New findings point to the huge positive impact the construction industry could have on the environment

The US research calculates fully replacing conventional building materials in new infrastructure could store more than 16 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

These alternatives include mixing carbon aggregates in concrete or using bio-based materials in bricks.

AUT Design Professor Suzanne Wilkinson says companies will be sceptical.

She says the materials have to be proven to be cost-competitive, to be picked up.