Fast-Growing Bio-Based Construction Materials as an Approach to Accelerate United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) ensure future human well-being. However, they face challenges due to the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, with nearly 40% originating from the construction sector. With the current global environmental and energy crisis, there is a pressing need to address building carbon emissions and prioritise investments in passive strategies for improving indoor thermal comfort. Exploring fast-growing bio-based materials like bamboo, straw, hemp, and flax directly addresses these concerns, fostering environmental sustainability. Material selection in construction is crucial for advancing the SDGs, for example, promoting sustainable cities and communities (SDG11) and responsible consumption and production (SDG12). This paper proposes a comparative analysis of conventional and bio-based construction materials, focusing on their production stages through life cycle analysis. Tools such as Building Emissions Accounting for Materials (BEAM) and the Methodology for Relative Assessment of Sustainability (MARS) enable a detailed comparison. The results highlight the benefits of bio-based materials in storing carbon more rapidly and their lower environmental impact compared to conventional alternatives. Moreover, bio-based materials contribute to indoor moisture regulation and a healthier indoor environment, underscoring their potential to accelerate progress towards the UN SDGs through informed material choices in design practices.