Design-stage Solutions for Reducing the Embodied Carbon Emissions of Concrete in Buildings: Recommendations for Vietnam
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector plays a critical role in achieving net-zero targets. Concrete, as one of the most widely used building materials, contributes substantially to embodied carbon due to its high consumption volume and emission intensity. By executing a systematic review of contemporary literature, this study evaluates design-stage solutions under a dynamic life-cycle assessment boundary to mitigate the embodied carbon emissions of concrete in buildings. These interventions are classified into two primary pillars: structural system optimization and concrete matrix modification. Structural solutions encompass precast elements, biaxial voided slabs, and alternative mass-timber or steel framing. Concurrently, material-level substitutions comprise low-carbon cement, high-strength concrete, supplementary cementitious materials, and recycled concrete aggregates. Moreover, policy and regulatory recommendations tailored to the Vietnamese context are proposed. The synthesized findings provide a valuable reference for supporting design decision-making toward low-carbon and sustainable construction development.
Institutions: University of Da Nang, Trường Đại học Sư phạm Kỹ thuật
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223174628