Integrating BIM and material passports to foster circularity in offsite construction: a five-layer digital framework
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose Circular economy (CE) integration in offsite construction (OSC) is increasingly recognised as a pathway to reduce waste, carbon emissions and inefficient material practices. However, the digital mechanisms required to operationalise circularity across design, construction and reuse phases in OSC remain fragmented and underdeveloped. Design/methodology/approach This study develops a five-layer digital integration framework that aligns building information modelling (BIM) with material passports (MPs) to support circular workflows. Drawing on a systematic literature review (SLR) of 40 peer-reviewed studies, the framework comprises: (1) Data Input Layer, (2) BIM Platform Layer, (3) Integration Layer, (4) Lifecycle Feedback Layer and (5) Circular Decision Support Layer. Findings The synthesis layer identifies key digital bottlenecks across the five layers, including missing CE metadata, poor interoperability and a lack of lifecycle feedback loops. By embedding circular material intelligence within BIM environments, the framework offers a scalable roadmap for traceability, reuse planning and CE-driven decision-making in OSC. Practical implications The framework provides industry stakeholders with a scalable roadmap to enable material traceability, reuse planning and circular decision-making across the OSC lifecycle. It supports practical alignment with emerging CE policies and market incentives. Originality/value This study contributes a theoretically grounded framework and practical recommendations for advancing digital circular construction. It lays the groundwork for future digital tool development and policy alignment to supports CE adoption in the built environment.
Institutions: Massey University, RMIT University
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225805076