Developing a Standardized Materials Passport Framework to Unlock the Full Circular Potential in the Construction Industry

Helapura Nuwanshi Yasodara Senarathne, Nilmini Pradeepika Weerasinghe () and Guomin Zhang
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Helapura Nuwanshi Yasodara Senarathne: Centre for Future Construction, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Nilmini Pradeepika Weerasinghe: Centre for Future Construction, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Guomin Zhang: Centre for Future Construction, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-28

Abstract: Addressing resource depletion and minimizing construction waste requires closing the material loop through circular economy practices. However, the lack of comprehensive material information remains a significant barrier. The materials passport (MP) has become an essential tool for documenting material properties and dynamically updating information throughout its lifecycle. Despite recent advancements, existing MP frameworks remain static and lack a holistic approach, limiting their effectiveness in assessing material quality and supporting high-value recovery and reuse. As a result, the industry remains reluctant to adopt secondary materials due to concerns about their performance and quality in structural applications where assurance of reliability is essential. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by (1) defining the conceptual boundary of the MP framework by examining current MP practices, key functions, and existing limitations and (2) developing a standardized framework using concrete as demonstration material. An extensive literature review was conducted to define the conceptual boundary. Literature and relevant standards were reviewed to identify essential attributes. The study identified three core MP functions, including material tracking and management, circularity assessment, and sustainability assessment, while proposing an additional function of quality assessment. These four functions collectively informed the development of a unique standardized and holistic MP framework. Thus, this study contributes by enabling practitioners to make quality-based, data-driven decisions that support the effective secondary use of materials.

Keywords: materials passport; circular economy; construction industry; lifecycle; quality; concrete (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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