PurposeThe circular economy concept emerged as the resolution to the destructive linear economy practices. Nevertheless, the transition to a circular built environment is hindered due to the ambiguities of the economic value of the concept. Conversely, numerous decision-making tools are applied in the construction industry in assessing economic alternatives, even if there is a gap in utilising these tools in appraising circular economic practices. Hence, this study investigates the potential benefits of applying proven decision-making practices, particularly criteria scoring matrices, in developing circular built environments.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. A conceptual design of a criteria scoring matrix was developed with a comprehensive literature survey. Semi-structured interviews of a three-round Delphi expert survey were employed to assess the matrix qualitatively and develop the matrix further. Data were analysed using the content analysis method.FindingsThe lack of a value assessment tool in economically assessing the circular economy principles is a key barrier to transcending to a circular built environment. In addressing this issue, this study develops a criteria scoring matrix for circularity value assessment during the design stage of a construction project.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the theory by developing a criteria scoring matrix to measure the economic contribution of circular economy principles. Further, this research contributes to the practice by allowing construction alternatives to be selected, balancing the potential economic return options of a project with the project's contribution to a circular economy.

Attribute to the rapid expansion of the built environment, excessive resource consumption and waste generation aligned with the corresponding linear economy practices have impacted the preservation of the ecosphere. In addressing the shortcomings of the linear economy, the circular economy concept was introduced by prioritising the circular value streams of the resources which minimises resource extraction and waste generation. However, environmental concerns are often disregarded in construction processes where the priority is given to the cost and economic return of construction applications. Simultaneously, the absence of a proper methodology in assessing the economic aspects of circular economy principles is apparent in the built environment sector. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the importance of a proper value assessment tool in shifting to a circular built environment in Sri Lanka. Instigating from a literature survey, the existing knowledge on the study area was synthesised. A qualitative approach was followed in the empirical study where semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten experts in the field of circular economy in Sri Lanka. The manual content analysis technique was followed in analysing the collected qualitative data. The findings revealed that the extremely low maturity of circular economy practices in the Sri Lankan construction sector is mainly caused by the absence of a proper value assessment tool. Therefore, the introduction of a proper value assessment tool is important for circular built environment experts to encourage the fellow construction community towards the transition to a circular built environment in Sri Lanka.