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ScienceGlobal issues

Straw: The climate-friendly building material of the future

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Eckart Granitza | Peter Wolter
July 28, 2025

Emissions from cement production are a major factor in climate change. In the future, it could be replaced with a CO2-positive alternative.

Straw houses are making a comeback as a sustainable alternative to concrete. Using compressed straw bales from wheat and rice farming, builders create well-insulated, eco-friendly homes coated in clay plaster. Unlike concrete, straw requires less energy to produce and helps reduce emissions. With construction responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂, this ancient method offers a modern climate solution.

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