The production of concrete strongly influences the environment. It is a versatile and sustainable construction material capable of creating a wide range of structures. It has always been indispensable as a material for the engineering and construction industry, including applications in hydraulic structures (e.g., dams, underwater tunnels, sluices, and other concrete structures), where mass concrete is a fundamental material in the construction industry. Developing sustainable concrete as an alternative construction material to the traditional one provides a reduction in the carbon dioxide footprint with regard to cement use and waste material disposal in landfills. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current trends and opportunities in sustainable construction using mass concrete. It underscores the importance of incorporating eco-friendly practices to mitigate environmental impact by using by-products as green materials. The review highlights how optimizing clinker content, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and aggregates can improve the strength, durability, and thermal stability of mass concrete. Strategic material selection helps minimize thermal cracking, extend service life, and reduce environmental impact. Future research should focus on developing advanced mix design strategies and standardized practices for sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete is a fundamental material in construction, but its production, particularly the manufacturing of cement as a binding agent, is a significant source of CO₂ emissions, contributing  to global climate change. With the continued demand for concrete in infrastructure development, there is an urgent need to identify and implement sustainable, low-carbon alternatives. This study addresses this challenge by evaluating the environmental performance of conventional and emerging low-carbon materials used in concrete production. Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, we conducted a comparative analysis of multiple concrete mixtures, focusing on their embodied carbon and overall environmental impact. Our findings highlight the potential of novel materials to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete while maintaining structural integrity. This research provides critical insights into the sustainability of low-carbon concrete and offers practical guidance for the construction industry to transition toward more environmentally friendly practices.