Abstract

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable materials that minimize environmental 
impact. Agricultural waste, such as banana leaf ash (BLA), has shown potential as an eco-friendly alternative in concrete 
production. This review examines the viability of BLA as a partial replacement for cement, highlighting its effects on 
mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability. Improper disposal of agricultural waste contributes to pollution, 
greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. Utilizing BLA in concrete reduces landfill waste and lowers carbon 
emissions by decreasing cement consumption, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 30% per ton of cement 
replaced. The results of this review indicate that BLA exhibits pozzolanic activity, with studies reporting compressive 
strengths ranging from 20 to 32 MPa at replacement levels of 5–15%. Water absorption rates have remained within 
acceptable construction limits, typically below 10% at optimal mix designs. The findings suggest that moderate cement 
replacement with BLA can yield concrete with sufficient compressive strength, workability, and durability in line with 
industry standards such as BS EN 206 and ASTM C618. Despite its advantages, challenges such as quality control, mix 
design optimization, and lack of standardization must be addressed for widespread adoption. Further research is essen
tial to enhance performance consistency and encourage market acceptance. This review underscores the potential of 
BLA as a sustainable construction material, contributing to a greener and more resource-efficient built environment.