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The United Nations has demonstrated a commitment to preserving the ecosystem through its 2030 sustainable development goals agenda. One crucial objective of these goals is to promote a healthy ecosystem and discourage practices that harm it. Building materials production significantly contributes to the emissions of greenhouse gases. This poses a threat to the ecosystem and prompts a growing demand for sustainable building materials (SBMs). The purpose of this study is to investigate SBMs to determine their utilization in construction operations and the potential impact their application could have on construction productivity.

A systematic review of the existing literature in the field of SBMs was conducted for the study. The search strings used were “sustainable” AND (“building” OR “construction”) AND “materials” AND “productivity”. A total of 146 articles were obtained from the Scopus database and reviewed.

Bio-based, cementitious and phase change materials were the main categories of SBMs. Materials in these categories have the potential to substantially contribute to sustainability in the construction sector. However, challenges such as availability, cost, expertise, awareness, social acceptance and resistance to innovation must be addressed to promote the increased utilization of SBMs and enhance construction productivity.

Many studies have explored SBMs, but there is a dearth of studies that address productivity in the context of SBMs, which leaves a gap in understanding. This study addresses this gap by drawing on existing studies to determine the potential implications that using SBMs could have on construction productivity.

This study aims to develop geopolymer concrete (GPC) using manufactured sand (M-sand) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) under different curing conditions. GPC is a sustainable construction material developed with industrial waste products such as fly ash to eliminate the use of cement in the production of concrete. GPC requires heat curing for the attainment of early age strength. The development of GPC under heat curing conditions is a hard process in practice. To overcome such circumstances, an attempt was made to develop the GPC under different curing conditions with the aid of coarse aggregate (CA) and RCA. The influence of different curing conditions on strength gain and microstructural characteristics of GPC is investigated. Mechanical properties of GPC such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus are reported and discussed.

This study focuses on the assessment of mechanical and microstructure characterization of eco-efficient GPC developed with natural CA and RCAs. The required optimum quantity of binder, alkali activator, alkaline liquid to binder ratio and aggregates was determined by appropriate trials. Three types of curing methods, namely, ambient, oven and water, were used for the development of GPC mixes. Following the properties of RCA, it is realistic to substitute up to 40% of coarser aggregates as the resulting aggregate mix falls within the requirements of the analyzed mix.

Special attention is required for the mix with RCA because the mix’s consistency is affected by the high water absorption of the RCA mix. GPC specimens cured at ambient and water conditions exhibited marginal variation in the compressive strength for both CA and RCA. The compressive strength of GPC mixes prepared with RCA was marginally higher than that of the GPC made with CA under different curing regimes. RCA can be used as a sustainable material in lieu of CA in GPC.

The main significance of this research work is to develop the optimal mix design with appropriate mix proportion. The present study proposes a satisfactory methodology that enhances the mechanical strength of GPC as the guidelines are not available in the standards to address this problem. Effective use of waste materials such as fly ash and recycled aggregate for the development of GPC is another major research focus in the proposed investigation.

This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry.

The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost.

The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular.

This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork.

The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society.

This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Purpose: Discarded electronic products have become one of the major and dangerous waste streams in the world, which is growing at a fast rate and has become a serious topic of concern. ‘E-waste’ has become a substantial waste stream in recent decades due to rapid technological advancements, consumerism, economic development, urbanisation and obsolescence, resulting in shorter product lifecycles. As a result, in recent years, the management and control of electronic waste have been a cause of concern, as it has a detrimental impact on the environment and the humans who deal with it.

Methodology: This doctrinal-analytical paper aims to analyse legislation enacted for the prevention and reuse of e-waste in India and the implementation of the International Convention regarding e-waste, along with the threat e-waste poses against the Sustainable Development goals set by the United Nations to protect the future.

