bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circular Building Strategies: A Categorization Framework
Authors: Wöhler A , Hollberg A , Rosado L , Wallbaum H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has been gaining increasing attention in the context of the built environment in recent years. Many different circular strategies for buildings, such as reusing structures, Design for Disassembly and Adaptability, have been frequently discussed in the literature, but a clear definition and framework are lacking. This study provides a categorization framework for circular strategies in new buildings laying the groundwork for a common understanding. The methodology involves an integrative review to synthesize relevant research analyzing circular building strategies in existing literature and case study reviews. The analysis revealed five key dimensions for categorizing the diverse strategies found in the publications: concept, level, approach, implementation time, and impact. Based on these findings, a framework has been proposed to help clarify the fundamental characteristics of different circular strategies. Overall, this study contributes to a common understanding of various circular strategies for new buildings. As a practical tool, the categorization framework facilitates the systematic analysis of circular strategies for both researchers and practitioners, enabling the identification of synergies and driving a holistic adoption of CE in the built environment.
Reviewing the critical factors for circular building design and construction
Authors: Motiei M , Iyer-Raniga U , Andamon M M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Buildings and associated stock have a negative environmental impact during construction and operation. The transition of the built environment to circular economy (CE) has become widely accepted due to growing concerns regarding the end of life of current building stock. This transition is highlighted as a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for GHG emissions and decarbonisation by 2030 by the UN, and net zero targets by 2050 by peak bodies such as the World Green Building Council. To support this, focus on circular building (CB) has become paramount, especially at the building level, since circularity is associated with the dynamics of processes, materials, and stakeholders that enable optimising resources while minimizing waste throughout a building’s lifecycle. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate among professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector on the implementation of CE principles during the initial design phase of buildings. The uptake of CE presents challenges, primarily due to the cost and complexity associated with the design process and the absence of immediate economic value, as compared to traditional approaches. This paper presents a critical literature review of CE and examines the key design factors that contribute to the preliminary development of a framework for circular buildings to guide designers on the uptake of circularity.
Improving Circularity in Construction Through a BIM-Based Waste Management Framework
Authors: Fereydooni Eftekhari Alireza , Khodabakhshian Ania , Re Cecconi Fulvio , Daniotti Bruno 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, known for its significant resource consumption and waste production, requires a shift to a Circular Economy (CE) to address environmental challenges, focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing materials to narrow, slow, and close material loops. The impact of CE in the AEC industry is directly associated with the existing buildings’ potential to be a source of raw materials for future construction projects. The waste management process necessitates detailed information on material composition, connections, availability, future uses, and quality. Urban Mining, facilitated by digital technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions, aims to provide answers to the abovementioned questions. This study, focusing on the Italian building sector, utilizes BIM and IFC platforms to establish a standardized procedure aligned with Italian regulations. The procedure encompasses data acquisition, transmission, integration, and application, resulting in practical and trackable measures stored in IFC files. Notably, this procedure is scalable globally. The results of this study are important from a managerial point of view to have a comprehensive and standardized procedure, improving waste management and decreasing the environmental impacts of the construction sector. Moreover, it contributes to enhancing the cost-benefit efficiency of the industry through enhancing circularity.
Estimating the Circularity of Building Elements using Building Information Modelling
Authors: Gbenga John O. , Forth K. , Theißen S. , Borrmann A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The circular economy (CE) aims at a transformation towards a sustainable economic system whose growth is decoupled from the availability of finite resources. Due to the resource intensity of the construction sector, it is one of the main sectors where the CE concept is being applied. Central to the concept of circular buildings (CB) is to close the technical use-cycle of building components, which is influenced by their detachability. Building detachability is the extent to which building components can be deconstructed without damage. The scope of this research addresses the integration of its assessment using Building Information Modelling (BIM). This study includes an analysis of existing building circularity assessments (BCA) and their integration potential using BIM. Next, we propose a framework to automate the evaluation of building detachability using BIM. This framework entails the utilization of business process models and notations (BPMN) for delineating the detachability assessment procedure and deriving the model information requirements for the assessment by developing attribute matrices. The research process evidences that an accurate interpretation of established detachability assessment requisites facilitates enhanced integration and automation within the BIM method. Nevertheless, the need for better standardization of the conventional assessment requirements emerges as a pertinent concern. However, by leveraging project-specific ‘employer’s information requirements (EIR) and BIM execution plan (BEP), the outlined workflow can be integrated into BIM-based projects.
