Department t of civil engineering, Government, polytechnic, Channasandra. Bangalore 560067, Karnataka, India
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 08(02), 392-397
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2020.8.2.0386
Received on 13 November 2020; Revised 25 November 2020; accepted on 29 November 2020
The construction industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, accounting for high levels of energy consumption, raw material extraction, and waste generation. Conventional building materials, such as concrete, steel, and bricks, have substantial environmental footprints due to resource depletion and carbon emissions during their production and disposal stages. In contrast, green building materials offer a more sustainable alternative by minimizing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and incorporating recyclable or renewable resources. This paper presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of various green building materials, evaluating their environmental impact from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transportation, usage, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. The study compares green building materials—such as recycled concrete, bamboo, rammed earth, hempcrete, and low-carbon cement—to traditional counterparts in terms of energy efficiency, embodied carbon, resource depletion, and waste reduction. Through quantitative analysis, including energy consumption metrics, carbon footprint estimations, and material efficiency evaluations, this research identifies the most environmentally favorable alternatives. Figures, tables, and bar charts illustrate key findings, emphasizing critical areas where green materials outperform conventional options. Additionally, the study highlights challenges associated with green material adoption, such as cost, durability, and scalability, while suggesting strategies for overcoming these barriers. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers, architects, engineers, and construction professionals seeking to enhance sustainability in the built environment. By advancing the adoption of eco-friendly materials, the construction sector can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting a more resource-efficient future.
Green building materials; life cycle assessment (LCA); sustainability; environmental impact; energy consumption; greenhouse gas emissions
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Lokesh B J, Veena N Pavadeppagol and Achappara Chaitra. Life cycle assessment of green building materials. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 8(2), 392-397. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2020.8.2.0386