Findings: One option for dealing with the hazard posed by informal ‘electronic waste’ disposal is to enact punishing restrictions that have a deterrent effect on society. As a result, various environmental rules and standards dealing with e-waste have been implemented in India, directly or indirectly. Because punitive measures in ecological laws dealing with electronic trash have not stopped environmental damage, such enactments have failed. By identifying the source of e-waste (polluters), accountability can be charged to them, which will lead to deterrence; moreover, adapting to a more ecologically efficient e-waste management method will also help reduce e-waste hazards.

Our study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance decision-making processes to promote circular economy practices within the utility sector.

A unique case study of Alia Servizi Ambientali Spa, an Italian multi-utility company using AI for waste management, is analyzed using the Gioia method and semi-structured interviews.

Our study discovers the proactive role of the user in waste management processes, the importance of economic incentives to increase the usefulness of the technology and the role of AI in waste management transformation processes (e.g. glass waste).

The present study enhances the circular economy model (transformation, distribution and recovery), uncovering AI’s role in waste management. Finally, we inspire managers with algorithms used for data-driven decisions.

Cement can be replaced to reduce the energy consumption and the environmental impact of cement. Also, foamed concrete can be used structurally in residential buildings to reduce weight and improve thermal insulation. To achieve these two goals, this paper aims to investigate the effect of basalt powder as a partial replacement of either cement or sand.

This paper investigates the effect of basalt powder as a partial replacement of either cement or sand on the mechanical properties of foamed concrete used to cast slabs. First, mechanical properties of foamed concrete are tested with and without replacement of basalt. Then, six slabs of different thicknesses and mixes are investigated. The thicknesses considered are 150- and 200-mm slabs. The three mixes used to construct these slabs are foamed concrete with no basalt powder, foamed concrete with replacement of 20% of cement by basalt powder and foamed concrete with replacement of 20% of sand by basalt powder. The flexural behavior of these slabs is investigated.

All the slabs failed in the commonly intended flexural mode. The results show that the basalt powder acted as a strong filler material in the foamed concrete mix based on mechanical properties and flexural behavior. The proposed foamed concrete slabs can be used structurally in residential buildings.

A natural waste material that can be used to promote energy efficiency and reduce emission is basalt. In this paper, basalt powder is suggested to be used due to its chemical composition that is similar to cement. Also, basalt powder is low in cost as it is waste, while basalt aggregate is prepared, and it is only used as filler in paved roads. Accordingly, basalt is partially used instead of cement to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide that results from the cement manufacturing. Also, it is used as a partial alternative to sand which can be considered as a new stronger source as filling material used in the production of concrete.

This study aims to investigate the possibility of synthesizing cobalt doped willemite ceramic blue pigment by using Egyptian white sand as environmental and economical raw material for multi-applications in coatings and inks.

After the synthesis process, the prepared blue pigment was characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis technique. Then the blue pigment was integrated into both coating and ink formulations. The effect of the prepared multifunctional coatings on corrosion resistance and thermal stability was evaluated using different standard tests. Also, the effect of inclusion of blue pigment in flexographic printing ink formulation was done.

The results showed that the coating containing the cobalt doped willemite blue pigment offered good anticorrosive performance and high thermal stability. Additionally, the presented results revealed that integration of the blue pigment in flexographic printing ink formulation enhanced fineness, gloss, viscosity and color more than the commercial one “FX 430–201.”

In conclusion, relied on the eco-friendly principle which can be regarded as an economic and green strategy, it can be obtained that this new pigment can provide good multifunctions such as corrosion resistance and thermal stability in coatings and good fineness, gloss, viscosity and color in inks which can enable them to be widely applied in different industries.

Individuals generate plenty of waste that is affecting the life while consumption of air and water at the base. The increasing industrialization, population and waste generation without proper measures of waste management are leading to major challenges to environmental sustainability. Considering these challenges, the present study focuses on the types and sources of waste generation and waste reduction by encouraging the reduction, recycling and reuse of waste products. The study aims to provide a well-functioning sustainable waste management system, that incorporates feedback loops, focuses on processes, embodies adaptability and diverts waste from disposal.

