The construction industry is responsible for the depletion of large amounts of nonrenewable resources.
This activity generates not only millions of tons of mineral waste but also millions of tons of carbon dioxide
gas emissions. Therefore, research about building materials based on renewable resources like vegetable
fibres is needed. This paper discusses the use of vegetable fibres as reinforcement in cement based
materials. It includes fibre characteristics, properties and the description of the treatments that improve
their performance; it covers the compatibility between the fibres and the cement matrix and also how
the fibres influence cement properties. It also includes the properties and durability performance of
cementitious materials reinforced with vegetable fibres. Furthermore future research trends are also
suggested.