Materials for a Regenerative Built Environment: A Review of Novel Green Construction Technologies

Authors

  • Yayuqiong Zeng

    Jiangxi Environmental Engineering College, Ganzhou 341000, China
  • Qi Huang

    Ganzhou Architectural Design Institute Co., Ltd., Ganzhou 341000, China
  • Liuchun Zhang

    China Construction First Group Fifth Construction Co., Ltd., Beijing 100024, China
  • Zhiwei Lin

    Guangzhou Rong Baosheng Architectural Engineering Design Consulting Co., Ltd., Ganzhou 341000, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i8.13564
Received: 27 May 2026 | Revised: 16 June 2026 | Accepted: 24 June 2026 | Published Online: 19 August 2026

Abstract

The built environment is a significant contributor to global resource use, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and construction and demolition waste, and the current approach of sustainable construction needs to evolve from a linear supply and use model, towards a more regenerative material system. The review article discusses new green construction technologies that can contribute to a regenerative built environment, which minimizes embodied carbon, carbon sequestration, circularity, and supports ecological functions and the health of the occupants. The article critically reviews the progress of the materials that are bio-derived and carbon-storing, such as engineered timber, bamboo, hempcrete, straw, cork, mycelium composites, algae-derived materials, cellulose and lignin-based materials. It also examines low-carbon or circular mineral-based alternatives like low-clinker cement, limestone calcined clay cement, geopolymers, alkali-activated binders, recycled aggregate concrete, carbon-cured concrete, re-used metals, re-used glass and earth-based materials. Furthermore, new technologies such as additive manufacturing, prefabrication and modular construction, smart materials, living systems, digital twin and material passports are assessed as means of system-level regeneration. The review emphasizes that regeneration can only be measured through whole life assessment and is not just a part of the material origin or embodied carbon but also through durability, circularity, toxicity, land use, scalability, ecological value and social acceptance. The results indicate that future buildings that are regens will rely on integrated material systems, not just material substitutions. The research priorities include standardized assessment frameworks, long-term field validation, circular design protocols, digital traceability and policy support for low-carbon and reusable construction materials.

Keywords:

Regenerative Built Environment; Green Construction Materials; Bio-Based Materials; Low-Carbon Concrete; Circular Construction

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How to Cite

Zeng, Y., Huang, Q., Zhang, L., & Lin, Z. (2026). Materials for a Regenerative Built Environment: A Review of Novel Green Construction Technologies. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(8), 1011–1036. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i8.13564

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 8 (August 2026)

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Review

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Copyright © 2026 Yayuqiong Zeng, Qi Huang, Liuchun Zhang, Zhiwei Lin

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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