Chemical and Material Strategies for Energy-Positive Buildings: A Sustainability-Oriented Review

The pursuit of a promising way to reduce the impact of energy-positive buildings on the built environment is defined as reduced energy consumption. On the other hand, sustainability cannot be based solely on operational energy performance, as it is significantly influenced by material-related factors. This study is a comprehensive review of the chemical and material foundations of energy-positive buildings and a compilation of the long-term performance of material properties and degradation mechanisms. Data synthesis and literature selection were carried out using the PRISMA method. In light of the information obtained, parameters related to energy-intensive production, material stability, and life cycle impacts were addressed by considering key material groups, including cement-based systems, polymers, and bio-based materials. The findings show that degradation processes and limited circularity remain critical challenges. Therefore, achieving sustainable energy-positive buildings requires an integrated approach that simultaneously considers material chemistry, energy system performance, and life cycle assessment.