Potentiality of earth-based mortar containing bamboo particles for GHG emissions reduction

This research aims at characterizing and evaluating the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the life cycle of earth-based mortars with bamboo particles (EMB). Four EMB mixtures were developed with bamboo particles’ volume fractions of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%. The EMB mortars were characterized in terms of physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The Life Cycle GHG Emissions Assessment methodology was used considering a cradle-to-grave scope with the proposal of an eco-efficient indicator. Reduction in the GHG emissions for the EMB ranged from 21% to 113% depending on the chosen reference conventional mortar (made of cement and hydrated lime) and the evaluated scenario considered. It was verified that the EMB with 9% bamboo particles reached a 30% efficiency indicator improvement when compared with the EMB without bamboo. This mixture presented the most significant building plastering potential for the construction industry that seeks circular and low-carbon solutions. Finally, strategies related to Circular economy for the reduction of GHG emissions of EMB mixtures are proposed in this study.