Integrating BIM, Virtual Reality, and Material Passports for Early-Stage Circular and Low-Carbon Material Selection

Abstract

Abstract. The construction sector requires decision-support workflows that address embodied carbon and circularity before detailed design constrains material choices. Although material passports, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Virtual Reality (VR) each offer partial support, an integrated early-stage workflow for material selection remains underdeveloped. This study proposes a BIM-integrated, VR-enabled material-passport framework for comparing low-carbon and circular material alternatives in context. Using a design science research approach, the study develops a four-layer framework comprising a data layer, passport layer, interaction layer, and decision layer, and implements it as a proof-of-concept prototype in a bounded classroom fit-out case. BIM objects are linked to passport records containing identity, embodied carbon, reuse and recovery potential, disassembly logic, lifespan, and end-of-life information, which are visualized through an immersive comparison interface. The prototype is evaluated against a conventional BIM-based workflow using decision time, decision confidence, perceived understanding, usability, and benchmarked selection quality, while expert and user reflections are used to identify implementation barriers. Initial findings suggest that the integrated workflow is technically feasible, improves in-context accessibility of sustainability information, and supports clearer comparison-oriented reasoning, although gains in decision speed remain sensitive to onboarding time and data quality. Persistent barriers include interoperability, data consistency, standardization, and stakeholder ownership. The study contributes an integrated framework, a prototype workflow, and implementation priorities for more decision-ready circular construction.