In the quest for sustainable construction, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the Durban University of Technology, offering a glimpse into a future where buildings are not just structures, but eco-friendly marvels of efficiency. Led by Oluwole Joseph Oladunni from the Department of Industrial Engineering, the research delves into the transformative potential of additive manufacturing (AM), a technology poised to revolutionize the construction industry and significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Traditional construction methods, often referred to as subtractive manufacturing, involve cutting away material to create a final product. This process is not only wasteful but also energy-intensive and time-consuming. In contrast, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer, using only the material needed. This innovative approach promises to optimize material utilization, enhance design flexibility, and substantially reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.
The study, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Built Environment’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in the Built Environment’), systematically evaluates the role of AM in advancing sustainable construction. According to Oladunni, “Additive manufacturing holds significant potential to optimize material utilization, enhance design flexibility, and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” This makes it a key enabler for sustainable construction, a sector that has long been seeking innovative solutions to its environmental challenges.
The research employed a robust methodology, including PRISMA meta-analysis and VOSviewer, to synthesize and organize relevant materials and literature. The findings are compelling: AM can enhance energy efficiency by up to 60%, reduce material waste by 90%, and lower GHG emissions by 80%. Moreover, it can achieve labor and cost savings of 50%–60%, and sustainability by 75% in specific design standards. These metrics highlight the commercial impacts for the energy sector, where efficiency and sustainability are increasingly becoming key drivers.
One of the most exciting aspects of AM is its ability to produce complex geometrical designs that are unfeasible with conventional methods. This not only improves structural and mechanical performance but also opens up new possibilities for architectural innovation. “AM enables the production of complex geometrical designs that are unfeasible with conventional methods, improving both structural and mechanical performance, and sustainability,” Oladunni explains. This capability could lead to the development of buildings that are not only more sustainable but also more aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the construction industry seeks to align with global efforts toward carbon neutrality and sustainable urban development, AM emerges as a strategic driver for an eco-friendly built environment. The study provides valuable insights into how AM can be incorporated into contemporary construction practices, serving as a viable alternative and sustainable supplement to traditional methods.
For the energy sector, the adoption of AM could lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions. Buildings constructed using AM techniques could be more energy-efficient, requiring less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. This would not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions.
As we look to the future, the integration of AM into the construction industry could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient built environment. The research by Oladunni and his team at the Durban University of Technology offers a roadmap for this transition, highlighting the environmental, social, and economic benefits of AM. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that additive manufacturing will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.