Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation toward sustainability, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. Low-carbon materials and green construction techniques have gained increasing attention as viable solutions for achieving energy efficiency, resource conservation, and climate resilience. The development and application of innovative low-carbon materials, coupled with green building practices, are critical to advancing the sustainability agenda in the built environment.

This Topic, titled "Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction", aims to provide a platform for researchers and industry professionals to present their latest findings, innovations, and practical applications in sustainable construction. We seek contributions that explore new materials, construction methods, and strategies for reducing carbon footprints while maintaining structural integrity and functionality. By addressing these key aspects, this Special Issue aspires to promote knowledge exchange and technological advancements in green construction.

For this Topic, both original research and review articles are encouraged. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Development and performance evaluation of low-carbon and carbon-neutral construction materials;
2. Innovative green building technologies and sustainable construction methods;
3. Carbon footprint assessment and lifecycle analysis of construction materials and structures;
4. Utilization of recycled and industrial by-products in sustainable construction;
5. Energy-efficient design strategies for reducing environmental impact in buildings;
6. Advances in bio-based and geopolymer materials for green construction;
7. Smart materials and digital innovations for enhancing sustainability in construction;
8. Regulation and economic considerations for promoting low-carbon and green building practices.

This Topic offers an opportunity for researchers and practitioners to share their cutting-edge research, foster collaborations, and contribute to the advancement of low-carbon materials and green construction for a more sustainable future.

Dr. Fengyin Du
Dr. Linfei Li
Dr. Peihua Zhong
Dr. Ruizhe Yang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	5.6	2011	15.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	4.7	9.4	2019	20 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	8.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	7.0	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	8.9	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Buildings Clean Technol. Energies Materials Sustainability

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28 pages, 9220 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on Mechanical and Fatigue Behavior of Concrete Beams Prestressed with High Strength Aluminum Alloy Bars

by Jiahua Zhao, Zhaoqun Chang, Xiangzhi Peng, Pingze Peng, Meng Han and Boquan Liu

Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071339 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 403

Abstract

The corrosion of prestressed tendons in concrete structures remains a major durability concern, especially for post-tensioned members exposed to aggressive environments. High-strength aluminum alloy (AA) bars exhibit favorable characteristics such as corrosion resistance, low density, and high ductility and may therefore provide an [...] Read more.

The corrosion of prestressed tendons in concrete structures remains a major durability concern, especially for post-tensioned members exposed to aggressive environments. High-strength aluminum alloy (AA) bars exhibit favorable characteristics such as corrosion resistance, low density, and high ductility and may therefore provide an alternative or supplementary prestressing material in durability-oriented structural design. In this study, a bonded post-tensioned T-shaped concrete beam with hybrid prestressing combining prestressed steel (PS) strands and 7075 AA bars was investigated. A refined finite element model was developed by considering the bond-slip relationship between the AA tendons and grout inside corrugated tubes. The flexural behavior of the beam was analyzed through a combination of finite element simulation and sectional theoretical analysis. In addition, a fatigue-life assessment framework was established based on vehicle fatigue loads and material fatigue constitutive models, and the fatigue performance of the proposed hybrid beams was compared with that of conventional prestressed concrete beams. The theoretical predictions agreed reasonably well with the numerical results. Results indicated that partial replacement of PS strands with corrosion-resistant AA bars could alter the governing fatigue failure mode and improve the fatigue durability of prestressed beams under corrosive conditions. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid AA–PS prestressing as a durability-oriented strategy for concrete beams in corrosive environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction)

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36 pages, 12137 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Low-Carbon and Bioclimatic Design for a Sustainable Interpretation and Research Center for Ecosystem Conservation in Madre de Dios, Peru

by Jesica Vilchez Cairo, Tessa Yazmin Sanchez Grandez, Danai Noelia Hidalgo Cabrera, Luis Fernando Medrano Canchari, Julio Rodrigo Tornero Loayza, Doris Esenarro, Carlos Manuel Cavani Grau and Miguel Ramón Cobeñas Cabrera

Clean Technol. 2026, 8(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol8020037 - 10 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1450

Abstract

The natural resources and local communities of Madre de Dios, Peru, face severe environmental degradation due to illegal mining, deforestation, and the expansion of agricultural activities, threatening one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of the Amazon. This research proposes a low-carbon and [...] Read more.

