Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and a major contributor to global carbon emissions. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), the principal binder in conventional concrete, is highly energy-intensive to produce and is responsible for nearly 8% of global CO₂ emissions. To address these environmental challenges, the concept of green concrete has emerged, emphasizing the use of industrial waste materials as partial or complete replacements for cement, sand, and aggregates. This study explores the potential of fly ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume, marble dust, and recycled aggregates in producing green concrete with improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental footprint. The paper reviews recent advancements in mix design methodologies, durability studies, and performance evaluations of industrial-waste-based concretes. The findings suggest that industrial by-products not only reduce dependence on natural resources but also enhance long-term durability and sustainability of concrete structures. However, challenges such as variability in waste material properties, lack of standardization, and limited field applications remain barriers to large-scale adoption. The study concludes that green concrete can be a key enabler of sustainable infrastructure development, provided further research and policy support are directed toward its promotion.

Keywords: Green Concrete, Industrial Waste, Fly Ash, Slag, Sustainable Construction, Recycled Aggregates