Sustainable waste-derived cementitious composites into coal power and renewable energy frameworks: Technological–economic insights for sustainable construction

This study investigates the integration of waste-derived cementitious composites into coal power and renewable energy frameworks to enhance sustainable construction in China’s evolving technological economy. The research aims to reduce carbon emissions and resource dependency by substituting conventional cement with surface-modified waste rubber and pozzolanic by-products. A techno-economic assessment model combining life-cycle cost analysis, embodied energy evaluation, and durability performance metrics was applied to pilot construction materials across eastern China’s coal–renewable transition regions. Results show that optimized mixes reduced CO 2 emissions by 28.6%, lifecycle costs by 17.4%, and improved compressive strength by 22% compared to traditional cement. Long-term durability increased by 19%, confirming compatibility with renewable energy-driven production systems. The study highlights that coupling waste valorization with energy transition strategies can significantly advance China’s circular economy and construction decarbonization goals. Policymakers should promote hybrid industrial symbiosis between coal power residues and renewable energy infrastructure materials.