The construction sector faces two largely separate environmental problems: the unavoidable process-related CO₂ emissions of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production, and the growing disposal burden of sediment dredged from hydroelectric reservoirs. This thesis investigates whether alkali-activated materials (AAMs) produced from dredged sediment can address both simultaneously, offering a low-carbon, waste-derived alternative binder. By combining reservoir sediment valorisation with alkali activation technology, the study evaluates a potential pathway for simultaneously reducing waste disposal and binder-related emissions. Two compositionally distinct sediment sources — Perrères Dam (Valle d'Aosta) and Poglia Dam (Brescia) — were characterised by XRF, XRD and laser granulometry in raw and thermally pre-treated (700 °C) states.