopolymer concrete	7	43
	concrete mixtures	11	113	leaching	7	84
	gas emissions	11	128	reinforcement	7	41
	concrete products	10	109	sustainable materials	7	70
	emission control	10	105	zero-carbon	7	35
Cluster 3:	sustainability	99	818	China	12	151
	recycling	48	524	industrial waste	11	181
	building industry	38	446	environment	10	137
	waste management	37	424	LCA	10	77
	article	36	496	landfill	9	198
	circular economy	26	272	mining	9	77
	demolition	23	293	procedures	9	165
	building materials	22	172	waste	9	87
	concrete	22	237	cement	8	77
	construction and demolition waste	22	284	construction waste	8	95
	life cycle analysis	18	247	construction wastes	8	107
	environmental protection	17	215	economic development	8	104
	priority journal	16	224	construction material	7	88
	construction materials	15	279	economic aspect	7	141
	environmental impact assessment	15	200	India	7	57
	controlled study	14	171	lean production	7	59
	human	13	193
Cluster 4:	life cycle	60	724	reinforced concrete	14	106
	life cycle assessment	43	540	economic and social effects	13	128
	carbon	20	243	cost benefit analysis	10	109
	carbon emissions	19	168	ecodesign	9	108
	life cycle assessment (LCA)	17	253	embodied carbons	8	74
	built environment	16	138	global warming potential	8	99
	global warming	15	194	costs	7	95

presents the list of the identified keywords, the number of individual occurrences and the total link strength (TLS) for each keyword. Keywords with high TLS show high connectivity across the field.

Moreover, these keywords were subsequently named and interpreted through a qualitative analysis of dominant terms and related articles, taking into account synonyms and inconsistencies.

Table 6. Core Keyword Clusters and Theme Names.

Cluster	Theme Name	Core Keywords	Theme Category
1 (Red)	Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making	construction industry, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, environmental impact, sustainable construction, environmental safety, energy efficiency, environmental management, energy utilisation, sustainable building, architectural design, developing countries, energy conservation, environmental technology, decision making	Motor Theme
2 (Green)	Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete	compressive strength, fly ash, carbon footprint, cements, Portland cement, carbon dioxide, concrete aggregates, mechanical properties, greenhouse gases, mortar, slags, property, concretes	Niche Theme
3 (Blue)	Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices	recycling, waste management, circular economy, demolition, construction and demolition waste, industrial waste, construction waste, waste	Emerging Theme
4 (Yellow)	Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis	life cycle, life cycle assessment, life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon, carbon emissions, global warming	Basic Theme

presents the summary of the clusters, core keywords, and proposed theme names, while Figure 4 portrays the network visualisation map of the clusters.

4.5.1. Cluster 1 (Red): Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making

Cluster 1 is a predominant research stream that focuses on incorporating energy efficiency and environmental sustainability concepts into the decision-making process of the CI. The core keywords include construction industry, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, environmental impact, sustainable construction, environmental safety, energy efficiency, environmental management, energy utilisation, sustainable building, architectural design, developing countries, energy conservation, environmental technology, and decision-making. Hence, this cluster is deemed a motor theme. The popularity of terms like “sustainable development,” “environmental sustainability,” “environmental impact,” and “sustainable construction” is consistent with a large body of research acknowledging the CI’s significant role in the world’s resource consumption, energy use, and environmental degradation [14,113].

Similarly, the research on this theme frequently emphasises energy efficiency and conservation as crucial steps toward sustainable building. Many sources also affirm that building design and construction choices have a substantial impact on long-term operational energy consumption and environmental performance [21,114]. The integration of architectural design and energy utilisation emphasises how early-stage design techniques, such as building orientation, passive design, and energy-efficient technologies, can mitigate environmental impacts throughout a building’s life cycle [27,115]. For instance, BIM and IoT technologies have enabled the real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy efficiency consumption [116,117]. Similarly, Refs. [115,118] emphasises the use of passive design techniques and renewable energy sources to reduce operating energy requirements.

