Sustainability of 3D Printing Technology (2025-07)¶

3D printing (3DP) can potentially improve environmental sustainability in construction activities by reducing energy use, waste and adverse ecological impacts. The construction industry can capitalize on the opportunity to accelerate innovation by adopting 3DP as a means of sustainability to contribute toward 2050 Zero Carbon targets of lowering New Zealand’s gross, net and target accounting emissions by 30%, 70% and 60%, respectively, compared with the 2020 levels. This study employs literature review analysis as a research method to explore the literature on 3DP in construction. It assesses the sustainability of 3DP, considering not only its environmental sustainability but also its economic and social sustainability. In addition, it analyses the state of the art of 3DP, using an overview of recent projects by commercial 3DP companies covering a range of applications in several countries. It summarizes the advantages and the challenges of 3DP and identifies the main research gaps. Chief among these is the need to identify the mixtures of materials which can be used in the printing process and to quantify the structural and thermal performance of the printed structure. More research is needed on the application of Life Cycle Assessment of 3DP as the metric for evaluating its environmental impact. The research needs to be a collaborative effort between academia and industry. The roadmap for further research and the assessment of 3DP as an emerging technology provide insights for improving the built environment and enhancing energy efficiency.