Circularity in Construction: A Multicriteria Review and Synthesis of Existing Frameworks and Policy Instruments

The construction sector plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, yet the transition toward a circular economy (CE) remains constrained by fragmented frameworks and inconsistent implementation. This study presents a multi-criteria review and synthesis of regulatory, methodological, and policy frameworks governing circularity in the built environment. Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, selected frameworks at national, European, and international levels were assessed across four interrelated dimensions—environmental, economic, social, and technical—to evaluate their capacity to enable resource conservation, waste prevention, and material recirculation. The analysis reveals that while current frameworks strongly promote energy efficiency and waste management, they insufficiently address design for adaptability, modularity, disassembly, and lifecycle traceability. Moreover, the lack of operational indicators and cross-dimensional integration limits their effectiveness in guiding implementation and monitoring progress. By systematically identifying overlaps, complementarities, and gaps, this study provides evidence for the need to develop a harmonised and operational CE framework that connects policy ambitions with measurable outcomes. The findings offer strategic insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to accelerate circular transformation in construction and contribute to climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and resilient built environments.