This study aims to investigate the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to characterize mortars containing recycled rubber waste as an eco-innovative material for sustainable construction. The primary objective was to analyze the way rubber granules influence hydration kinetics, microstructural development and pore structure. The innovative mortar formulations incorporated rubber granules, casein, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), and latex. NMR analysis revealed distinct T₂ relaxation time distributions correlated with different pore sizes and water states: shorter T₂ values demonstrate strongly bound water in small pores, while longer T₂ values are associated with loosely bound or free water in larger pores. The formulation with 3.5% NHL and 5% rubber granules exhibited optimal microstructural characteristics. These results reveal that NMR is a valuable, non-destructive tool for monitoring cementitious material evolution and supporting the use of tire-derived waste in eco-innovative mortar designs.

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure.

Research on carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies through accelerated carbonation of cement-based materials, is gaining increasing interest in the construction sector. This study aims to present the capacity of carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage, as well as the effects of the carbonation on the physical and mechanical behaviour of precast vibrated plain mass concrete elements. The analysis includes various methods to enhance the efficiency of the carbonation process and accelerate it, emphasizing the importance of optimizing reaction conditions. The research findings suggest that the carbonation process can significantly improve the mechanical performance of these precast elements, making them more durable and efficient. Critical parameters, such as water content, sample size, environmental pressure, and temperature, considerably influence the efficiency of carbon dioxide capture. Furthermore, the study proposes directions for implementing rapid CO2 sequestration technologies, highlighting their potential to contribute to decarbonization. The research aims to open new perspectives for the use of plain mass concrete precast elements while facilitating the exploration of innovative solutions in the context of sustainable development. In conclusion, the carbonation of precast concrete elements proves to be a promising approach in the fight against climate change, with direct applications in the construction industry and beyond.

The European Union’s transition to climate neutrality by 2050 requires measurable reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in territories characterized by geographical constraints, such as mountainous regions. The study analyzes how European funding guidelines are translated into concrete technical interventions for public buildings in mountainous areas of Romania, using a representative case study from Rodna, Bistrița-Năsăud County. The methodology is based on the national energy performance calculation framework (Mc 001/2022), harmonized with Directive 2010/31/EU and aligned with the EN ISO 52016-1 framework, while maintaining compatibility with the quasi-steady-state methodology implemented in MC 001/2022, and includes the assessment of compliance with the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle also. The integrated energy rehabilitation of the analyzed building led to reductions in final energy consumption of 30–45%, primary energy consumption of 40–45%, and operational CO₂ emissions of 45–50%. The integration of renewable energy sources increased their share to approximately 35% of the building’s energy mix. The estimated annual reduction of 40–45 tons of CO₂ highlights the direct climate impact of investments financed from European funds. The results confirm that European funding instruments function not only as financial mechanisms, but also as governance instruments capable of steering the transition towards a low-emission construction sector in vulnerable mountain regions.

The analysis of the Romanian mountain areas highlights the complexity of the monetary and ecological challenges confronted with the aid of mountain areas, characterized by means of problems in the use of agricultural land due to climatic, geological, and slope situations. Mountain areas are considered deprived, their ecological fragility requires specific improvement measures. The exodus of young human beings and the poverty, related to unsustainable aid exploitation, positioned extra pressure on those communities. The proposed study offers a case look at mountain regions in Romania, with a special cognizance of the European Union structural funds intended for the improvement of those regions between 2014 and 2020. This observation compares the effect of European structural finances on the development of Romania’s mountain regions between 2014 and 2020, specializing in reading PNDR measures mainly carried out within the mountain areas. The unique measures that had been targeted for mountain regions at some point in that period, such as the finances allotted, the projects selected and shrunk, the bills made, and the consequences of those measures are mentioned within the take a look at. Specific examples and relevant character indicators are presented to guide the achievements in the improvement of mountain regions and applicable guidelines. The measures analyzed encompass investments in farms, the modernization of processing and marketing capacities, as well as support for small family farms. The study used monetary and bodily statistics to evaluate the effect of these measures, providing comparative analyses at country-wide and mountain-particular stages.

The durability of cementitious materials is essential for the development of sustainable construction, and the integration of self-healing mechanisms can reduce damage and maintenance costs. This paper analyzes the self-healing capacity of masonry mortars reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and crystalline additives, when exposed to repeated wet-dry cycles. Four mortar mixtures were investigated, including two control mixtures and two mixtures modified with self-healing agents. The experimental program included determination of density, water absorption, compressive strength, and flexural strength, as well as monitoring the evolution of microcracks during the healing process. The results showed that modified mortars exhibited complete surface crack sealing under the applied wet-dry conditioning regime, including an initial crack width of 346 μm, which was completely sealed within 48 h. The observed crack-sealing behavior may result from the combined contribution of autogenous healing processes, PVA-fiber crack bridging, and the crystalline admixture; however, their individual contributions and possible synergistic effects cannot be distinguished from the present experimental design. The results indicate the potential of the investigated modified mortars to improve crack-sealing performance and contribute to enhanced durability. However, no direct environmental or life-cycle assessment was performed in the present study; therefore, potential sustainability benefits associated with service-life extension and reduced repair demand require further quantitative assessment.