The 3D Eye: From Blueprint to Build – Unveiling the Lifecycle and Future of 3D Printing in Sustainable Construction

The construction industry is facing growing pressures to improve sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. 3D printing technology has emerged as a promising solution, offering the potential to revolutionize construction by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and utilizing sustainable materials. This paper provides a critical evaluation of 3D printing's impact on sustainable construction, examining the technology's application across the entire lifecycle of construction projects. Data was attained using secondary data through a systematic review and analysis of key case studies. The findings illustrate the alignment of 3D printing with global sustainability development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This research paper develops a 3D Eye model to map the SDGs to the stages of the project lifecycle. It identifies the key challenges to the application of 3D printing in sustainable construction. Future work may consider the evaluation of 3D printing in more cases and practices.