Review of current digital technologies for material passports to enhance circularity towards net zero
Built Environment Project and Asset Management
ISSN: 2044-124X
Article publication date: 19 December 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Need of circular economy (ce) practices for net-zero and sustainability in construction sector is well known, and thus the need for information flow between current and potential users about materials and processes. Material passports (MPs) are the tool for this information flow. This study aims to examine the research trend about digitalisation and MPs in construction, explore the application of digital technologies (DTs) for information management required for MPs and provide further research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
Systematic search and review of literature was conducted adopting both qualitative and quantitative approach for analysis. Firstly, quantitative bibliometric analysis of 201 papers was conducted to get the context from ongoing research around the area and qualitative content and thematic analysis of selected 14 papers were then done to further explore the literature.
Findings
Bibliometric analysis suggested building information modelling (BIM) as the most widely studied topic for digitalisation and MPs, which has been studied together with other DTs, whereas blockchain is niched within supply chain and waste management. Qualitative review observed BIM as the most prevalent technology, providing platform for information generation and management for MPs, and most other DTs are applicable mostly for information generation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is useful for information generation, but more suiting for information analysis. Blockchain, on the other hand, is for decentralised and reliable information management.
Originality/value
This study has tried to explore the digitalisation for circularity in construction with focus on information management for MPs. As the ce in construction boils down to information flow and MPs, this study provides the idea about possible applications of DTs for MPs and suggests further research directions for development and use of MPs for ce in construction.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This work was supported by the Strategic Research Fund (Seed grant), School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University.
Citation
KC, A., Senaratne, S., Perera, S. and Nanayakkara, S. (2024), "Review of current digital technologies for material passports to enhance circularity towards net zero", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-03-2024-0085
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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