Rammed earth construction involves compressing soil into formwork to create solid walls, often stabilised with cement for strength. However, this cement use can negate environmental benefits, making it comparable to concrete in CO2 emissions. 

Experts like Tim Coleridge (Centre for Alternative Technology ) and Rowland Keable (Earth Building UK and Ireland, and Rammed Earth Consulting) argue that adding cement detracts from rammed earth’s sustainability, emphasising the need for earth construction standards to promote its use without cement. 

While rammed earth is sustainable and can be reused, its labor-intensive nature and lack of industry standards and experience hinder its adoption. Alternative stabilisers and mass-produced blocks offer potential, but widespread use remains limited due to these challenges.