Development and Evaluation of CirQA: A Parametric Tool for Circularity Quick Assessment and Lifecycle Impact in Early-Stage Building Design

The construction sector, which is responsible for nearly 40% of emissions and almost third of all waste generated, is under increasing pressure to integrate sustainability principles, particularly in the early design stage, where key decisions influencing a building’s lifecycle are made. This study presents the development and evaluation of the Circularity Quick Assessment tool (CirQA), aiming at accessibility to a broad range of users, including those with varying levels of expertise. CirQA employs parametric design methods and data repositories to generate digital building models with the corresponding environmental impact. A user study was conducted with professionals from various backgrounds to assess the tool's usability, design, relevance and decision-making impact. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, with qualitative data analyzed through thematic coding and SWOT analysis. Results indicated that CirQA was generally perceived as user-friendly and effective for early-stage sustainability assessments. Also, areas for refinement were identified, including improving the clarity of data presentation, enhancing the interface, and providing more detailed guidance on circularity metrics. The SWOT analysis identified strengths in the tool’s ease of use and comprehensive functionality, weaknesses in its interface usability and data interpretation, opportunities for broader integration and customization, and threats related to increasing complexity. The study concludes that CirQA holds significant potential to advance circular and life cycle-oriented building practices, with future efforts focused on optimizing user experience, expanding lifecycle metrics, and ensuring regulatory adaptability to enhance informed decision-making.