This paper explores measurement of product performance with respect to circular economy (CE) principles. Potential indicators are assessed with special attention given to questions such as: the variables that should be measured; how these variables should be assessed; and in which format they should be presented. The resulting considerations are used to develop a prototype whose design is informed through feedback from CE experts. The prototype uses a points-based questionnaire which converges into a simple final result with minimum and maximum limits. The selected approach is critically appraised, and its utility for decision-making discussed. The prototype is tested against a product in the chemical processing industry. The strengths include: ease of use; simplicity; speed; and an effective metaphor for the diffusion of CE principles. The limitations include: the opaque and potentially misleading nature of a single metric; superficial engagement with decision-making; and the reliance on context-specific assumptions. Future developments could include refining the approach to encourage deeper reflection, and generalisation of the approach to different industry sectors or sustainability frameworks.

This paper explores measurement of product performance with respect to circular economy (CE) principles. Potential indicators are assessed with special attention given to questions such as: the variables that should be measured; how these variables should be assessed; and in which format they should be presented. The resulting considerations are used to develop a prototype whose design is informed through feedback from CE experts. The prototype uses a points-based questionnaire which converges into a simple final result with minimum and maximum limits. The selected approach is critically appraised, and its utility for decision-making discussed. The prototype is tested against a product in the chemical processing industry. The strengths include: ease of use; simplicity; speed; and an effective metaphor for the diffusion of CE principles. The limitations include: the opaque and potentially misleading nature of a single metric; superficial engagement with decision-making; and the reliance on context-specific assumptions. Future developments could include refining the approach to encourage deeper reflection, and generalisation of the approach to different industry sectors or sustainability frameworks.

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The construction industry is a major user of natural resources and as such has the potential to play a significant role in delivering sustainable development in the UK. Sustainability is discussed in reference to resource productivity. To measure progress towards resource productivity robust data and indicators of success are required. This paper introduces the concept of resource flow analysis as a tool and describes a study adopting this methodology to quantify the resource use of the construction industry. The total annual material resource requirement for the construction industry was identified to be over 420 million tonnes (Mt) in 1998. Data are presented on the material use, waste and emissions from the construction industry. Trends and influences on the industry in terms of resource use were examined. Design was identified as the area where the greatest degree of positive influence lies for the industry. Engineers, specifiers and product designers are ideally placed to move the resource productivity debate forward by focusing on factors such as design for longevity, flexibility of use and lean design. Recommendations are made to improve the resource productivity of the industry. It is concluded that the absence of a body able to provide strategic direction specifically for the construction industry is a fundamental obstacle to achieving resource productivity.