A circularity evaluation framework for newly constructed office building design

The notion of circularity is increasingly recognized as a critical priority within the construction industry. However, assessing a building’s circular potential remains challenging due to the absence of standardized Building Circularity Indicators (BCIs). Current methodologies for BCIs exhibit considerable variability in terms of definitions, scope, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and technical frameworks, thereby creating discontinuities and obstructing efforts toward a unified standard. This study introduces the Building Circularity Evaluation Framework (BCEF) to address these limitations, a comprehensive and innovative tool designed to enhance consistency in evaluating circularity. Developed based on insights from an extensive literature review, the BCEF consolidates key KPIs identified as essential to effective circular assessment. Grounded in a life cycle approach, the framework follows material trajectories from extraction to end-of-life processing, offering a holistic analysis of circular performance. In alignment with established sustainability assessment methods such as Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), the BCEF also incorporates an expert system to evaluate disassembly potential—a crucial aspect of circular design. The framework's applicability was tested through three empirical case studies, which revealed that both high resource intensity and prolonged service life are significant determinants of circularity outcomes. These findings underpin a set of recommendations aimed at improving circular practices in building projects. The BCEF demonstrated its robustness as a multi-indicator framework capable of whole-building level assessment. To ensure the rigor and generalizability of results, a sensitivity analysis was performed. With its practical utility, the BCEF provides a valuable resource for industry stakeholders—including contractors, consultants, and policymakers—supporting early-stage decision-making. Furthermore, it offers a research foundation for future refinement and standardization of BCIs.