Additionally, the existence of environmental management, environmental safety, and decision-making processes indicates an organisational and governance-oriented research dimension. According to earlier research, systematic environmental management techniques, sustainability-focused decision-support technologies, and policy integration at the project and institutional levels are necessary to achieve environmental sustainability in the CI [119,120]. These managerial strategies help construction stakeholders balance environmental goals with time, financial, and performance constraints [116,121,122].

Furthermore, the specific mention of developing countries reflects the increasing scholarly focus on sustainability issues in emerging economies, where environmental hazards are exacerbated by fast urbanisation, lax enforcement of regulations, and resource limitations [123,124]. To achieve sustainable development goals, studies in this field often examine how environmental technologies and energy-efficient solutions can be tailored to local socioeconomic realities [70].

Generally, Cluster 1 represents a comprehensive sustainability paradigm in construction research, integrating the mitigation of environmental impact, energy-efficient design, technological innovation, and strategic decision-making. This theme serves as a major force in the field of research, linking the subsequent clusters to broader sustainability objectives.

4.5.2. Cluster 2 (Green): Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete

Cluster 2 is a specialised but advanced research stream that focuses on the mechanical performance and environmental effects of cementitious materials, especially concrete. The core keywords informing the theme include compressive strength, fly ash, carbon footprint, cements, Portland cement, carbon dioxide, concrete aggregates, mechanical properties, greenhouse gases, mortar, slags, concretes, and property. Hence, this cluster is tagged as a niche theme. The prevalence of terms such as Portland cement, concretes, compressive strength, and mechanical properties is consistent with a large body of research that acknowledges concrete as the most widely used building material in the world and a significant contributor to carbon emissions from cement production [125,126]. Keywords like “carbon footprint,” “carbon dioxide,” and “greenhouse gases” strongly reflect environmental concerns. According to studies, cement manufacturing alone is responsible for 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions [127]. As a result, a significant amount of research has focused on utilising material substitution techniques to reduce the carbon intensity of concrete, especially in developed countries [23,128,129,130].

Moreover, the use of fly ash and slags suggests that supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial substitutes for Portland cement are of great interest to academics. Sophisticated, advanced low-carbon binders, such as limestone calcined clay, can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 30% per ton of cement, while alkali-activated slag systems can reduce their global warming potential by more than 50% [131]. According to earlier research, when appropriately proportioned, SCMs can significantly reduce embodied carbon while maintaining or improving mechanical performance [25,128,129,130]. For instance, Ref. [128] investigated how the compressive strength of Portland cement concretes is impacted by the inclusion of fluidised bed combustion fly ash from bituminous coal and lignite. It was found that fly ash improves strength through pozzolanic reactions. Strength predictions were accurate based on water/binder ratios and fly ash content (0%, 15%, 30%). Concretes cured for 28 and 90 days showed strong correlations between binder composition and strength. To minimise the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, Ref. [129] investigated the effect of CO₂ loading on the properties of regular concrete vs. fly ash concrete. CO₂ was infused using carbonated water and direct gas injection. Findings revealed that the compressive strength increased by up to 13.86% with the introduction of CO₂. Similarly, fly ash blends (optimal at 45%) stored more CO₂ and performed better than traditional mixes. Consequently, this approach offers a dual benefit: enhanced strength and reduced carbon footprint [129]. Furthermore, Ref. [130] developed a “big data and ensemble learning model to predict compressive strength and optimise CO₂ emissions in fly ash geopolymer concrete (FAGC)”. According to the results, FAGC reduced CO₂ emissions by 60.3% compared to Portland cement concrete. The model used 1136 data points and achieved high accuracy (R² = 0.93). In addition, the crucial emphasis on ensuring that low-carbon options meet structural performance criteria is evident in keywords such as compressive strength and mechanical properties.

