The Evolution of Crop-Based Materials in the Built Environment: A Review of the Applications, Performance, and Challenges

Sina Motamedi, Daniel R. Rousse () and Geoffrey Promis
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Sina Motamedi: Research Group in Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency (t3e), École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Daniel R. Rousse: Research Group in Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency (t3e), École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Geoffrey Promis: Innovative Technologies Laboratory (LTI), University of Picardie Jules Verne, CEDEX 1, 80025 Amiens, France

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-29

Abstract: The use of bio-based building materials as an alternative to replacing concrete or insulation materials is called to become a growing trend in the construction industry. On Science direct, publications concerning “bio-based materials” have increased from 4 in 2002 to 1073 twenty years later, demonstrating a growing interest in these materials However, among bio-based materials, crop or plant-based materials are not as popular. Due to their relative novelty, little is known about their potential applications, physical characteristics, and environmental impacts. The aim of this review is to qualitatively investigate the technical and environmental viability of crop-based materials in modern building applications. The specific objectives of the study consider greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches, contribution to the circular economy, and physical and hygrothermal characteristics. Another objective is to examine the progress of crop-based materials’ R&D, current bottlenecks, and a future roadmap for their evolution in state-of-the-art renewable buildings. The paper is broad enough to capture a large readership rather than experts in the domain. The review reveals that crop-based materials have the potential to replace traditional, highly emissive building materials. They offer low environmental impacts, in all stages of their life cycle.

Keywords: crop-based materials; building applications; life cycle assessment (LCA); biogenic carbon; thermo-hygro-mechanical characteristics; R&D challenges; viability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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