Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most promising and widely used sustainable building materials in 2025, grouped by category with key advantages, applications, and real-world performance notes. 1. High-Performance Natural & Bio-Based Materials Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) & Mass Timber – Sequester carbon (1 m³ of wood stores ~1 ton of CO₂) – Now used in buildings up to 25–30 stories (e.g., Ascent in Milwaukee, 86.6 m, 2022; new projects pushing 40+ stories) – Fire-rated systems + acoustic improvements make it viable for mid/high-rise. Hempcrete (hemp-lime composite) – Carbon-negative (hemp absorbs CO₂ rapidly, lime reabsorbs CO₂ while curing) – Excellent thermal mass + breathability → reduces heating/cooling loads 30–50 % – Mostly used for infill walls and insulation in Europe & North America. Mycelium (mushroom) composites – Grown in days, fully compostable – Used for insulation panels, acoustic tiles, and even load-bearing bricks (strength now reaching 2–5 MPa)....
AuREUS , developed by Carvey Ehren Maigue, converts food waste into electricity by utilizing luminescent particles extracted from fruit and vegetable waste. These particles absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and convert it into visible light, which is then captured by solar cells integrated into the material, producing electricity. This innovative approach allows for electricity generation even in indirect sunlight, making it suitable for cloudy areas and urban environments. What is AuREUS Technology for Electricity? AuREUS (Aurora Renewable Energy and UV Sequestration) is an innovative solar technology that converts ultraviolet (UV) light into electricity, even in the absence of direct sunlight. Developed by Filipino engineer Carvey Ehren Maigue, AuREUS leverages recycled food waste by extracting luminescent particles from discarded fruits and vegetables. These special particles are embedded into a resin, forming translucent panels that absorb UV rays and re-emit them...