Purpose Contractors are undergoing a transformation to adopt circular economy (CE) principles. Performance assessment is crucial to this transformation; however, existing CE performance assessment (CEPA) systems demonstrate limited applicability to contractors, and a significant research gap remains concerning contractors' requirements for system-level integration. This study identifies the system requirements for assessing contractors' CE performance and proposes quantifiable strategies for measuring and promoting circularity at the firm level. Design/methodology/approach CEPA models are examined through a systematic literature review to develop a theoretical framework outlining methodological approaches, indicators, technologies, and barriers to applicability. Semi-structured interviews with 15 CE experts identify additional barriers in practice and system requirements, which are subsequently validated and prioritised through a survey of 32 ENR-listed Turkish contractors operating internationally. Findings Among 16 CEPA models reviewed, most target manufacturing contexts and remain conceptual, lacking empirical validation. Key barriers include the absence of construction-specific indicators aligned with ISO 59020:2024, data reliability and management challenges, and usability constraints. Identified system requirements comprise a customizable, user-friendly design, real-time data exchange and transparency. While dashboards are the preferred interface, interoperability with BIM and material passports is considered essential. Originality/value Rather than introducing another assessment tool, this study synthesises empirical evidence from international contractors to determine system requirements, exploring how data infrastructure, system design and digital tools should be coherently integrated to guide the development and organisational implementation of CEPA, in the quest to accelerate the adoption of digitally enabled circular practices at the firm level.
Alhallaq et al. (Mon,) studied this question.