Amplifying Bio-Based Materials Integration in Construction: A Multi-criteria Approach for Regenerative Development

Achieving sustainability in the construction sector requires a shift towards resource sobriety, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing material efficiency. Bio-based materials offer a regenerative alternative to conventional building materials, yet their adoption remains limited due to economic, technical, and market-related barriers. This study presents a multi-criteria assessment framework to evaluate bio-based materials, considering social, economic, environmental, technical, and human factors. The framework aims to support informed decision-making in early design stages, promoting local short supply chains and circular economy principles. A structured evaluation model was developed by defining strategic objectives and introducing an innovative set of evaluation indicators, integrating both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The model was tested on a comparative case study of insulation panels made from rice and hemp biomass, alongside conventional insulation systems. The first results show that bio-based materials distribute their impacts more evenly across key sustainability criteria. This research contributes to overcoming stakeholder resistance by simplifying material assessment and enhancing transparency in bio-based material selection. Future work will refine the framework through stakeholder engagement and extend its application. Additionally, the study lays the groundwork for a tool integrating localized datasets on bio-based resources, supporting their widespread adoption in sustainable construction.