The repurposing of our built environment: Circular strategies in reconversion projects of office buildings to affordable housing
Authors: Beeckman P , Galle W , De Temmerman N , Lespagnard M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Belgium, like other countries, is experiencing a significant shortage of affordable housing. At the same time, our cities experience large vacancies. Reconversion of vacant office buildings to housing would be a potential strategy to deal with both problems. However, these types of projects are often complex as not all buildings facilitate such changes. Therefore, this paper aims to explore to which extent circular design qualities are applied and how this could improve the environmental impact and the (long-term) affordability. First, a long list of different reconversion projects in Belgium was created and analysed through a literature study and by checking numerous articles and permit applications. Four case studies, located in Brussels and the only found cases meant for social housing, were investigated in more detail. Through multiple interviews, the strategies applied in the projects were identified and divided into three categories: design, social and circular strategies over the different shearing layers of a building as defined by Brandt (1994) and Paduart (2012). The social strategies focus on providing quality for the inhabitants such as through the creation of common spaces.
Learning from North Americans: barriers and levers to reuse from practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Lambec Barbara , Bastien-Masse Malena , Fivet Corentin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study delves into the intricacies of building element reuse practices in North America, spanning the genesis, current practices, and future projections of the initiatives. Using a semi-structured interview method, 35 stakeholders representing diverse domains, such as academia, industry, and government, are questioned on their professional trajectories. Their answers shed light on the changing landscape of barriers and levers at different phases of stakeholders’ careers. The study identifies and analyzes 14 key factors by aggregating 1499 interview categories into clusters, emphasizing their interconnected nature. Factors like unusualness of practice and the need for new processes emerge as persistent over time and for all stakeholders, linked with regulatory dynamics and a lack of knowledge. In a comparative analysis with existing literature, the study also reaffirms challenges such as costs, community dynamics, and the imperative for a societal shift, contextualizing them within the diachronic framework. The research also highlights how perceived barriers can transform into catalysts when establishing standards. By emphasizing phases of participants’ experiences and introducing temporal nuances, this study enhances the understanding of barriers and levers to building element reuse, providing a valuable framework for stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers.
Methods and tools to address GHG emissions in the early design stage of building renovations: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Brudal Ø , Andresen I 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a literature review of methods and tools applied in early design stages to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in renovation projects. The aim is to identify focus areas in existing research and to find potential research gaps. In the literature review, 21 papers were analysed and categorised according to four different themes. The results revealed a large difference in the choice of system boundaries within the literature, making comparison of reported emissions not comparable. Most case studies address residential buildings within the European context. There is a need for more research on GHG emissions related to the renovation of different building typologies in different locations. The article highlights the need for more standardised methods for calculating GHG emissions in early design stages, allowing for comparable results and better-informed decisions for building designers.
Industrialized Exterior Retrofit Projects: A Review
Authors: Pope H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The building stock is a large consumer of energy, and measures are being taken to reduce energy use in new construction. However, to reach the world’s net zero goals, significant changes need to be made to existing buildings. There are many different methods that can be used to renovate a building, including partial demolition and rebuilding, interior retrofit, or exterior retrofit. The focus of this review is on prefabricated exterior retrofit projects. The entire process of undergoing industrialized exterior retrofits will be explained, including Initiation and Viability, Building Capture and Imaging, Detailed Design, Manufacturing, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring. Past industrialized retrofit projects will be presented, and their successes and limitations will be discussed. Common issues and barriers to entry/adoption are examined to give an understanding of what is required to make prefabricated industrialized exterior retrofits work in North America.
