Biomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review Traditional building materials have significant drawbacks in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Biomaterials derived from renewable resources offer a promising alternative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. However, traditional materials still dominate the construction sector, and there is a lack of understanding among some policymakers and developers regarding biomaterials. This review examines building biomaterials and their policies and life cycle assessment through case studies. Bio-based materials have the potential to reduce over 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. They also exhibit advantages like decreasing water absorption by 40%, reducing energy consumption by 8.7%, enhancing acoustic absorption by 6.7%, and improving mechanical properties. Recent advancements in mycelial materials, bioconcrete, natural fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites are summarized. The contributions of nanotechnology and microalgae technology in enhancing biomaterials' thermal insulation and eco-friendliness are explored. The construction industry is essential in shaping the world's urban landscapes, providing shelter, infrastructure, and spaces where people live, work, and interact. However, traditional construction practices heavily rely on resource-intensive and environmentally harmful materials, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources. As global awareness of environmental challenges rises, architects, engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders increasingly focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices. Biomaterials, derived from renewable resources, have emerged as a promising solution to revolutionize the construction sector, reducing its impact on the environment while providing innovative and cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials. Biomaterials have emerged as a transformative and sustainable solution in the construction industry, offering a promising alternative to conventional materials. They encompass a diverse range of materials, such as bioplastics, biocomposites, biocement, mycelium-based materials, and cellulose-based materials, each with unique benefits like reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, and resource conservation. However, commercial viability challenges, industry standards, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to promote widespread adoption. Several case studies highlight the feasibility of employing biomaterials for diverse structural elements. For instance, coffee waste composite boards exhibit noise reduction and thermal insulation attributes. Concrete enhanced with eggshell powder demonstrates exemplary mechanical and physical characteristics. The use of polyurethane-coated hydrangea stems offers notable insulation benefits. Furthermore, integrating fungi into concrete produces bio-based materials with self-repairing capabilities. The construction industry is an essential sector for national economic growth, but it is also a consumer of natural resources and a producer of pollution emissions. The greenhouse gas emissions generated by manufacturing building materials account for 5–12% of the global total greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of bio-based building materials necessitates a comprehensive framework of policies and regulations for effective implementation. Policies and regulations aim to ensure thatBiomaterials technology and policies in the building sector: a review Traditional building materials have significant drawbacks in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Biomaterials derived from renewable resources offer a promising alternative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. However, traditional materials still dominate the construction sector, and there is a lack of understanding among some policymakers and developers regarding biomaterials. This review examines building biomaterials and their policies and life cycle assessment through case studies. Bio-based materials have the potential to reduce over 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. They also exhibit advantages like decreasing water absorption by 40%, reducing energy consumption by 8.7%, enhancing acoustic absorption by 6.7%, and improving mechanical properties. Recent advancements in mycelial materials, bioconcrete, natural fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites are summarized. The contributions of nanotechnology and microalgae technology in enhancing biomaterials' thermal insulation and eco-friendliness are explored. The construction industry is essential in shaping the world's urban landscapes, providing shelter, infrastructure, and spaces where people live, work, and interact. However, traditional construction practices heavily rely on resource-intensive and environmentally harmful materials, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources. As global awareness of environmental challenges rises, architects, engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders increasingly focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices. Biomaterials, derived from renewable resources, have emerged as a promising solution to revolutionize the construction sector, reducing its impact on the environment while providing innovative and cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials. Biomaterials have emerged as a transformative and sustainable solution in the construction industry, offering a promising alternative to conventional materials. They encompass a diverse range of materials, such as bioplastics, biocomposites, biocement, mycelium-based materials, and cellulose-based materials, each with unique benefits like reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, and resource conservation. However, commercial viability challenges, industry standards, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to promote widespread adoption. Several case studies highlight the feasibility of employing biomaterials for diverse structural elements. For instance, coffee waste composite boards exhibit noise reduction and thermal insulation attributes. Concrete enhanced with eggshell powder demonstrates exemplary mechanical and physical characteristics. The use of polyurethane-coated hydrangea stems offers notable insulation benefits. Furthermore, integrating fungi into concrete produces bio-based materials with self-repairing capabilities. The construction industry is an essential sector for national economic growth, but it is also a consumer of natural resources and a producer of pollution emissions. The greenhouse gas emissions generated by manufacturing building materials account for 5–12% of the global total greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of bio-based building materials necessitates a comprehensive framework of policies and regulations for effective implementation. Policies and regulations aim to ensure that