Sustainable Utilization and Fire Protection of Wood‐Based Composites in Buildings: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

ABSTRACT The increasing use of wood and wood‐based composites in construction reflects a global shift toward renewable materials that support sustainable development objectives, including carbon reduction and responsible resource use. While wood offers substantial environmental benefits compared to conventional materials such as concrete and steel, its inherent flammability remains a critical challenge limiting its broader application in both structural and non‐structural contexts. This review synthesizes recent advancements in fire protection strategies, focusing on nanotechnology‐enabled and bio‐based fire retardants (FRs) that improve fire resistance while maintaining mechanical integrity. A systematic framework is proposed for developing FR solutions that align with circular economy principles and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The review critically assesses the environmental trade‐offs, life cycle implications, cost factors, and scalability of various treatment methods including surface coating, impregnation, and delignification, providing practical insights for implementation in building systems. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated, scalable, and eco‐friendly fire safety technologies that enable the wider adoption of wood in climate‐resilient and low‐impact built environments.