Bio-Based Materials for Construction: A Global Review of Sustainable Infrastructure Practices

• Author(s): Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju ; Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi ; Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu
• Paper ID: 1710574
• Page: 376-393
• Published Date: 30-06-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 2 Issue 12 June-2019

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation, driving the search for more sustainable material alternatives. Bio-based materials have emerged as a promising pathway toward low-carbon, circular, and resource-efficient infrastructure, offering the potential to replace or complement conventional materials such as cement, steel, and plastics. This global review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of bio-based materials in sustainable construction, examining their applications, benefits, challenges, and emerging trends across diverse regional contexts. This categorizes bio-based materials into key groups, including engineered timber, bamboo, hempcrete, agricultural residue-based products, mycelium composites, and biopolymers. Findings reveal that timber innovations such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) are reshaping urban skylines in Europe and North America, while bamboo and agricultural residues play a critical role in affordable housing across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These materials demonstrate substantial environmental advantages, including carbon sequestration, biodegradability, and reduced embodied energy, alongside economic and social benefits such as job creation in local supply chains and improved housing affordability. However, the widespread adoption of bio-based construction materials faces persistent challenges. Technical barriers include durability, fire resistance, and performance standardization, while policy and regulatory frameworks often lag behind material innovations. Economic competitiveness with conventional materials and limited expertise among professionals further restrict uptake. Despite these challenges, emerging trends such as digital integration (BIM, digital twins), hybrid construction approaches, and advanced bio-composites indicate a rapidly evolving field with strong potential for scaling. This concludes that bio-based materials hold significant promise for advancing sustainable infrastructure, but their success depends on multidisciplinary collaboration, supportive policy environments, and context-specific research. By fostering global knowledge exchange and aligning innovation with local needs, bio-based materials can become a cornerstone of sustainable construction practices worldwide.

Keywords

Bio-Based Materials, Sustainable Construction, Green Infrastructure, Renewable Resources, Lifecycle Assessment, Environmental Impact, Carbon Footprint Reduction, Energy Efficiency, Circular Economy, Material Innovation, Building Performance, Sustainable Design

Citations

IRE Journals:
Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju , Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi , Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Bio-Based Materials for Construction: A Global Review of Sustainable Infrastructure Practices" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 12 2019 Page 376-393

IEEE:
Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju , Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi , Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Bio-Based Materials for Construction: A Global Review of Sustainable Infrastructure Practices" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(12)