Integrating Digital Tools for Automated Circularity Assessment of Construction Products: A Case Study

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Abstract
The circular economy is recognised as a key topic that requires the development of user-friendly methodologies for circularity assessment, with digitalisation supporting more accurate evaluation processes. This study proposes an automated digital tool to calculate products’ Circularity Level (LC), defined in UNI/TS 11820:2024 and aligned with ISO/TC 323 circular economy standards (ISO 59004, ISO 59010, and ISO 59020) and the Level(s) EU sustainability framework. Specifically, an Excel-based calculator is developed to encode regulatory requirements, automatically compute LC values, generate radar charts highlighting improvement areas, and export results to MS Word for automated stakeholder reporting. Additionally, for construction materials, an information flow between MS Excel and Autodesk Revit is established using Dynamo, enabling the automated creation of product-related BIM objects and the integration of circularity data into the BIM model. The workflow is demonstrated through its application to a single case, namely the ITER Project, which implements earthen plasters enhanced by by-products from the agricultural and stone supply chains. An LC of 43.77% is obtained, driven by material efficiency and recovery, but limited by renewable energy use and end-of-life management. Future research will investigate AI techniques to optimise indicator scores and enhance digital circularity assessment in the construction sector.
Funding Information
  • MASE (Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, ex MITE) of Italy-Direzione Generale Economia Circolare e Bonifiche (CUP E63C23001320006)

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