Comparison of 16 national methods in the life cycle assessment of carbon storage in wood products in a reference building
Authors: Ouellet-Plamondon C M , Balouktsi M , Delem L , Foliente G , Francart N , Garcia-Martinez A , Hoxha E , Lützkendorf T , Nygaard Rasmussen F , Peuportier B , Butler J , Birgisdottir H , Bragança L , Dowdell D , Dixit M , Gomes V , Gomes da Silva M , Carlos Gómez J , Kjendseth Wiik M , Carmen Llatas Olivier M , Mateus R , Pulgrossi L M , Röck M , Ruschi Mendes Saade M , Passer A , Satola D , Seo S , Soust-Verdaguer B , Veselka J , Volf M , Zhang X , Frischknecht R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Wood and bio-based construction products are perceived as a way to use renewable resources, to save energy and to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG)-emissions during production and to store carbon during the entire service life of the building. This article compares the carbon footprint per kilogram of wood products (softwood beams, plywood, oriented strand board panel, and fibre board) from the perspective of the life cycle assessment methodology for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of practitioners from 16 countries participating in the IEA Annex 72. These materials are used in PAL6 softwood structure multi-residential building. This article aims at comparing the carbon footprint accounting methods from 16 countries for PAL6 multi-residential building. Each national team applied the reference study period (RSP), life cycle modules covered, modelling rules, the geographical scope of inventory data as well as the LCA database according to its specific national method. The results show that there are three types of methodology to assess a building with biogenic content (0/0, -1/+1, -1/+1*). The results were more variable plywood, oriented strand board, and fibreboard than the softwood beams due to the variability in the wood transformation processes among the countries. A net negative carbon balance was obtained for the softwood beam for the countries using -1/+1* with a clear assumption of the fraction of the carbon permanently stored at the end-of-life (EoL). The carbon storage is only possible if it is secured at the EoL. Participating countries apply different definitions of permanence and EoL scenarios. Guideline on assessing, monitoring, and legally reporting carbon storage at the EoL are needed, based on concertation between standard, life cycle assessment, wood industry, and climate experts.
Urban morphology as a key parameter for mitigating urban heat? – A literature review
Authors: Schmidt Vera 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMore frequent and intense heat waves, especially in urban centers, represent a growing challenge for urban designers and building planners. In the last five years, extensive research has been undertaken on the relation between urban form, including density, and urban heat phenomena. Dense urban configurations are often considered central drivers of hot microclimates. However, less dense cities easily cause other ecological (e.g. land consumption), functional (public mobility), and socioeconomic (social diversity) problems. Consequently, the current panoply of recommended heat mitigation and sustainability measures constitutes an unclear basis for strategic planning decisions. Thus, this study examines the literature on urban morphology in relation to urban heat events. Around 800 scientific articles and studies are categorized regarding the applied methodology, the studied geographic location, the observed urban form parameters, and the examined thermal parameter. Most identified literature uses traditional field measurement, remote sensing, numerical simulation, or a combination. Air temperature and land surface temperature are the most observed thermal parameters, while the growing number of studies that focus on human outdoor thermal comfort is highly relevant for effective heat mitigation and adaptation. This study suggests that from a scientific point of view, urban morphology measures do not principally carry a paramount role in heat mitigation compared to other aspects, such as vegetation or materialization. Current planning approaches for climate-resilient cities are highly case-specific, where no generally applicable rules or effective recipes regarding urban built form are available.