In summary, this cluster exemplifies a materials-driven sustainability strategy that utilises rigorous mechanical testing and concrete mix design optimisation to achieve emission reduction goals. The issue’s designation as a niche theme within the larger sustainability discourse is reinforced by the fact that, despite its technical maturity and internal coherence, it is still rather specialised.

4.5.3. Cluster 3 (Blue): Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices

Cluster 3, categorised as an emerging theme, encompasses research on construction and demolition waste (CDW), recycling, and the implementation of circular economy practices within the CI. Terms such as construction waste, construction and demolition waste, and demolition are consistent with research indicating that construction is one of the major global sources of solid waste [40,132,133,134].

The prominence of waste management and recycling reflects long-standing scholarly efforts to improve waste handling practices, including waste minimisation, source separation, recycling technologies, and landfill diversion strategies [135]. According to several studies, effective waste management is crucial for minimising the life-cycle environmental consequences of construction projects, preserving natural resources, and preventing environmental deterioration [62,136,137].

Crucially, the inclusion of the circular economy in this cluster represents a conceptual change away from conventional linear waste management techniques and toward closed-loop material systems. The increasing usage of circular economy principles in construction, which emphasise material reuse, recycling, and value retention throughout the entire life cycle, has been documented in recent research [24,138]. However, research also shows that adoption remains dispersed due to market, technological, and regulatory obstacles, particularly in developing nations [139].

Generally, Cluster 3 represents an emerging research trajectory in which waste management is being increasingly reinterpreted within the framework of the circular economy. Although the theme is gaining popularity, its lower centrality suggests that further integration with life cycle assessment, material innovation, and strategic decision-making is necessary to enhance its significance in the field of construction sustainability research.

4.5.4. Cluster 4 (Yellow): Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis

Cluster 4 represents a foundational methodological research stream focused on life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon emission analysis in the built environment. Keywords such as life cycle, life cycle assessment, carbon emissions, and global warming align with a substantial body of literature that presents LCA as a fundamental tool for assessing the environmental impacts of buildings, materials, and construction processes [22,137]. To compare different materials, design approaches, and building methods, research in this theme often employs LCA to measure both embodied and operational carbon emissions [23]. The increased focus on climate change mitigation in construction research, particularly in response to global decarbonisation targets, is reflected in the significant emphasis on carbon and global warming.

Furthermore, several studies confirm that life cycle-based carbon assessments provide crucial information for environmental benchmarking, policy development, and informed decision-making [140,141]. Thus, this subject serves as the foundation for sustainability-oriented decision-making and efficient construction practices (Cluster 1), material innovation (Cluster 2) and waste management techniques (Cluster 3).

Overall, Cluster 4 serves as a fundamental theme that enables the integration of environmental performance factors across various research domains, providing analytical rigour and methodological consistency in sustainability research within the construction sector.

4.6. Thematic Map

4.6.1. Interpretation

Research themes are categorised on the map according to density (internal development) and centrality (importance within the field). Themes can be categorised as emerging (low centrality and low density), niche (low centrality and high density), basic (high centrality and low density), or motor (high centrality and high density). While interconnections show the co-occurrence relationships between terms, node size shows the frequency of keywords.

Consequently, the thematic map (Figure 5) visually summarises the intellectual structure of EHS research in construction. Motor themes represented by high-centrality, high-density nodes demonstrate well-developed and influential research areas, exemplified by environmental sustainability and energy-oriented decision-making. Basic themes, such as life cycle assessment and carbon emission analysis, provide methodological foundations that are widely applied across multiple studies. Niche themes, including low-carbon cementitious materials and concrete performance, reveal technically mature but specialised research streams, whereas emerging themes, such as waste management and circular economy practices, highlight underdeveloped areas with strong potential for future growth. The map’s spatial distribution of nodes and clusters illustrates the interconnection and maturity of research subjects, providing a comprehensive picture of the current state and future direction of sustainability-focused studies in the construction sector.

