Sustainable Material Selection in Colombian Construction: Integrating Structural Performance, Environmental Impact, and Regulatory Considerations

This study assesses the technical performance and environmental impact of traditional and eco-efficient materials used in civil construction in Colombia through a structured synthesis of scientific, technical, and regulatory evidence covering the period 2010–2025. The analysis integrates mechanical performance indicators, environmental footprint metrics, and the national regulatory framework supporting sustainable material adoption. Results show that conventional materials—Portland cement, structural steel, ceramic bricks, and timber—remain essential due to their proven structural reliability but are also responsible for the highest contributions to CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion. In contrast, eco-efficient alternatives, including blended concretes with mineral additions, geopolymers, rammed earth, Guadua angustifolia, and natural biocomposites, achieve carbon emission reductions between 40% and 85% while maintaining comparable mechanical performance for specific applications. Colombian policies—notably Resolutions 1257 of 2021 and 0194 of 2025—promote waste valorization and low-impact materials, yet their implementation remains limited by technical, economic, and knowledge barriers. The findings support a decision-oriented framework for material selection that balances structural efficiency with environmental responsibility.