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The utilization of synthetic materials stimulates environmental concerns, and researchers worldwide are effectively reacting to environmental concerns by transitioning towards biodegradable and sustainable materials. Natural fibers like jute and sisal have been being utilized for ages in several applications, such as ropes, building materials, particle boards, etc. The absence of essential information in preparing the natural-fiber-reinforced materials is still a challenge for future applications. Chemical treatments and surface modifications can improve the quality of the natural fibers. Natural-fiber-based composites are a potential candidate for many lightweight engineering applications with significant mechanical properties. In the view of the progressive literature reported in the field, this work aims to present the significance of natural fibers, their composites, and the main factors influencing these materials for various applications (automotive industry, for instance). Secondly, we aim to address different surface modifications and chemical treatments on natural fibers and finally provide an overview of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites’ potential applications.

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (IPB) are the largest South Asian countries in terms of land area, gross domestic product (GDP), and population. The growth in these countries is impacted by inadequate renewable energy policy and implementation over the years, resulting in slow progress towards human development and economic sustainability. These developing countries are blessed with huge potential for renewable energy resources; however, they still heavily rely on fossil fuels (93%). IPB is a major contributor to the total energy consumption of the world and its most energy-intensive building sector (India 47%, Pakistan 55% and Bangladesh 55%) displays inadequate energy performance. This paper comprehensively reviews the energy mix and consumption in IPB with special emphasis on current policies and its impact on economic and human development. The main performance indicators have been critically analyzed for the period 1970–2017. The strength of this paper is a broad overview on energy and development of energy integration in major South Asian countries. Furthermore, it presents a broad deepening on the main sector of energy consumption, i.e., the building sector. The paper also particularly analyzes the existing buildings energy efficiency codes and policies, with specific long-term recommendations to improve average energy consumption per person. The study also examines the technical and regulatory barriers and recommends specific measures to adapt renewable technologies, with special attention to policies affecting energy consumption. The analysis and results are general and can be applied to other developing countries of the world.

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