Circularity Tools and Frameworks for New Buildings

Abstract

The assessment of circularity in new building projects necessitates consideration of diverse factors such as material choice, design strategies, construction methods, operational efficiency, and end-of-life practices. Various tools and methodologies have been developed to aid stakeholders in the construction industry in evaluating these aspects and making informed decisions. With the dynamic evolution of the circular economy, understanding current circular practices is crucial for identifying areas needing enhancement. However, the absence of a tandardized approach poses a challenge, with existing methods often either too broad or narrowly focused on specific circular elements. This limits the comprehensive evaluation of system performance. Addressing these challenges requires practical tools, particularly for early design stages, that integrate quantitative methods to ensure circularity and environmental performance goals are met efficiently. This chapter reviews existing circularity assessment parameters, discusses aggregation methods for criteria and indicators, and evaluates available tools to guide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing circular practices in construction.