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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Digital Technologies and Circular Economy in the Construction Sector: A Review of Lifecycle Applications, Integrations, Potential, and Limitations
Buildings, v 15(4), 553
12 Feb 2025
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
The circular economy implementation in the built environment is hindered by the complexity of CE strategies and unique nature of the construction industry. Digital technologies have been explored as promising solutions to aid decision making and enable circular solutions in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. The literature on both circular economy and digital technology fields has grown exponentially in the past few years, and there is a need for a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art applications, integrations, potential, and limitations of digital technologies in the circular economy context. Through a systematic literature review, this study identified ten key digital technologies to enable circularity in the building sector: building information modeling, spatial data acquisition, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain, digital twin, augmented and virtual realities, digital platform/marketplace, material passports, and additive manufacturing and digital fabrication. In this study, we review current applications, discuss their integrations, match digital technology opportunities with circular economy barriers, and map the digital technologies applications along a building’s lifecycle. Blockchain and material passport technologies demonstrated potential to enable circular economy strategies throughout the whole building’s lifecycle, but their application remains limited in the construction industry. Building information modeling was found to be at the core of most technological integrations, but more research is needed to understand the impact of such integrations in supporting circular economy policies, standards, and assessment methods. Finally, collaborative research efforts are needed to unveil the risks of digitalization in the built environment, including risks concerning privacy and cybersecurity.
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Details
- Title
- Digital Technologies and Circular Economy in the Construction Sector: A Review of Lifecycle Applications, Integrations, Potential, and Limitations
- Creators
- Cagla Keles (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringFernanda Cruz Rios - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringSimi T Hoque - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Publication Details
- Buildings, v 15(4), 553
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 27
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001430599900001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85218643156
- Other Identifier
- 991022027837804721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Construction & Building Technology
- Engineering, Civil