Multi-Level IFC Exchange-Readiness Assessment Framework for Whole Life Carbon Inventory Preparation and Circularity Observability: Prototype and First Findings

A persistent barrier to BIM-based whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA) and circularity assessment is uncertainty whether and to what extent exchanged Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) models contain relevant information needed to parameterise inventory inputs. Without explicit readiness checks, missing or generic semantics may only become apparent during dataset mapping, leading to reliance on undocumented assumptions. This paper proposes an early-stage framework for assessing the information exchange readiness of IFC building models for WLCA inventory preparation and selected circularity-oriented interpretation. The framework structures checks into progressive levels: L1 element identification and classification, L2 geometry and quantity availability, and L3 material definition and property assignment, producing coverage metrics and categorical issue records. L4a and L4b are defined as conceptual extensions toward broader decision-support information for whole-life carbon reporting and end-of-life management. Prototype implementation reports information gaps affecting element inclusion, including incomplete property definitions, assignments, material specifications, and missing quantity data. To support fairer comparison across heterogeneous element subcategories, based on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment 2.0 standard, the framework applies assessment relative to what is relevant for each of the subcategories. The study indicates that transparent, level-based IFC exchange-readiness assessment can support more traceable WLCA inventory preparation and circularity-oriented interpretation by making unmet information requirements explicit.