The natural resources and local communities of Madre de Dios, Peru, face severe environmental degradation due to illegal mining, deforestation, and the expansion of agricultural activities, threatening one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of the Amazon. This research proposes a low-carbon and bioclimatic architectural design for a Sustainable Interpretation and Research Center dedicated to the conservation of the ecosystems of Manu National Park. The study is based on an analysis of the surrounding environment in terms of flora, fauna, and climate, applying bioclimatic strategies focused on sustainability and supported by specialized digital tools (Revit 2024, Canva, Global Mapper 2024, SketchUp 2024, Photoshop 2022, and Illustrator 2022). The project presents a bioclimatic architectural design that integrates constructive techniques ensuring thermal comfort in a warm-humid climate, while promoting the use of clean technologies such as photovoltaic solar systems generating 15,571.8 kWh per year and a rainwater harvesting system collecting 70,675 L annually. The infrastructure is built with bamboo and locally sourced wood, renewable materials that ensure durability and low environmental impact. In addition, the design includes the reforestation of 17.92% of the total area and 3.46% of public spaces, incorporating native species such as Brazil nut, rosewood, and capirona to reinforce local biodiversity. Overall, this research demonstrates how low-carbon construction, renewable materials, and bioclimatic design can contribute to sustainable development, environmental awareness, and the preservation of natural ecosystems in tropical regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction)

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21 pages, 6435 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Industrial Waste Gypsums in Excess-Sulfated Slag Cement: The Role of Wet Grinding

by Pei Tang, Hai Yang and Shuai Zhou

Materials 2026, 19(5), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19050999 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 478

Abstract

The rational utilization of industrial solid waste is an effective way to reduce environmental pollution. This study investigated the potential application of fluorogypsum (FG), flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD), phosphogypsum (PG), and titanium gypsum (TG) in the production of excess-sulfated slag cement (ESSC). [...] Read more.

The rational utilization of industrial solid waste is an effective way to reduce environmental pollution. This study investigated the potential application of fluorogypsum (FG), flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD), phosphogypsum (PG), and titanium gypsum (TG) in the production of excess-sulfated slag cement (ESSC). It further investigated the effects of different types of gypsum on the performance and hydration process of ESSC through a wet grinding process. The results showed that as the pH value of the gypsum increased, the setting time of ESSC decreased, and hydration heat release occurred earlier. Phase analysis and microstructural characterization indicated that the type of gypsum affected the hydration rate, microstructure, and quantity of hydration products of ESSC, thereby influencing its compressive strength. To further improve the performance of ESSC, a wet grinding process was employed to enhance particle activity and promote hydration reactions. PG, due to its high solubility, demonstrated a better activation effect; after wet grinding, the 28 d compressive strength reached 40.03 MPa. Meanwhile, ESSC pastes prepared with high-pH FG exhibited not only good early strength (3-day strength of 21.93 MPa) after wet grinding but also excellent water resistance, with a softening coefficient of 0.96. This study clarifies the impact of gypsum type on ESSC performance and provides valuable insights for enhancing its properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction)

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15 pages, 1484 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Footprint Study of Bamboo Scrimber Products Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

by Anming Zhu, Guguo Zhou, Naping Shen, Weilu Tang and Xinchi Tian

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010222 - 25 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1125

Abstract

Understanding the carbon footprint of biomass products is of considerable practical relevance for energy conservation and emission reduction. Conducting carbon footprint assessment of bamboo scrimber products via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) facilitates the quantitative characterization of their environmental performance and further enhances the [...] Read more.

Understanding the carbon footprint of biomass products is of considerable practical relevance for energy conservation and emission reduction. Conducting carbon footprint assessment of bamboo scrimber products via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) facilitates the quantitative characterization of their environmental performance and further enhances the improvement in cleaner production. This study established a model of life cycle and inventory data set for bamboo scrimber flooring from ‘cradle to gate’ that accurately quantifies carbon emissions during raw material transportation and product production stages. Two types of bamboo scrimber flooring processes were investigated: deep carbonization and shallow carbonization. Additionally, this study compared the carbon footprints of products processed using bamboo scrimber flooring and bamboo plywood production methods. Results showed that the carbon emissions during the processing of 1 m³ of deep carbon and shallow carbon bamboo scrimber flooring were 1845.99 kg CO2-eq and 1570.85 kg CO2-eq, respectively. When coupling the carbon storage of raw material supply and product usage stages, the life cycle carbon footprints for 1 m³ of deep carbon and shallow carbon bamboo scrimber flooring were 962.23 kg CO2-eq and 677.86 kg CO2-eq, respectively. The carbon emissions and life cycle carbon footprint for the processing of bamboo plywoods were 1435.55 kg CO2-eq and 640.23 kg CO2-eq, respectively. Through the analysis of different processes and their effects, adhesives were identified as the primary factor influencing the carbon footprint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction)

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