Modeling circularity as Functionality Over Use-Time to reflect on circularity indicator challenges and identify new indicators for the circular economy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Abstract

The Circular Economy describes an economic system that creates value without causing unrecoverable waste, a growing problem of the Anthropocene. The question remains what solutions to reversing this course could look like and how indicators should be designed to measure their capabilities to constitute a circular economy. These indicators should allow for a nexus approach, i.e., consider synergies and trade-offs with other important social, environmental, and economic factors. Earlier research shows a research gap in indicators able to assess value change and retention, i.e., the preservation of specific functions instead of products in general. Aiming to fill this gap, in this article, we discuss using the concept of functionality from Life Cycle Assessment over the time product systems are used to measure circularity. We create a Functionality Over Use-Time (FOUT) graph and use it to illustrate the challenges of existing circularity indicators. The challenges are grouped into four clusters: 1) multi-cyclic longevity; 2) up- & downcycling effects; 3) measuring disruptive change instead of incremental change; 4) integration into sustainability assessment. We discuss how considering FOUT could solve these challenges and propose two novel indicators derived from the approach: A functional circularity indicator and a cross-functional circularity indicator. The functional circularity indicator measures the integral surface of functionality over the use-time of the original product's materials. The cross-functional circularity indicator measures the time a product's functionality is reduced by half. Finally, FOUT modeling and the indicators are exemplified in a comparative case study of a steel-reinforced concrete double wall and a Carbon Reinforced Concrete double wall. Further case studies are needed for future research, including FOUT indicator integration in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and a detailed representation of the 10R in FOUT modeling.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number134797
JournalJournal of cleaner production
Volume379
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85141333986
Mendeley 8d235aca-6ffd-3151-bc57-18a952a7b9b2
unpaywall 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134797