A Comprehensive Digital Integration Framework for Circular Economy in Existing Building Retrofits

Farokh Panahirad¹

1) PhD Student, Art University of Isfahan, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Design

Publication : 4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment(caucong.com)
Abstract :
The construction industry consumes over one-third of global energy and significantly depletes raw materials, underscoring a pressing need for more sustainable methods. Among emerging approaches, the Circular Economy (CE) framework is particularly relevant, promoting reduced waste, extended material lifespans, and closed-loop resource cycles. This paper proposes a four-phase digital integration framework designed to embed CE principles into existing building retrofits, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twins. The framework systematically addresses the Assessment, Planning, Execution, and Monitoring & Optimization stages of retrofitting, helping stakeholders achieve higher material reuse, optimized resource consumption, and enhanced post-retrofit performance. While challenges related to cost, regulation, and data-sharing persist, this work demonstrates how a structured, technology-assisted process can help practitioners, policymakers, and researchers make informed decisions about bringing existing buildings closer to a circular future.
Keywords : Circular Economy Building Retrofitting BIM IoT AI Digital Twins