Implementing a circular bioeconomy in the construction sector is a necessary strategy to address our global climate crisis. As each solution has practical and environmental limitations, it is clear that creating a material palette of renewable biogenic building materials will increase access to bio-based construction.
Photosynthetic organisms, including marine biomass such as seaweed and microalgae, use solar energy to capture CO₂ and produce biomolecules that can be harnessed to create a variety of biomaterials. Organisms such as mussels and oysters mineralize carbon in shells that are often discarded as waste. These second- and third-generation raw materials offer an opportunity to decarbonize the building sector. It is important to better understand how to renew our relationship with this resource in a sustainable way. A recent study published by Cambridge University Press explores how we can design and manufacture with and for blue biomass materials.
Blue biomass includes both cultivated and wild marine organisms and can be used as a building material in various forms, ranging from raw, dried biomass to advanced bioplastics and biocomposites. By capturing CO₂ and converting it into usable biomaterials, algae and seaweed can contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. In addition, shellfish such as mussels and oysters produce calcareous structures that are often considered residual waste, but can be reused in the construction sector.
The application of blue biomass as a building material opens up new possibilities for bio-based architecture. Researchers point to innovative applications in which blue biomass can be processed into bioplastics and composites as an alternative to traditional building materials such as concrete and plastics. In addition, living biomass can be used for air and water purification in buildings, thus playing an active role in improving the living environment. Furthermore, the cultivation and harvesting of blue biomass can take place in a sustainable manner, with minimal impact on the environment and in collaboration with other maritime activities.
Although blue biomass has great potential, there are still challenges to overcome. There is a need for more research into the life cycle assessment and economic feasibility of these materials. Also, design and manufacturing techniques need to be further developed to optimally exploit the unique properties of blue biomass in architectural applications.
Blue biomass offers a promising future for a more sustainable construction sector. Through innovative applications and further research, marine biomaterials can contribute to a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This requires collaboration between researchers, architects and policy makers to fully exploit the potential of blue biomass.
Source: Study published by Cambridge University Press (2025)
Photos: Pixabay.com
