Buildings are the largest energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters, both in developed and developing countries. In continental Europe, the energy use in buildings alone is responsible for up to 50% of carbon dioxide emissions. Urgent changes are, therefore, required relating to energy saving, emissions control, production and application of materials, use of renewable resources, and recycling and reuse of building materials. In addition, the development of new eco–friendly building materials and practices is of prime importance owing to the growing environmental concerns. This review reflects the key tendencies in the sector of sustainable building materials of a non–metallic nature that have occurred over the past decade or so.