The lack of a comprehensive methodology for assessing the contribution of circular materials to reducing climate-altering emissions

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future-work section and stated challenges and stated research gap of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 3 journals.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• EVALUATION OF GEOSYNTHETIC-REINFORCED C&D WASTE FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT APPLICATIONS – A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH (2026) · Research Digest on Engineering Management and Social Innovations · doi

  Further research should focus on full replacement of natural aggregates and sand with construction and demolition waste. Long-term field performance monitoring and life-cycle cost analysis are needed. Studies on climatic adaptability and fatigue behavior under repeated traffic loads will strengthen confidence in adopting recycled materials for large-scale infrastructure projects.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: further research focus full replacement natural aggregates sand
• EVALUATION OF GEOSYNTHETIC-REINFORCED C&D WASTE FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT APPLICATIONS – A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH (2026) · Research Digest on Engineering Management and Social Innovations · doi

  Excessive extraction of natural resources, environmental degradation, and depletion of virgin materials. The construction industry consumes billions of tons of raw materials annually, with aggregate production alone accounting for nearly 7% of total energy consumption. The need for a sustainable approach to pavement construction.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: excessive extraction natural resources environmental degradation depletion virgin
• Innovations in concrete structure design for sustainable construction practices (2024) · Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning · doi

  The construction industry is facing a significant gap in terms of sustainable construction practices, with a need for innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency. The use of alternative cementitious materials, recycled aggregates, and advanced construction techniques is highlighted as a potential solution to address this gap.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: construction industry facing significant gap terms sustainable practices
• Measuring Building Circularity Through Materials, Processes and Impacts: An Evaluation Framework for Architecture Integrating Reused, Bio-Based and Recycled Components (2026) · Applied Sciences · doi

  The lack of a comprehensive methodology for assessing the contribution of circular materials to reducing climate-altering emissions and material consumption. The limited progress in increasing the share of recycled materials in overall economic consumption. The need for a set of KPIs for evaluating circular material strategies.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: lack comprehensive methodology assessing contribution circular materials reducing

Questions about this gap