Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials and Life Cycle Assessment

Dear Colleagues,

The construction sector accounts for approximately 37% of global energy‑related CO₂ emissions, and as operational carbon declines, embodied carbon, which originates from material extraction, production, and manufacturing, has become the predominant challenge. Emerging low‑carbon binders (e.g., limestone, calcined clay cement, and geopolymers), waste valorization (including plastics, slags, mine tailings, and agricultural residues), digital fabrication (notably 3D concrete printing), and bio‑stabilization techniques offer promising decarbonization pathways. However, the net environmental benefits of these innovations must be rigorously quantified through life cycle assessment (LCA) to avoid unintended burden shifting. The convergence of net‑zero emission targets, circular economy principles, and advanced manufacturing technologies makes this research area particularly timely both in academia, where fundamental mechanisms, long‑term durability, and LCA methodologies remain key frontiers, and in practice, where full‑scale 3D printing, material passports, and green procurement are rapidly gaining traction. This Special Issue aims to present the recent advances in sustainable construction materials and their life cycle assessment. We invite contributions addressing low‑carbon cements, 3D‑printed geopolymer concrete, recycled and carbonated aggregates, and bio‑based stabilizers, as well as LCA of emerging construction technologies; potential topics include the following:

• Low‑carbon binders (LC3, alkali‑activated, one‑part geopolymers);
• 3D printing of sustainable concrete (rheology, anisotropy, durability);
• Waste valorization (PET, platinum slag, goldmine tailings, ceramic powder);
• CO₂ mineral carbonation of waste concrete and recycled plastic eco‑aggregates;
• Bio‑stabilization of earthen materials (mechanical, hygrothermal properties);
• Nanotechnology and functional additives for sustainable construction materials;
• Agricultural wastes as supplementary cementitious materials;
• Durability and long‑term performance of low‑carbon concretes;
• Life cycle assessment of novel construction materials and processes.

Prof. Dr. Adewumi John Babafemi
Prof. Dr. Suvash Chandra Paul
Guest Editors

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