Environmental aspects of the production of building materials with high energy efficiency

Abstract

This study analyzes approaches to the development of sustainable building materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability in construction. A comprehensive literature review and comparative synthesis methodology were employed, integrating data from scientific publications and technical reports on traditional and innovative materials, including geopolymer concretes, recycled concrete, biomaterials, and phase change materials. The analysis focused on thermal insulation characteristics, carbon footprint, and production energy intensity. Results show that geopolymer concretes significantly reduce emissions compared to conventional cement, recycled concrete effectively replaces virgin raw materials while maintaining performance, and biomaterials provide high thermal insulation at low cost. Comparative analyses of Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine reveal distinct national approaches and barriers, such as a lack of standards, funding, or the impact of war. The study confirms that combining recycled and energy-efficient materials reduces operational costs and supports a global transition toward sustainable construction. © 2025, CRUFAOCI. All rights reserved.