An integrated solution for increased circularity in buidlings. A methodological framework

Abstract

The transition from a linear to a circular economy still poses a significant challenge worldwide. The abundance of materials measured in billions of tonnes is transferred annually within the economy, with minimal materials being cycled back. The construction sector uses approximately half of the materials extracted while generating more than a third of the total waste. The current circular potential in the construction industry is yet to be exploited. This paper addresses the issue of materials embedded in buildings and the possibility of their reversible capacities. The main objective of this paper is to develop a systemic methodological framework on how to create, collect, process and present data which may support a better recovery of the embedded building materials, especially their reuse and high-quality recycling during the renovation and demolition processes. The proposed framework defines a methodological approach for developing an interactive digital solution, a digital map, to increase circularity in a built environment by integrating spatial data and building information models (BIMs). To this end, a four-step methodological approach is introduced: (1) development of BIMs for the existing building stock; (2) allocation of material inventory data to BIMs; (3) calculation of circular economy indicators; and (4) digital solution integration into 3D Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This map may facilitate maximising the circular potential of buildings, encourage data transparency and increase their availability to a wide range of market players. It could be imbued with tools such as a digital building logbook with which it could share data.