A review on carbon-reducing and sequestrating building materials in the context of green development

Driven by global climate change and the ‘dual carbon’ goals, the construction industry, as a high energy-consuming and high-carbon-emission sector, has seen innovation in carbon reduction and sequestration technologies become crucial for achieving sustainable development. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge advancements in carbon-reducing and carbon-sequestering building materials within the context of green development, providing an in-depth exploration of developments and technological innovations in concrete, timber, organic fiber materials, and beyond. Research demonstrates that approaches such as clinker substitution, supplementary cementitious materials, and the development of carbon-cured concrete can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete. Timber and bio-based materials exhibit substantial potential in building carbon sinks due to their inherent carbon storage capacity. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology offers systematic solutions for the resource utilization of carbon from industrial flue gases. This paper provides a theoretical foundation and practical pathways for the low-carbon transformation of building materials, holding significant implications for facilitating the implementation of the ‘dual carbon’ goals within the construction sector.