Reducing embodied carbon in concrete materials: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

The construction sector is responsible for about 40% of energy-related emissions worldwide. Utilizing low-carbon concrete materials (LCCMs) has been recognized as an efficient way to reduce embodied carbon (EC). However, there is a lack of systematic understanding and a unified comparison of the LCCMs’ EC reduction potentials. This paper identifies publications related to LCCMs and conducts a content analysis in three dialectical dimensions. Identified LCCMs were categorized into four divisions. The results show that the most prospective LCCMs are low-carbon cementitious binders, achieving 52.6% EC reductions. The results also demonstrate the significance of comparing the EC reduction potentials of different LCCMs at a unified level, as up to 11% inconsistency was identified when switching between cement & concrete level and components & building level. It provides a theoretical foundation for researchers and practitioners to examine possible LCCMs. The findings reveal new directions for achieving a more reliable cross-case comparison among the EC reduction potentials of different LCCMs.