Unlocking the Potential of Material and Building Passports in the Transition to a Circular Economy in Buildings: A Critical Review

Abstract

The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) stands as a pivotal strategy in reshaping our prevailing consumption patterns towards more sustainable resource management. Within this context, the European Union places a strong emphasis on elevating recycling and renovation rates while reducing dependence on primary resources, with a particular focus on the construction industry. Material and Building Passports have emerged as potential tools to facilitate this transition. They play a multifaceted role in CE, serving to raise awareness of the building’s performance, functioning as digital repositories of extensive data, and acting as consulting instruments for stakeholders involved in renovation actions, energy management, and building operation. However, a universally accepted definition of these tools remains elusive, and diverse interpretations persist. To contribute to a deeper understanding of these tools, this study embarks on a comprehensive review, tracing their evolutionary journey and delving into the potentialities and synergies they offer in fostering circularity throughout the life cycle of buildings. It also examines the barriers hindering their full-scale development and adoption, including the lack of standardization and legislative measures, financial constraints, issues of stakeholder involvement and responsibility, as well as challenges associated with data accessibility.