ABSTRACT
The construction industry significantly contributes to global resource consumption and carbon emissions, making sustainable alternatives essential for reducing environmental impact. This study explores the feasibility of adapting earth-based construction techniques, such as rammed earth, to Sweden’s colder climate by drawing insights from Mediterranean regions, particularly Portugal. The research assesses earth materials’ thermal performance, durability, and moisture resistance through an experimental living lab in Sweden, where a rammed earth wall was built under local climatic conditions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed to compare the environmental impact of earth construction against conventional materials like concrete and steel, focusing on Global Warming Potential (GWP). The results indicate that earth construction, particularly in Portugal, offers significant environmental benefits, including up to 50% lower GWP compared to conventional materials. However, challenges such as higher labour costs in Sweden, extended drying times, and the lack of technical standards for earth-based construction hinder widespread adoption. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable construction by proposing innovative methodologies that integrate traditional earth techniques with modern technologies. Future research should focus on improving material durability, developing technical codes for earth construction, and exploring mechanisation to enhance scalability and cost-efficiency, aiming to make earth-based construction a viable alternative in colder climates.
