Table 1

List of technological enablers and barriers identified in the academic literature

Author(s)Technological enabler/barrier for circular economyTechnological tool(s)
Ababio and Lu (2023) Technology and innovation3D printing, DT, IoT
Adams et al. (2017) Material recovery technologies 
Antwi-Afari et al. (2021) Improved product takebackBIM, AI, IoT, RFID
Real-time information on inventory of circular materialsBIM, RFID, CT
Argus et al. (2020) Material and product dataBIM, BCT
Track and trace technology
Cetin et al. (2021) Enabling technologies for “Closing” resource loopsAM, AI, BIM, BDA, MP, IoT, DT, GIS, MP, BCT
Technological enablers for “Slowing” the loop
Technological enablers for “Narrowing” resource loops
Technological enablers for “Regenerating” resource loops
Das et al. (2023) Technology as an enabler of circular business modelsBIM
Hart et al. (2019) R&D and innovation3D printing, sensors and controls, IoT
Illankoon and Vithanage (2023) Reducing rework and promoting end-of-life disassemblyBIM, VR, digital twin
Lekan et al. (2021) Improved productivity and efficiency across construction stagesAI, BIM, AR, RFID, IoT, CT, AM sensors
Munaro and Tavares (2023) Absence of technologies and infrastructureIMS, BIM, MP
Development of technologies and tools enhancing circular buildings
Nascimento et al. (2019) Use of advanced printing technologies to improve productivity and reliability3D printing, AM
Oluleye et al. (2023) Optimised collection of wasteAI
Implementing reverse logistics
Estimating construction and demolition waste generation
Predicting hazardous building materials
Estimating technical and economic value of circular materials
Schut et al. (2015) Technologies promoting “R” principlesMP
Setaki and van Timmeren (2022) Optimise material use3D printing, IoT, BIM, drones, AR, BCT
Waste recoveryBIM, AI, drones
Wuni (2023a) Digital integrationBIM, BCT
Supportive technological infrastructure
Skills, capabilities and technical know-how
Upskilling, training and capacity building
Process integration technology
Wuni (2023b) Supportive infrastructure and technology
Material recovery technologies
Information and communication technologies
Transfer of information and availability of data
Technologies enabling process integration
aSoori and Vishwas (2013)Energy cost savingsLED, CFL, lighting controls (sensors, actuators, dimmers, transformers, BMS, DDC)
Support effective thermal insulation
aHammes et al. (2024)Zoned lighting depending on individual lighting preferencePIR sensors
Automated user-related decision makingML, controls
Adaptive lighting to individual occupancy pattersPIR sensors

Note(s): Abbreviations

AI: Artificial intelligence,

AM: Additive manufacturing,

AR/VR: Augmented reality/virtual reality,

BDA: Big data analytics,

BCT: Blockchain technology,

BIM: Building information modelling,

BMS: Building management systems,

CT: Cloud technology,

DT: Digital twins,

GIS: Geographical information systems,

IMS: Information management systems,

IoT: Internet of Things,

MP: Material passports,

RFID: Radio frequency identification,

CFL: Compact fluorescent lamp,

LED: Light-emitting diode,

DDC: Direct digital controllers,

PIR: Passive infrared sensors,

aLiterature related to lighting systems in buildings

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