An integrated methodology for assessing circularity and environmental sustainability in BIPV systems

Abstract

The construction sector's shift toward sustainable production models calls for robust methods to assess both environmental performance and product circularity. This study presents an integrated framework combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Circularity Assessment (CA) to evaluate six Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Developed through a structured six-phase process, the framework merges life cycle-based and circularity-based indicators to overcome the limitations of using each method in isolation. The results show that neither approach alone offers a comprehensive assessment, underscoring the value of integration. Circularity indicators are particularly effective in early design phases due to their simplicity, while LCA is crucial in later stages for validating strategies and optimizing performance. The methodology supports innovation in circular construction by providing insights into key performance indicators, contributing to more sustainable architecturally sound solutions. Overall, this work advances the integration of CA and LCA, offering practical recommendations and enabling future replication in complex system evaluations.