Urban Metabolism and Digital Twin Technologies for a Sustainable Built Environment: Towards a Framework for a Campus Application
Authors: Geremicca F , Fascetti A , Brigham J C , Bilec M M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
With rapid urbanization necessitating innovative strategies for urban adaptation, combining technological advancements and holistic methodologies, this research explored the synergy between urban metabolism and digital twin technologies to foster sustainable urban development. A pilot model representing a university building, including the surrounding streetscape, was constructed using the Unreal Engine. By using available CAD design drawings and GIS technologies, the physical spaces were modelled. The physical and analytical environments were integrated into the digital twin; material flow analysis was also conducted. The developed framework aims to offer a detailed visualization of building behaviour, facilitating comparisons with urban metabolism analysis. This approach holds promise for sustainable urban design by integrating diverse data streams through digital twin technologies. The potential impact of this research extends to the tracking, mapping, and analysis of crucial resource flows, such as materials, water, energy, and waste, fostering circular economy strategies within the built environment. Understanding urban metabolism facilitates the identification of resource-efficient opportunities, promoting resource recovery and reuse to reduce the environmental impact of urban cores. Embracing digital twin technologies and urban metabolism analysis offers cities streamlined data collection processes, supporting standardization and sustainable urban practices. This study marks a critical step towards integrating diverse data streams into urban metabolism analysis, aligning with circularity objectives in the built environment. By adopting this framework, cities can better understand new production and consumption patterns that prioritize the responsible use of natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Examining daily electricity demand and indoor temperature profiles in UK social housing flats retrofitted with heat pumps
Authors: Gupta Rajat , Zahiri Sahar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The UK Government has announced decarbonisation of domestic heating thorough low carbon heat pumps. This will result in the deployment of 5 million heat pumps by 2030, and over 25 million by 2050, thereby increasing seasonal and daily peak electricity demand and putting a strain on local electricity networks. Despite this, there is limited evidence on the impact of heat pump operation on daily electricity demand profiles. This paper empirically examines the impact of retrofitted ground source heat pump (GSHP) on daily electricity demand of six social housing flats co-located in a socially deprived housing estate in Oxford (UK) to understand the changes on daily electricity demand during the evening peak period (4-7pm). Concurrent time-series monitoring of electricity use, and indoor-outdoor temperatures was undertaken for one week before and after heat pumps installation during the heating season of 2020-2021. Contextual data about the flats was gathered using householder surveys and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Pre-heat pump, electricity demand peaked during night time from 12am to 2am due to the use of night storage heaters. Post heat pump installation, mean indoor temperature and electricity demand profiles became more stable. While mean daily electricity use reduced by 42%, peak daily electricity use increased by 23%. Despite a small sample, the magnitude and timing of the peak period of electricity use varied. This reinforces the need for enabling flexible heat pump operation through time-of-use tariffs to bring value for local electricity network and householders.
Development of a post-occupancy assessment method system to evaluate the durability of external cladding of prefabricated timber panels
Authors: Scrideli L A , Oliveira R J G F , Chiletto T O , Ino A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The global environmental crisis has increased interest in sustainability within the construction sector. Timber construction is a viable option, but concerns about its short- and long-term durability still need to be addressed. This article presents a developed Assessment Method System for evaluating the durability of external cladding of prefabricated timber panels. First, an Assessment Form was created to map and catalogue the panels’ state of conservation based on on-site observations. The form includes an evaluation worksheet that lists and classifies the frequency and intensity of six defects: 1) Rotted Parts; 2) Detachments; 3) presence of Wood Knots; 4) Cracks and/or Broken Parts; 5) Wood planks; and 6) Sill Failure. On-site observations were conducted in case studies to complete the Assessment Form and document the condition of the specific building’s timber panels. The collected data were then tabulated and used as a basis for the panel’s durability diagnosis. Comparative studies were then carried out between five case studies to validate the Assessment Method System. As a result, the work highlights aspects, such as material, design, and execution, of the durability of timber wall panels built in specific conditions. In that sense, the Assessment Method was a fundamental tool to stress how these aspects were carried out. In addition, this can enhance the scientific basis of timber architecture and aid architects and researchers in making informed decisions regarding optimising future timber projects.
A survey-based mapping of the building and construction entrepreneurial ecosystem
Authors: Brozovsky J , Labonnote N , Vigren O 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The architecture, engineering and construction sector has long been known for its traditional methods and slow adoption of innovations. However, technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and robotics have led to significantly increased development and use of innovative tools and processes in the architecture, engineering and construction sector. This article presents the results of an explorative online survey of the sector’s entrepreneurial ecosystem carried out in spring 2023. It aims to identify the most promising technologies, quantify their potential, and investigate the dynamics of startups’ collaboration with academia. The results show that most startups focus on addressing the construction phase (76.1%) of the building life cycle, while only 15.9% deal with the end-of-life phase. Developed technologies most commonly include Data analytics and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. While 64% of startups consider collaboration with academia important, respondents identified several barriers and challenges of collaborating, such as bureaucracy and time-consuming processes. We conclude with a discussion on entrepreneurial ecosystems and academia-startup collaboration.