A modular ontology modeling approach to developing digital product passports to promote circular economy in the built environment

The significant impact of the built environment on resource consumption and waste production has led to calls for a shift towards a circular economy model that maximizes the efficient use of resources. This study explores the use of digital product passports (DPPs) to improve how we manage products throughout their lifecycle. However, dealing with the complexity and large volume of data in DPPs can be challenging in terms of effective information management and utilization. We address this issue by adopting a modular ontological approach to systematically capture product lifecycle information from its origin to its end-of-life phase. To ensure interoperability and reusability of the ontology, we annotate key concepts and relationships using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards that promote circular economy. Our research led to the development of several ontology modules derived from literature reviews and interviews conducted with industry and academia experts who specialize in sustainability. These modules were then integrated to create a digital product passport ontology. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using a modular ontology approach to manage the complex information inherent in DPPs paving the way for more sustainable management practices in the built environment sector.