4.6.2. Synthesis of Thematic Interrelationships

The four selected themes converge to form an integrated research framework that captures the complexity of sustainability in the CI. Sustainability goals are established and carried out within the broad strategic and administrative framework of environmental sustainability and energy-oriented decision-making (Theme 1). In this regard, low-carbon cementitious materials and concrete performance (Theme 2) discusses the material-level actions needed to lessen environmental effects, especially carbon emissions related to cement manufacturing. These material innovations are further complemented by waste management and circular economy practices (Theme 3), which focus on minimising construction and demolition waste through recycling, reuse, and closed-loop material flows, thereby extending resource efficiency beyond the construction phase. Underpinning all three applied themes is life cycle assessment and carbon emission analysis (Theme 4), which serves as the primary analytical and evaluative tool for quantifying environmental impacts, comparing alternative strategies, and assessing their contributions to climate change mitigation. Together, these interrelated themes illustrate a holistic sustainability paradigm in construction research, wherein strategic decision-making, material innovation, circular resource management, and life-cycle-based carbon assessment collectively support the transition toward environmentally sustainable and low-carbon built environments.

Not only do the themes contribute to environmental sustainability, but they are also related to environmental health outcomes in the CI. The next section discusses the practical relevance of the themes, linking them to construction-related health outcomes and SDGs.

4.7. Practical Relevance of the Clusters/Themes: Links to Health Outcomes and SDGs

Table 7. Linkages between Bibliometric Clusters, Construction-Related Health Outcomes, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cluster (Red)	Theme Name	Relevant Keywords	Construction-Related Health Outcomes	Relevant SDGs	Supporting Citations
Cluster 1 (Red)	Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making	Environmental sustainability; environmental impact; environmental safety; energy efficiency; sustainable construction; architectural design; decision-making	• Reduced air pollution and dust exposure • Improved indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort • Lower occupational accident and safety risks • Reduced heat stress and climate-related health impacts	SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 13—Climate Action	[9,10,11,12,21,123,142,143]
Cluster 2 (Green)	Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Concrete Performance	Cement; concrete; fly ash; slag; carbon footprint; carbon dioxide; compressive strength	• Reduced respiratory and skin diseases among workers • Lower exposure to cement dust and crystalline silica • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related health risks • Improved structural safety and durability	SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13—Climate Action	[25,36,126,144,145]
Cluster 3 (Blue)	Waste Management and Circular Economy	Construction and demolition waste; recycling; waste management; circular economy; demolition	• Reduced exposure to hazardous waste (asbestos, heavy metals, dust) • Lower risk of respiratory disease and injuries among demolition workers • Reduced soil, air, and water contamination affecting communities • Improved occupational safety through formalised waste systems	SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production	[24,34,35,146,147,148]
Cluster 4 (Yellow)	Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emissions	Life cycle assessment; carbon emissions; global warming; life cycle; carbon	• Identification of emission and health-risk hotspots • Reduced long-term climate-related morbidity and mortality • Improved worker protection through life-cycle-informed risk management • Evidence-based policy decisions with health co-benefits	SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13—Climate Action	[22,23,149,150,151]

presents the Linkages between Bibliometric Clusters, Construction-Related Health Outcomes, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following subsections provide a brief discussion of the linkages.

4.7.1. Cluster 1: Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making

Research in Cluster 1 is closely related to the effects of construction on the environment and public health. On construction sites, poor environmental management and inefficient energy use often lead to increased emissions of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, NO₂, and SO₂, as well as excessive noise, which contribute to hazardous working conditions [9,10,142]. Among construction workers and the surrounding communities, these environmental stressors are associated with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular stress, and an increased incidence of occupational accidents [9,10,11,12].

Additionally, sustainable architectural design and energy-efficient buildings improve indoor environmental quality by improving ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort, and reducing exposure to hazardous pollutants, thereby boosting occupant health and productivity [21,143].

