Unlocking sustainability futures: a framework for digital product passports and material banks in a circular built environment

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to develop and analytically test an integrated implementation framework linking digital product passports (DPPs), digital materials banks (DMBs) and circular economy (CE) principles to address structural barriers to material reuse, carbon reduction and intelligent waste management in the built environment. It examines how digitally enabled lifecycle data flows can shift construction from linear to regenerative systems. Design/methodology/approach The framework was derived and validated through a three-stage research design: a systematic synthesis of over 30 peer-reviewed studies; three co-design workshops with 14 international experts from academia, industry and policy; and cross-sector validation by an eight-member panel. The resulting DPP–DMB implementation framework (DDIF) comprises eight lifecycle-aligned stages mapped to EN 15978 and embeds BIM, IoT, blockchain, AI and digital twins as enabling technologies. Findings The analysis demonstrates that the DDIF enhances material traceability, lifecycle transparency and stakeholder coordination while enabling real-time monitoring and ESG-aligned compliance. It operationalises circular construction through market-based reuse mechanisms, predictive decision-making and interoperability with international standards and policy instruments, including the EU Green Deal, ISO 23387 and associated EU Level(s). Its modular architecture indicates scalability across regulatory contexts and asset types. Originality/value Whereas prior studies typically examine DPPs, material databases or CE strategies in isolation, this paper integrates them into a single, lifecycle-structured framework validated through practitioner engagement. Unlike largely conceptual models or technology-focused roadmaps, the DDIF links digital infrastructures to concrete decision points, reuse markets and regulatory processes across asset stages, advancing the field from fragmented approaches towards deployable system-level implementation.