Exploring circular interventions for cement-based construction products and processes

Cement-based construction products are central to global infrastructure development but remain associated with high embodied carbon, extensive virgin material use, and linear production models. Circular economy principles offer a pathway to rethink how cementitious materials and construction processes can be redesigned to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and support sustainable built environments. This Research Topic explores circular interventions for cement-based construction products and processes, spanning material innovation, production systems, and lifecycle performance. Contributions are invited that examine waste-derived materials, alternative binders, low-clinker systems, and circular process strategies such as industrial symbiosis, closed-loop material flows, and design for reuse or recyclability. Despite growing recognition of the environmental impacts of cement-based construction, the sector continues to rely heavily on linear production models characterised by high embodied carbon, extensive virgin material extraction, and limited material recovery at end of life. While significant research has demonstrated the technical feasibility of incorporating alternative materials and alternative binders into cementitious systems, adoption remains fragmented and largely confined to niche or pilot applications. This disconnect reflects not only technical challenges, but also gaps in lifecycle understanding, performance assurance, standardisation, and implementation pathways. The goal of this Research Topic is to consolidate and advance knowledge on circular interventions for cement-based construction products and processes, bridging material innovation with system-level application. This Research Topic focuses on circular economy interventions for cement-based construction products and processes across material, production, and lifecycle stages. Contributions are invited on waste-derived and recycled materials, alternative and low-clinker binders, circular process innovations such as industrial symbiosis and closed-loop material flows, and design for reuse or recyclability. Studies addressing mechanical performance, durability, environmental safety, and long-term behaviour of circular cementitious systems are encouraged. The Topic also welcomes research on lifecycle assessment, embodied carbon, material flow analysis, standards, procurement, scalability, and industry implementation. We invite original research articles, review papers, systematic reviews, perspectives, and case studies that advance evidence-based understanding of circular practices in cement-based construction. Topic editors: Robert Haigh, Akvan Gajanayake Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78206/exploring-circular-interventions-for-cement-based-construction-products-and-processes