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Circular Economy Potential of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block Technology in Sustainable Construction
Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment · Area of research: Architecture
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719576
Abstract
As the demand for sustainable construction grows, innovative building technologies that reduce resource consumption, environmental degradation, and promote circular economy are being sought. The Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) technology has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional masonry construction systems due to its use of locally sourced materials, cement reduction, minimisation of construction waste and embodied carbon. Such benefits, however, have yet to be substantiated with empirical data on the impact of ISSB technology on circular economy in the construction sector, in which its uptake is still relatively low in developing countries. This study thus investigated the potential of circular economy in sustainable construction through Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block technology, studying the environmental, economic and resource efficiency aspect, and the challenges that impact the implementation of the technology. A descriptive mixed-method research design was used and data were gathered from construction professionals using structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document review. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. It was found that ISSB technology can lead to significant improvements in resource efficiency by using local materials, minimize construction waste, keep the amount of cement used down as well as carbon emissions and increase the cost effective and environmental-friendly construction. The major constraints to its wide-spread use identified in the study were inadequate public awareness, inadequate technical skills, limited government support and preference for traditional building materials. Based on this study, it is recommended that more policies should be encouraged to support the implementation of ISSB technology in the construction industry, professional capacity building, public awareness and investments in sustainable building technology should be supported to increase the adoption of ISSB technology and to contribute to long term environmental sustainability in the construction industry.
Keywords
Circular Economy, Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB), Sustainable Construction, Resource Efficiency, Construction Waste, Green Building, Environmental Sustainability, Low Carbon Construction.
References
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[8] Walker, P. (1995). Strength, durability and shrinkage characteristics of cement stabilised soil blocks. Cement and Concrete Composites, 17(4), 301–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/0958-9465(95)00019-6
[9] Ibitoye, O. A., & Dare-Abel, A. O. (2022). Assessment of interlocking stabilized soil blocks (ISSBs) as panacea for sustainable housing projects in Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 7(10), 44–52.
[10] Ibitoye, O. A., & Dare-Abel, A. O. (2022). Comparative cost advantages of interlocking stabilised soil blocks and sandcrete blocks for building construction in South-West Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 13(9), 240–249.
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How to cite this paper
@article{1719576,
author = {Akhigbe Joseph Aigboka, Lawal Rodiat Ifedolapo; Dada Ibukunoluwa Joseph, Azeez Adedeji H.; Ajayi Timilehin A.; Okezie Onwuka Ugochukwu., Silvanus Chike Tumi; Odupitan Boluwatito Kristana; Fajinmolu Aminat Adedamola, Izokhae O. Benedict; Oamen Anthony; Obafemi A. Ibitoye},
title = {Circular Economy Potential of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block Technology in Sustainable Construction},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {826-833},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719576.pdf},
abstract = {As the demand for sustainable construction grows, innovative building technologies that reduce resource consumption, environmental degradation, and promote circular economy are being sought. The Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) technology has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional masonry construction systems due to its use of locally sourced materials, cement reduction, minimisation of construction waste and embodied carbon. Such benefits, however, have yet to be substantiated with empirical data on the impact of ISSB technology on circular economy in the construction sector, in which its uptake is still relatively low in developing countries. This study thus investigated the potential of circular economy in sustainable construction through Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block technology, studying the environmental, economic and resource efficiency aspect, and the challenges that impact the implementation of the technology. A descriptive mixed-method research design was used and data were gathered from construction professionals using structured questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document review. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. It was found that ISSB technology can lead to significant improvements in resource efficiency by using local materials, minimize construction waste, keep the amount of cement used down as well as carbon emissions and increase the cost effective and environmental-friendly construction. The major constraints to its wide-spread use identified in the study were inadequate public awareness, inadequate technical skills, limited government support and preference for traditional building materials. Based on this study, it is recommended that more policies should be encouraged to support the implementation of ISSB technology in the construction industry, professional capacity building, public awareness and investments in sustainable building technology should be supported to increase the adoption of ISSB technology and to contribute to long term environmental sustainability in the construction industry.},
keywords = {Circular Economy, Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB), Sustainable Construction, Resource Efficiency, Construction Waste, Green Building, Environmental Sustainability, Low Carbon Construction.},
month = {July},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719576}
}