Review of Low Carbon Construction Materials in Foundation Engineering for Enhanced Sustainability

ABSTRACT: The construction industry significantly contributes to global GHG emissions, with foundations making up a major share of a building’s CO₂ emissions. As Canada moves toward net-zero targets, low-carbon materials, innovative design, and region-specific practices in foundation engineering are increasingly important. This review assesses foundation systems' environmental impacts through life cycle assessment (LCA), noting a lack of studies addressing soil-structure interaction and local geotechnical conditions. Alternative materials like supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) show environmental promise, despite potential strength trade-offs. Structural optimization and soil stabilization methods using waste-based binders and geosynthetics also support emission reductions. The study highlights the integration of LCA with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and evolving Canadian policies, calling for multidisciplinary approaches, expanded LCA databases, and circular construction practices to meet sustainability goals.