Integrated Platform-Based Tool to Improve Life Cycle Management and Circularity of Building Envelope Components

Abstract

The construction industry impacts resource consumption and waste production and thus necessitates solutions that promote sustainable practices. In particular, it must address challenges surrounding data collection and digital management services that often hinder the recycling or reuse of materials. The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated platform-based digital tool that seamlessly incorporates circular economy principles into construction processes, with a particular focus on circular resource utilization in the building envelope components’ life cycle. This tool aims to address the challenges in the construction industry related to resource consumption, waste production, and sustainability by promoting sustainable practices and improving material management. This paper reports industrial joint research to develop an integrated platform-based digital tool that seamlessly incorporates circular economy principles into construction processes, focusing on circular resource utilization in the building envelope components life cycle. By combining different platforms and services from the previous research, this study’s results enhance and integrate comprehensive thinking approaches and services. These include promoting raw material substitution, reducing supply chain arrangement time, minimizing waste throughout the building component lifecycle, enhancing disassembly processes, and improving life cycle environmental assessments. The tool design was informed by user-driven narratives and requirements, and demo case testing procedures, ensuring usability and industry relevance. Furthermore, integration with product lifecycle management software and data management platforms enhanced data sharing and accuracy. This study highlights the potential of integrated tools to revolutionize supply chains and promote circular economy, transforming construction paradigms. They can contribute to the reshaping of material management towards environmental consciousness, fostering resource-efficient green building solutions, and enabling more circularity in the construction industry.