European sustainable built environment vision framework: critical review and expansion

Purpose This paper critically revisits and expands the sustainable built environment (SBE) vision framework originally developed by Construction Products Europe (CPE) in July 2020, addressing identified gaps in its conceptualisation and alignment with recent European policies and scientific developments. Design/methodology/approach A two-step non-systematic literature review was undertaken, comprising scientific literature and core policy documents published before and after July 2020. Desk research supported a qualitative meta-analysis underpinned by institutional theory and situated within a constructivist paradigm to assess direct and implicit concept references. Findings The analysis confirms the novelty of the original SBE framework but identifies missing and emerging concepts, including Energy Performance Certificates, Waste Audits, Ecodesign requirements, Digital Permits, Digital Product Passports (DPP) and Digital Twins, that warrant integration. A revised framework is proposed in which DPP assumes centrality, bridging all dimensions (environment, waste, technical performance and digitalisation) and operational levels (product and building). Research limitations/implications Continuous policy and technological developments and a limited number of real-world implementations may constrain generalisability, emphasising the need for ongoing framework refinement. Practical implications The revised SBE framework equips industry practitioners with a comprehensive decision pathway and highlights priority concepts to accelerate circular economy adoption. Originality/value This study is the first to systematically update the CPE-SBE framework through a structured scientific background, meta-analysis of concept evolution and integration of twin green and digital transition pathways, offering a robust roadmap for researchers, practitioners and policymakers.