Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review

doi:10.1007/s10311-023-01689-w

Study

SustainabilityRecentStrong effect

Bio-based building materials reduce carbon emissions by 320,000 tons and lower water absorption by 40%

Integrating mycelium, bioconcrete, and natural fibers into construction significantly lowers embodied energy while improving thermal and acoustic insulation properties.

Environmental Chemistry Letters · 2024

01

Key Findings

01Biomaterials can reduce water absorption by 40% compared to traditional porous materials.
02Implementation of bio-based materials could reduce CO2 emissions by 320,000 tons by 2050.
03Energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by 8.7% through better thermal insulation from biomaterials.
04Acoustic absorption is improved by 6.7% using natural fiber-reinforced composites.

02

Application

Design takeaway

Replace traditional energy-intensive materials (like concrete or fiberglass) with bio-composites to improve both the environmental footprint and the functional performance of the structure.

How to apply

Use natural fiber-reinforced composites in interior panels to improve room acoustics while meeting sustainability targets.

Project actions

01Focus on the 'Resource Management' or 'Sustainability' topics of your project.
02Consider using mycelium or natural fibers if you are prototyping a product that needs insulation.
03Use the 40% water absorption reduction stat to justify why a biomaterial is better for outdoor or humid use.

03

Method & Evidence

AimTo evaluate the performance, policy landscape, and life cycle impact of emerging biomaterials in the building sector compared to traditional materials.

MethodSystematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis

ProcedureThe researchers reviewed recent advancements in mycelial materials, bioconcrete, and natural fiber composites, analyzing case studies on their life cycle assessment (LCA) and mechanical properties.

SampleMultiple case studies and policy frameworks

ContextGlobal construction industry and sustainable architectural engineering

Variables

IVMaterial type (Traditional vs. Bio-based)

DVWater absorption rate, thermal conductivity, acoustic absorption

CVAmbient temperature, thickness of material samples, duration of testing

04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides specific quantitative data for performance metrics.
+Covers a wide range of emerging technologies (nanotech, mycelium, algae).

Limitations

Students may find it difficult to source industrial-grade bioconcrete or specialized microalgae for school-based prototyping.

Reliability & validity

High reliability due to the review of multiple peer-reviewed case studies and Life Cycle Assessment data.

Think critically

If biomaterials are functionally superior in moisture and sound insulation, why does the construction industry still rely on traditional concrete and steel?

05

Design Principles

"Material Substitution for Decarbonization: Prioritize renewable, bio-based inputs that offer multi-functional benefits (thermal, acoustic, and moisture control)."

As the construction industry is a primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, shifting from traditional materials to biomaterials addresses the 'Triple Bottom Line' of sustainability. This research highlights how renewable resources can outperform traditional materials in specific functional categories like moisture resistance and energy efficiency.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using materials grown from nature (like mushrooms or plants) instead of man-made concrete can save massive amounts of energy and keep buildings drier and quieter.

How to use in your project

1.Cite the 8.7% energy reduction when discussing the 'Environmental Impact' of your material selection.

07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2024). Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01689-w Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/2a9824cc-7c67-4ddb-9f69-f76ff0be5183/bio-based-building-materials-reduce-carbon-emissions-by-320-000-tons-and-lower-water-absorption-by-40

Paragraph starter

According to Chen et al. (2024), bio-based materials can reduce water absorption by 40% and building energy consumption by 8.7%, making them a high-performance alternative to traditional synthetic insulators.

09

Source

Environmental Chemistry Letters

Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review

journal · 2024

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about bio-based building materials reduce carbon emissions by 320,000 tons and lower water absorption by 40%?: Replace traditional energy-intensive materials (like concrete or fiberglass) with bio-composites to improve both the environmental footprint and the functional performance of the structure. Evidence: Environmental Chemistry Letters (2024).
Why does "Bio-based building materials reduce carbon emissions by 320,000 tons and lower water absorption by 40%" matter for design?: As the construction industry is a primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, shifting from traditional materials to biomaterials addresses the 'Triple Bottom Line' of sustainability. This research highlights how renewable resources can outperform traditional materials in specific functional categories like moisture resistance and energy efficiency.
How can designers apply this research?: Replace traditional energy-intensive materials (like concrete or fiberglass) with bio-composites to improve both the environmental footprint and the functional performance of the structure.
What were the main findings?: Biomaterials can reduce water absorption by 40% compared to traditional porous materials.. Implementation of bio-based materials could reduce CO2 emissions by 320,000 tons by 2050.. Energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by 8.7% through better thermal insulation from biomaterials.. Acoustic absorption is improved by 6.7% using natural fiber-reinforced composites.
What research method was used?: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis with Multiple case studies and policy frameworks.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from Environmental Chemistry Letters.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Use natural fiber-reinforced composites in interior panels to improve room acoustics while meeting sustainability targets.
What are the limitations?: High initial costs, lack of standardized building codes for biomaterials, and limited awareness among developers.
Is there evidence that moisture resistance affects design outcomes?: Biomaterials are not just eco-friendly alternatives; they offer superior moisture resistance and insulation properties that reduce the long-term energy costs of a building. As the construction industry is a primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions, shifting from traditional materials to biomaterials addresses the 'Tr Source: Environmental Chemistry Letters (2024).
Where does this traditional materials research apply?: Global construction industry and sustainable architectural engineering It sits within sustainability research on designdex.org.