Moreover, “SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)”, “SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)”, “SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)”, and “SDG 13 (Climate Action)” are all closely related to this cluster, especially in developing nations where lax enforcement of regulations increases the risks to environmental health associated with construction [123].

4.7.2. Cluster 2: Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Concrete Performance

Cluster 2 connects environmental and occupational health hazards to material performance and manufacturing. The production of cement is a significant contributor to particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions, which worsen the burden of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and contribute to climate change [36]. Exposure to cement dust and respirable crystalline silica during the mixing and handling of concrete has been linked to skin problems, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in construction workers [144,145].

Likewise, supplementary cementitious materials, such as fly ash and slag, can reduce embodied carbon and energy consumption without compromising mechanical performance by lowering the clinker content [25,126]. Therefore, this cluster supports “SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)”, “SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)”, “SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)”, and “SDG 13 (Climate Action)”.

4.7.3. Cluster 3: Waste Management and Circular Economy

Cluster 3 is directly associated with health risks associated with the generation and handling of construction and demolition waste. Improper disposal and informal recycling of construction waste can release hazardous substances, including asbestos fibres, heavy metals, and fine particulates, contaminating air, soil, and water and posing serious public health risks [34,35,146,147]. Construction workers engaged in demolition and waste handling are particularly exposed to dust, noise, and physical hazards, which increases the risk of respiratory diseases, injuries, and long-term occupational illnesses [34,35,148]. Conversely, circular economy activities, including controlled recycling, material reuse, and waste minimisation, enhance worker safety and environmental quality by reducing reliance on landfills and exposure to pollutants [24]. Consequently, this cluster aligns with “SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)”, “SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)”, “SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)”, and “SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)”.

4.7.4. Cluster 4: Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emissions

Cluster 4 provides the analytical foundation for linking construction activities to long-term environmental and health outcomes. Life cycle assessment enables the identification of emission hotspots across the stages of material manufacturing, construction, operation, and destruction, many of which correspond with increased exposure to pollution for workers and the community [22,23].

Carbon emissions quantified through LCA contribute to global warming, which has been linked to an increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, and the development of infectious diseases that are susceptible to climate change, especially in urban areas [149,150]. When evaluated on a cradle-to-gate basis, LCA case studies also show that substituting recycled or alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), for cement can reduce the embodied carbon per cubic meter of concrete by up to 56% [151]. Hence, this cluster is closely aligned with “SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)”, “SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)”, and “SDG 13 (Climate Action)”.

4.8. Research Focus by Year of Publication

The “overlay visualisation network map” for the co-occurring keywords is shown in Figure 6. Observations revealed that, in at least seven co-occurring keywords, studies on cluster 1 (Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making) and cluster 3 (Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices) became more noticeable from 2020 to the end of 2021. The relevant keywords were shown in purple and blue. However, studies on the circular economy (identified in yellow) from Cluster 3 remain highly relevant to date. Green buildings received great attention from late 2020 to 2022. From 2023 to date, studies have focused on cluster 2 (Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete) to reduce the carbon footprint and improve EHS. Concrete is becoming a vital component in the struggle for sustainability and environmental health, and it is no longer only about strength and durability. Low-carbon concrete mixes have been found. Ref. [152] confirmed that supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume, can be used in place of Portland cement to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 50% while maintaining structural integrity. Similar studies have also been previously highlighted.

However, areas that have not been thoroughly researched, such as those with low-occurring keywords, include geopolymer and carbon sequestration. Ref. [153] highlights that geopolymer and alkali-activated binders can lower energy consumption and carbon footprint compared to traditional cement. Additionally, according to [152], injecting CO₂ into fresh concrete, where it reacts and becomes permanently embedded, turns the concrete into a carbon sink while improving its compressive strength. Furthermore, Ref. [153] recommended using AI and machine learning to optimise mix designs for performance, cost, and sustainability. Predictive modelling enables faster innovation and better-quality control [153].

