From Soil to Skyline: Edible Insects and Big Data Analytics for Sustainable Construction in Smart Cities

This study explores the feasibility of alternative construction materials, including insect-based composites, in comparison to conventional materials such as concrete, fiberglass, and hempcrete. A novel predictive modeling approach was employed to assess the thermal performance, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness of these materials. The model was validated using experimental test results, demonstrating an accuracy of 92 % in predicting thermal conductivity and an 85 % match with fire resistance classifications. Key findings indicate that insect-based materials exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity (0.03 W/mK) while maintaining a cost advantage due to lower raw material expenses. However, fire resistance remains a challenge, requiring additional treatments for regulatory compliance. The cost analysis reveals that processing constitutes the highest expenditure (40 %), highlighting a key scalability constraint. To address these limitations, a regional processing hub strategy is proposed to enhance supply chain efficiency. This research uniquely integrates predictive modeling with empirical validation to provide data-driven insights into the viability of sustainable construction materials. The findings contribute to advancing eco-friendly building solutions while identifying key barriers to large-scale implementation.