In the quest to build a more sustainable future, the construction industry is grappling with a significant challenge: how to measure and implement circular economy principles effectively. A recent study led by Joana dos Santos Gonçalves from VITO/EnergyVille in Belgium, published in the journal Buildings, sheds light on this complex issue. The research, a systematic literature review, delves into the fragmented landscape of circularity assessment frameworks for buildings, revealing critical gaps and opportunities.
The construction sector is a massive consumer of resources, accounting for a staggering 42% of total energy consumption and 35% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Despite ambitious policies like the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, the industry lacks harmonized methodologies and standardized indicators for measuring circularity. This deficiency hinders informed decision-making and the transition to a more sustainable built environment.
Gonçalves’ study, which analyzed 948 records from major databases, found that current frameworks often overemphasize material flows while neglecting crucial aspects like adaptability, repairability, and maintainability. “The fragmentation of indicators and the lack of a holistic view are major obstacles,” Gonçalves explains. “We need a more systematic and standardized approach to data collection and assessment.”
The research highlights the need for a comprehensive framework that captures multi-cycle processes and cascading potential across building, component, and material scales. This includes considering the different uses a product can have throughout its lifespan, a concept known as multi-functionality. “Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool, but it primarily focuses on environmental impacts and doesn’t fully address circular economy principles,” Gonçalves notes. “We need to go beyond LCA to incorporate cascading scenarios based on R-strategies, resource loops, life extension, and material reuse.”
The study’s findings have significant commercial implications for the energy sector. By providing a clearer understanding of gaps and overlaps in current approaches, it supports more consistent and reliable circularity assessments. This can drive innovation in energy-efficient building designs, reduce waste, and promote the use of renewable resources. As the industry moves towards a circular economy, these insights will be invaluable for stakeholders looking to stay ahead of the curve.
The research also underscores the importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders to develop user-friendly tools that meet industry needs in different contexts and life cycle stages. By incorporating emerging technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and material passports, future assessments can be more effective and applicable.
Gonçalves’ work, published in the journal Buildings, is a significant step towards harmonizing circularity assessment approaches. It offers a roadmap for developing comprehensive, user-friendly frameworks that can accelerate the transition to a sustainable and circular built environment. As the industry continues to evolve, this research will shape future developments, driving innovation and sustainability in the construction sector.