Conversely, green buildings minimise CO₂ output through energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials [4,154]. It reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, lowering operational costs and emissions [155]. It also enhances resource efficiency by conserving water and energy through innovative design and technologies, such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels [155]. In addition, adopting sustainable practices minimises construction and operational waste [4,156]. Economically, the energy and water savings of green buildings translate into reduced utility bills [156]. There is also a higher property value for green-certified buildings, which makes them more attractive to tenants [156]. Green buildings often incorporate inclusive design and promote local employment [156]. Furthermore, Ref. [154] posited that they promote physical and mental wellness through better lighting, thermal comfort, and air quality.

However, notable gaps still exist in the field of green building studies. Although awareness of green building practices (GBPs) is growing, implementation remains sluggish due to systemic barriers. A review by [157] identified 99 distinct barriers to the adoption of GBP, grouped into seven categories: social, cultural, economic, technological, technical, environmental, and regulatory. Despite GB literature’s 10.87% yearly growth, their review revealed that practical adoption is still relatively low. Similarly, there is a lack of region-specific policy frameworks. Many studies generalise findings across regions, ignoring local climate, culture, and regulatory differences influencing green building success [158]. Likewise, many studies have centred on commercial or public buildings, leaving a gap in understanding how green features are adopted in private residential developments [159]. According to [159], low client awareness, developer hesitation, and regulatory complexity hinder the adoption of private sector green building projects and characteristics. Furthermore, despite the rise of BIM, AI, and IoT, their application in green building research is still underdeveloped, especially in emerging economies [157]. Therefore, considering the highlighted research focus and gaps, there is a need for further research in EHS in the construction-related domain.

5. Cluster-Specific Research Gaps and Directions for Future Research

Across all four clusters/themes, the absence of integrated frameworks that concurrently address environmental sustainability, climate mitigation, and human health across the entire life cycle is a crucial overall gap. Particularly in the context of developing nations, future research should transcend subject or thematic silos and adopt interdisciplinary, life-cycle-based, and health-centred sustainability approaches. The following subsections highlight the cluster-specific research gaps and recommendations for future research.

5.1. Cluster 1: Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making

5.1.1. Identified Gaps

• Limited integration of environmental health metrics, such as particulate exposure, heat stress, or indoor air quality-related health outcomes.
• Although developing countries are frequently mentioned as keywords, empirical, context-specific studies linking sustainability strategies to health and environmental outcomes remain scarce, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions of Africa and South Asia.

5.1.2. Targeted Future Research Directions

• Develop health-integrated sustainable decision-support models that incorporate occupational health indicators, thermal comfort, and air quality.
• Conduct comparative and longitudinal studies in developing nations to assess how policy-driven sustainability measures affect environmental health outcomes over time.
• Incorporate environmental health risk assessment and human-centred design into early construction planning.

5.2. Cluster 2: Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Concrete Performance

5.2.1. Identified Gaps

• Many studies concentrate on mechanical performance and CO₂ reduction, with very little attention paid to occupational exposure to dust, heavy metals, and chemical risks related to alternative binders and SCMs.
• Many low-carbon concrete solutions remain laboratory-based with limited evidence on large-scale adoption, regulatory acceptance on construction sites.

5.2.2. Targeted Future Research Directions

• There should be more studies that incorporate occupational and public health indicators into material LCA.
• Field-based studies and pilot-scale evaluations are necessary to assess the performance and health of alternative cementitious materials, particularly in developing nations.
• In terms of material innovation, greater emphasis is needed on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, slag, and calcined clays, particularly their long-term performance, exposure risks, and scalability in developing regions.

5.3. Cluster 3: Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices

5.3.1. Identified Gaps

• The dangers to occupational and public health posed by managing demolition waste, dust exposure, and hazardous materials are rarely measured, despite the growing research on recycling and waste minimisation.
• Most research is still conceptual, and there are not many case studies assessing how circular economy methods affect the environment and human health in actual construction projects, especially in developing nations [132].
• Despite posing serious health concerns to workers and communities, there is scant documentation of informal waste processing and recycling procedures that are prevalent in developing nations.

