Nature-Based Solutions and Materials Promoting Net-Zero Construction in South Africa: Trends and Insights From a Bibliometric Review

Abstract

Buildings contribute approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating urgent action toward net-zero construction through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). While NbS have been studied individually, a systematic synthesis of how they integrate with sustainable materials for decarbonisation remains limited. This bibliometric review synthesises emerging trends in NbS and sustainable materials for net-zero construction, addressing a critical knowledge gap in the field. Using structured database analysis, 30 peer-reviewed studies were systematically retrieved and analysed through cluster analysis to identify thematic patterns and research trajectories. Five key research themes emerged: (1) Innovative Strategies for Decarbonisation and Circular Economy, (2) Sustainable Building Materials and Carbon Management, (3) Energy Efficiency and Decision-Making in Sustainable Architectural Design, (4) Zero-Carbon Strategies in Construction and Housing, and (5) Embodied Carbon and Sustainability in Construction Supply Chains. The analysis reveals that NbS significantly reduce carbon emissions, optimises supply chains, and enhances energy efficiency in building systems. However, critical gaps persist in integrating life-cycle analysis with nature-based materials and in addressing regional adoption disparities. This bibliometric approach provides a quantitative foundation for identifying research priorities and policy implications in sustainable construction, offering insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working toward environmentally conscious building practices.

Keywords: Energy-Efficient Buildings, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Net-Zero Construction, Sustainable Construction, Zero-carbon materials.