ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that the construction industry has a large part to play. It considers the sustainability issues relating to the main construction materials. The unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions from calcining limit the contribution that the manufacture of Portland cement can make to the sustainability agenda. To entirely avoid the sustainability issues of Portland cement, a number of novel ‘non-Portland’ cements either have been or are being developed. The sustainability advantages of polymers and fibre composites therefore result from their effect on the construction procedures and their performance during service. Much of the growth has only been possible with the associated development and fabrication of infrastructure, which has required enormous quantities of construction materials with controlled and reliable properties. An overall analysis of the environmental impact of any product, process or construction system is therefore required alongside consideration of its technical and functional performance.