5.3.2. Targeted Future Research Directions

• Studies that incorporate health risk evaluations into frameworks for the circular economy and construction waste are encouraged.
• Intervention and case-based research to assess the health effects of circular construction methods are required.

5.4. Cluster 4: Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis

5.4.1. Identified Gaps

• Human toxicity, particulate matter formation, and occupational exposure indicators are underrepresented compared to global warming potential [23].
• LCA findings often remain academic outputs rather than actionable inputs for designers, policymakers, and practitioners.

5.4.2. Targeted Future Research Directions

• Future research should advance health-integrated LCA models, align impact categories with WHO burden-of-disease frameworks, and improve the usability of LCA tools for practitioners and policymakers

6. Conclusions

This study used a bibliometric technique to determine the concentration of EHS research across construction-related disciplines. The extracted papers were published within the past decade and were included in the Scopus database. The results revealed a progressive increase in publications in recent years. However, there is a dearth of top-notch publications on EHS, particularly in emerging economies. Most developing countries have focused on identifying drivers and barriers, but with little or no research that provides real-life solutions. The findings also suggest that more relevant studies are required in African nations and South Asian countries. Four clusters were identified in the EHS construction-related studies. They included Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making, Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Concrete Performance, Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices, and Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emissions. The current trends focus on the circular economy, green buildings, and concrete properties, as well as SCMs.

By highlighting topics that earlier studies have focused on in construction-related domains, this article adds to the literature on EHS. Potential directions for EHS research in the CI, particularly in emerging economies, have also been highlighted by its findings.

This bibliometric analysis is distinguished from previous studies by its integrated examination of environmental sustainability and environmental health within the context of the CI. Unlike earlier reviews that focus primarily on carbon reduction, green buildings, or technological innovation in isolation, this study explicitly links sustainability themes to environmental and occupational health risks. Methodologically, the use of strategic thematic mapping enables the identification of motor, basic, niche, and emerging themes, providing insights into both the maturity and influence of research topics, rather than relying solely on publication trends. Furthermore, the analysis adopts a life-cycle and systems-level perspective, revealing the interconnections among decision-making, material innovation, circular economy practices, and life-cycle assessment. By highlighting thematic gaps and the underrepresentation of developing regions, the study provides targeted and forward-looking directions for future research.

Furthermore, this study provides actionable guidance for policy and enterprise practice in the construction industry. The results underscore the importance of incorporating environmental and health considerations into building regulations, sustainability requirements, and procurement procedures. Regulations should include life cycle assessment (LCA) and the adoption of low-carbon materials to direct emission reduction, circular resource management, and occupational health protection, especially in areas that are undergoing rapid urbanisation.

The study emphasises the advantages of implementing energy-efficient designs, low-carbon cementitious materials, and circular waste management procedures for construction companies to reduce their negative environmental impact, enhance worker safety, and improve operational efficiency. The identification of environmental and health hotspots is made possible by incorporating LCA and health indicators into early-stage design and material selection, which promotes economical, ecological, and socially conscious construction methods.

Nevertheless, the current study utilised only the Scopus database due to its extensive multidisciplinary coverage, robust representation of peer-reviewed journals, and thorough citation indexing, which have made it one of the most popular sources for bibliometric and research appraisal studies. However, the exclusive use of Scopus may have led to the exclusion of pertinent publications that are indexed in other major databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, or regional databases, especially those that cover grey literature, non-English language sources, or journals with a local focus. Hence, the completeness of thematic mapping, citation patterns, and geographic representation of the research environment may all be impacted by such omissions, which can create database selection bias [160]. For transparency and rigour, it is acknowledged that the limited data coverage may affect the generalisability and robustness of the study’s conclusions. For future studies, the study recommends investigating other databases or merging Scopus with other databases to compare results and gain a deeper understanding of the topic.