ABSTRACT

An alarming increase in carbon emissions into the atmosphere has pushed bioproduct engineers to revolutionize the use of building materials in construction sectors. Because conventional building materials account for 40% of carbon dioxide emissions, bioprocess engineers need to focus on developing bio-based building materials that may reduce carbon emissions and contribute to sustainability. These bio-based building materials can be classified into two categories: conventional and emerging. Conventional bio-based materials are biodegradable and are generally derived from either plant or animal sources, whereas emerging biomaterials often called biorenewable, and engineers should engage in research and development to devise such materials either through a sequential treatment process or with microbial-assisted processes. For example, the low embodied energy of natural fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) offers similar mechanical properties such as fatigue resistance, vibration, and acoustic-damping characteristics. Their strength, flexibility, and durability have been improved with novel treatments and coatings. Another approach to developing bio-based building materials is the “process of growing in contrast to the process of firing.” The strategy of producing low-energy bio-assisted bricks to employ and grow bacterial systems associated with the nucleation process of calcium carbonate in sand molds seems to be the most successful strategy, with a greater reduction of carbon emissions. The market for such products is expected to grow by more than 10% annually until 2020. Due to an increase in demand for such “green” products, this chapter provides a wide report on the various strategies developed during the generation of sustainable bio-based building materials.