Global warming is a significant global challenge, with the construction industry playing a major role due to its high energy consumption and emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that construction is responsible for...

 Global warming is a significant global challenge, with the construction industry playing a major role due to its high energy consumption and emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that construction is responsible for about 40% of global energy use and 30% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The trend toward high-rise and large-scale construction, driven by population growth, exacerbates these impacts. This underscores the need to examine how concrete cover thickness influences a building’s life cycle, as research on the environmental impact of reinforced concrete slabs is limited. A recent study compared the CO₂ emissions of three slab types—ordinary reinforced concrete, flat plate, and voided slabs—highlighting that voided slabs offer the greatest potential for reducing emissions. Cement and steel, with their high embodied energy, significantly contribute to construction’s environmental impact. Shifting to sustainable slab systems could considerably lower CO₂ emissions, promoting eco-friendly building practices.