From LCA to circular design: A comparative study of digital tools for the built environment
2024 (English)In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, ISSN 0921-3449, E-ISSN 1879-0658, Vol. 200, p. 1-19, article id 107291Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment. The study provides a bibliometric analysis and focuses on computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and computational plugins that can be used by practitioners. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the primary methodology for evaluating buildings' environmental performance, the study identifies tools beyond LCA, including computational methods and circularity indicators, that can support the evaluation of circular design strategies. Our review highlights limitations in tools’ functionalities, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. The paper calls for further development of these tools in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices. Computational plugins offer greater flexibility, while BIM-LCA integrations have the potential to replace dedicated LCA software and spreadsheets. Additionally, the study identifies opportunities for novel digital methods, such as algorithms for circular design with various types of reused building elements, and sharing of digital twins and material passports. This research can inform future studies and support architects and engineers in their efforts to create a sustainable built environment.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV , 2024. Vol. 200, p. 1-19, article id 107291
Keywords [en]
building information modeling, BIM, LCA, life cycle assessment, circular economy, circular construction, bibliometric analysis, VOSviewer, algorithms, parametric design, computational design, circular design, circularity indicators, data, digitalisation, built environment, buildings, architectural design, sustainability
National Category
Environmental Engineering Civil Engineering Environmental Analysis and Construction Information Technology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-340334DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.107291ISI: 001113095300001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85176947076OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-340334DiVA, id: diva2:1816630
Projects
ReCreate project (Horizon 2020 grant no. 958200)
Note
QC 20231204
2023-12-042023-12-042023-12-22Bibliographically approved