A digital threading framework to enable circularity in the built asset industry

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The vision guiding this research program is the effective and efficient digitalization of built asset lifecycles to enable a sustainable, productive, and resilient built asset industry and environment. The long-term objective is to define, develop and operationalize a digital threading framework to enable circularity in the built asset industry. The research program's short-term objectives are aimed at: (1) defining the strategies, principles, and applications of the circular economy in the built asset industry, and (2) operationalizing the acquisition, processing, management and integration of asset lifecycle data and information (aka. digital threading) to support circularity though digitalization. The research program is articulated in response to the climate emergency and the increasing pressure that the built asset industry is putting on our natural environment. As one of the sectors that consumes the most natural sources while generating significant volumes of waste, the built environment is in dire need of renewed policies, practices, and technologies that will facilitate its transition towards the circular economy. Circularity in the built asset industry is indeed receiving significant attention as it shows promise in countering increased resource consumption and waste generation. One of the biggest challenges hindering circularity in the built environment, however, is accessing reliable data and information in an efficient manner to support decision-making across a built asset's lifecycle. Indeed, the data and information needed to support circularity comes from multiple, heterogeneous sources and must be acquired, processed, managed and integrated in a reliable and efficient manner. Weaving the digital thread is the key that could unlock circularity in the built asset industry in a meaningful and practical manner. The research program will be delivered through close collaboration with governmental and industry practitioners and through specialized networks across Canada and internationally. The expected outcomes of the program are: (1) clearly defined strategies, use cases and outcomes enabling the application of the principals and practices defining the circular economy, and (2) a digital threading framework underlying a digital ecosystem instantiating the knowledge and methodological solutions developed that allow the intuitive and streamlined management and processing of integrated lifecycle data and information flows in the built asset industry to support circularity. This program will contribute to the field of natural sciences and engineering by developing new knowledge and artefacts that enable the acquisition, processing, management and integration of lifecycle project and asset data and information to support circularity in the built asset industry. Establishing this foundation for digitalization is key in ensuring the competitiveness, resiliency, and sustainability of Canada's built asset industry and its built environment.