Decoding Concrete’s Environmental Impact: A Path Toward Sustainable Construction

The construction industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by the extensive use of conventional concrete in building activities. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of various concrete types, including innovative alternatives, using a computational life cycle assessment (LCA) model tailored to the Australian context. Key stages considered include raw material extraction, production, transportation, and end-of-life recycling. Results demonstrate that replacing 40% of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash reduces global warming potential (GWP) by up to 25% compared to conventional concrete. Furthermore, carbonation curing technology shows a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions during the production phase, underscoring its potential to significantly enhance sustainability in construction. High-strength concrete poses significant ecological challenges; however, incorporating SCMs such as fly ash, blast-furnace slag, and silica fume effectively mitigates these impacts. Recycling 60% of concrete demolition waste further decreases environmental impacts by over 20%, aligning with circular economy principles and supporting resource recovery. The findings provide actionable insights for engineers, architects, and policymakers, facilitating the design of sustainable concrete solutions that balance structural performance with reduced ecological footprints. Future research should explore dynamic modelling and broader socio-economic factors to refine sustainable practices. This study underscores the critical importance of adopting innovative materials and recycling practices to minimise the environmental impact of construction activities globally.