Towards circular renovation: A comparative review of circular economy integration in sustainable building rating systems

Building renovation is widely considered an effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact of urban housing stock. In recent years, interest in 'circular renovation'–the application of Circular Economy approaches to building renovation–has grown but implementation pathways for circular renovations are still lacking. This study investigates Sustainable Building Rating Systems (SBRS) as an effective method to implement circular renovation by conducting a rigorous comparative analysis of residential SBRS against the established ReSOLVE framework's circularity principles (Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize, Exchange). The study focuses on apartment buildings dgiven their importance to urban housing stock and employs a qualitative content analysis on three SBRS (Living Building Challenge, Green Star Buildings, Building Sustainability Index) applicable to renovation. The research revealed that SBRS are progressing towards circularity but to varying extents and with different approaches. While Regenerate, Optimize, and Exchange principles are prominent, Share, Virtualize, and Loop need further integration in SBRS to facilitate circular renovation. The research also highlighted the potential social gaps of ReSOLVE. Although limited to three SBRS, the findings provide valid insights into Circular Economy integration in SBRS, thus synthesizing SBRS and Circular Economy knowledge and its implementation in apartment building renovation and beyond.