CBPM 2025 · Vol. 2025, Issue 1

Nature-Based Solutions and Materials Promoting Net-Zero Construction in South Africa: Trends and Insights from a Bibliometric Review

Nana Akua Asabea Gyadu-Asiedu, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Seyi Segun Stephen

Keywords: Carbon Footprint, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Net-Zero Construction, Sustainable Materials, Sustainability.

Abstract

Buildings contribute 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with materials like cement, steel, and aluminium significantly adding to the carbon footprint. The worldwide goal to achieve net-zero emissions from the built environment can be achieved through Nature-based Solutions. NbS leverage ecosystems and their innate services to tackle pressing sustainability challenges, including climate change, energy consumption, energy poverty, and decarbonisation. This study examines the role of NbS and sustainable materials in advancing net-zero construction, emphasising their potential to reshape the industry's traditional approach to environmental and societal challenges. This bibliometric study, conducted using Elsevier Scopus, retrieved 51 documents and later filtered to 30 relevant studies, using the keywords "nature OR based AND solutions AND materials AND net AND zero AND construction." VOS viewer text-mining tool was employed to analyse the data, through cluster analysis identified key themes such as "Innovative Strategies for Decarbonisation and Circular Economy," "Sustainable Building Materials and Carbon Management," "Energy Efficiency and Decision-Making in Sustainable Architectural Design," "Zero-Carbon Strategies in Construction and Housing," and "Embodied Carbon and Sustainability in Construction Supply Chains." The analysis revealed the critical role of nature-based solutions in reducing carbon emissions, optimising supply chains, and enhancing energy efficiency. However, gaps persist in integrating life cycle analysis with nature-based materials and addressing regional disparities in adoption. Limitations include reliance on the Scopus database and quantitative data, excluding qualitative insights for a comprehensive research perspective. This study provides a foundation for advancing sustainable practices and contributes to the growing discourse on environmentally conscious construction strategies.