Enhancing building material circularity: A systematic review on prerequisites, obstacles and the critical role of data traceability

Abstract

The construction industry significantly consumes natural resources and generates substantial waste due to linear supply chain practices. Circular economy strategies are essential for extending material lifespans and promoting regeneration. Material reclamation is a central strategy for implementing circularity, yet its practical application remains limited. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors hindering building material circularity and propose measures to overcome them. This paper aims to explore the prerequisites and obstacles to material reclamation in the construction industry to foster its transition into a circular economy. A systematic literature review of 74 papers was conducted using data from Scopus, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The review identified eight key themes related to achieving material circularity, with design, informational, and technological factors receiving top priority in researchers’ focus. Data availability emerged as a critical prerequisite, while the primary obstacle is the lack of data traceability throughout the building materials' lifecycle. This study concludes that digitalizing the material supply chain can address data unavailability and most of the identified obstacles. Ultimately, comprehensive material data will support the stakeholders in making solid circular decisions. This research provides guidance to construction industry stakeholders to overcome recognised obstacles and promote essential prerequisites of material circularity where no such information currently exists, to facilitate the transition to a circular construction industry.