Exploring the environmental benefits of 3D printing technology in concrete construction; a review

This paper presents a novel exploration of the potential of 3D printing technology to address the significant environmental impact and waste generation associated with the construction industry. The construction sector profoundly affects global resource consumption, waste generation, and material inefficiency. Innovative approaches are needed to address these challenges and work towards a sustainable future. 3D printing technology has emerged as a promising solution for reducing the environmental footprint of construction. This article provides a comprehensive review of the environmental benefits of 3D printing, particularly in waste reduction, material optimization and enhancing energy efficiency within construction practices. The research articles selected for this study were gathered from online web databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, MDPI, and Web of Science. This study reviews the latest publication trends in the discipline by exploring publications from 2006 to 2023. The findings highlight the urgency of tackling pollution caused by the construction industry, which acts as a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings consume a significant amount of global energy supply and deplete resources such as water, wood, sand, and gravel. The integration of 3D printing technology in the construction industry offers potential solutions to mitigate these negative impacts.