Almond shell reuse: a viable non-conventional aggregate for sustainable building materials

Abstract

Bio-based or green architecture is a new way of designing and building in line with the European Green Deal and in light of the Circular Economy principles. The main green approach directs the whole construction life cycle to be eco-sustainable and environmentally friendly from the beginning to the end of the building process. Beyond the use of eco sustainable and highly performing structural materials, new technologies able of reduce the environmental impact of buildings must be used. This paper is aimed at reviewing the possible reuse of bio- wastes of agricultural origin whose massive production generates a number of issues for their treatment and disposal. In particular, this study will focus on the possible reuse of almond shell, one of the major productions in the Mediterranean area. The scientific literature appears quite sensible to the topic with many solutions to reuse such bio-wastes in architecture and civil engineering to improve the sustainability of the construction sector, give new life to waste materials, and granting a financial surplus to the manufacturing industry.