International Society for Smart Construction and Production (SCP) – Task Group

Topic: Circularity in Construction through Smart Technologies

Chair

Prof. Jian Zuo, Adelaide University, Australia.

Co-Chair

Dr. Daniel Oteng, Adelaide University, Australia.

Members

[To be confirmed]

Background

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste and resource consumption, accounting for a significant share of carbon emissions and material extraction worldwide. Transitioning toward a circular economy, where materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, presents both a critical challenge and a transformative opportunity for the sector. Smart technologies, including digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence, blockchain, and advanced sensing systems, are emerging as powerful enablers of circularity by enhancing visibility, traceability, and decision-making across the entire construction lifecycle. This Task Group establishes a collaborative platform to advance research, innovation, and industry practice at the intersection of circular economy principles and smart construction technologies, contributing to a more resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient built environment.

Objectives

Digital Twins and BIM for Circularity: The Task Group will explore the application of digital twins and BIM as foundational tools for enabling circular construction practices. This includes advancing material, and digital product passports, lifecycle tracking, and end-of-life planning through integrated digital workflows that support reuse, refurbishment, and deconstruction strategies.

Waste Reduction and Material Reuse: The task group will promote research and practice around minimising construction and demolition waste through smart monitoring, prefabrication, and closed-loop material flows. The Task Group will identify and share emerging strategies that transform waste streams into recoverable, high-value resources.

AI and Machine Learning for Lifecycle Analysis: The Task Group will harness the power of AI and machine learning to improve lifecycle assessment, predictive modelling of material performance, and optimisation of resource flows across construction projects. These tools will be applied to generate data-driven insights that support circular design decisions and procurement strategies.

Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Recognising that technology adoption alone is insufficient, the Task Group will also examine the policy, standards, and regulatory conditions that either enable or hinder circular construction practices. It will engage with policymakers, standards bodies, and industry groups to advocate for frameworks that incentivise circularity and smart technology integration.

Planned Outputs

Webinars

Workshops at IPC conferences

Publications

Educational Resources

Industry Collaboration

Research Activities