Bridging circular economy and embodied carbon: A quantitative assessment method for building refurbishment design

The construction industry accounts for over 30 % of global resource extraction, generates 25 % of solid waste, and contributes 11 % of total greenhouse gas emissions, including from material processing. Refurbishment strategies are crucial for mitigating these impacts by extending building lifespans. Effective decarbonization requires a comprehensive analysis of refurbishment design regarding resource management and global warming.However, existing assessment methods are often fragmented. To address this, the Carbon Circularity Method, has been developed specifically for refurbishment projects, combining multi-level assessments of Circular Economy (CE) practices with embodied carbon quantification. Aligned with established standards, it defines clear system boundaries, refines End-of-Life strategies, and introduces carbon-informed CE quantification.Findings show that, while high Disassembly Indexes facilitate CE practices, circularity potential is constrained by components condition. Integrating embodied carbon helps prioritize low-carbon-intensive products, reinforces CE strategies, and enables comprehensive CE and climate impact evaluation, offering a valuable tool for improving building environmental performance.