The university under study is situated at the central location of Pune City in India. The university has diverse units like academic and admin buildings, canteens and mess, hostels, a clinic, workshops and gardens. To fulfil the objective of this study a qualitative case study approach of research was adopted. A total of thirty-three representatives and waste management personnel from various units of the university were interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and the duration of it was around 25–55 min. The interview transcripts were coded, and qualitative analysis was conducted.

This study proposes a strategic sustainable waste management model for environmental sustainability that brings circularity by closing the loops and focusing on sustainable development goals.

The findings of this research can guide universities to manage the waste generated through various sources and attain sustainable development goals and environmental sustainability at large by closing the loops. The study provides insights into waste management and environmental sustainability. The universities can make their resources more circular by following the strategies of reducing, reusing and recycling (3R). This study recommends customization according to the needs of specific universities and institutions. Researchers can take this study further by testing and customizing it as per requirement. Also, an effort can be extended to implement the model in other related areas.

This research is a unique attempt to advance knowledge of waste management practices for sustainable development by exploring different techniques opted by for individual entities from the university campus to understand the environmental impact.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of phragmites australis ash (PAA) in cementitious systems to achieve sustainable construction.

In this paper, the properties of mortar containing PAA as partial cement replacement are determined. The PAA is produced through slow burning in a closed system to minimize the CO₂ emission. A total of four mortar mixes are prepared with PAA replacement levels ranging from 0% to 30% by weight. The water to binder and the proportions of binder to sand are 0.55 and 1:3 by weight, respectively. The properties tested are density, compressive strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption by total immersion and capillary rise. Testing is conducted at 1, 7, 28 and 90 days.

While there is a decrease in strength as the amount of PAA increases, there is strong indication of pozzolanic reaction in the presence of PAA. This is in agreement with the results reported by Salvo et al. (2015), where they found noticeable pozzolanic activities in the presence of straw ash, which is rich in SiO₂ and relatively high K₂O content. At 90 days of curing, there is a decrease of 5% in compressive strength at 10% PAA replacement. However, at 20% and 30% replacement, the reduction in compressive strength is 23% and 32%, respectively. The trend in flexural strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity is similar to that in compressive strength. The water absorption by total immersion and capillary rise tends to increase with increasing amounts of PAA in the mix. There seems to be a linear relationship between water absorption and compressive strength at each curing age.

The Phragmites australis plant used in this investigation is obtained from one location and this present a limitation as the type of soil may change the properties. Also one method of slow burning is used. Different burning methods may alter the composition of the PAA.

This outcome of this research will contribute towards sustainable development as it will make use of the waste generated, reduce the amount of energy-intensive cement used in construction and help generate local employment in the area where the Phragmites australis plant grows.

To the best knowledge of the authors, the ash from the Phragmites australis plant has not been used in cementitious system and this research can be considered original as it examines the properties of mortar containing PAA. Also, the process of burning in a closed system using this material.

This study aims to characterize the behavior of blended concrete, including metakaolin (MK) and quarry dust (QD), as supplementary cementing materials. The study focuses on evaluating the effects of these materials on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete.

MK, a pozzolanic material, and QD, a fine aggregate by-product, are potentially sustainable alternatives for enhancing concrete performance and reducing environmental impact. The addition of different percentages of MK enhances the pozzolanic reaction, resulting in improved strength development. Furthermore, the optimum dosage of MK, mixed with QD, and mechanical properties like compressive, flexural and split tensile strength of concrete were evaluated to investigate the synergetic effect of MK and quarry dust for M20-grade concrete.

The results reveal the influence of metakaolin and QD on the overall performance of blended concrete. Cost analysis showed that the optimum mix can reduce the 7%–8% overall cost of the materials for M20-grade concrete. Energy analysis showed that the optimum mix can reduce 7%–8% energy consumption.

The effective utilization is determined with the help of the analytical hierarchy process method to find an optimal solution among the selected criteria. According to the AHP analysis, the optimum content of MK and quarry dust is 12% and 16%, respectively, performing best among all other trial mixes.