Implementing Circular Economy throughout the Construction Project Life Cycle: A Review on Potential Practices and Relationships

Abstract

The linear economy model that is generally practised in the construction industry is one of the main reasons hindering the achievement of sustainability in construction. Alternatively, the Circular Economy (CE) model is becoming a promising approach to achieve sustainable construction, in which materials and products are circulated at their highest economic value and, thereby, contribute towards mitigating the negative economic, social, and environmental impacts of the construction industry. For a successful transition towards CE in the construction industry, it is important not only to understand CE practices that could be implemented across different stages of the life cycle of construction projects, but also to understand how a particular practice relates to another at those stages. Having limited studies identifying such relationships, this study aims to improve the successful implementation of CE practices in the construction industry by comprehending the practices, along with their relationships, throughout the project life cycle. A qualitative research method consisting of a systematic literature review was adopted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to identify CE practices. Amongst the identified highly cited CE practices applicable to construction projects, design for disassembly, design for adaptability and flexibility, and design for manufacture and assembly ended up being the most significant ones. Consequently, a relationship matrix was developed, highlighting the relationships among the highly cited practices. The matrix emphasises that practices applied in the design stage relate frequently to ones at the following stages, necessitating projects to start with proper planning. This study ultimately assists construction industry stakeholders in successfully and rationally implementing CE practices throughout the project life cycle while enhancing the value addition on the economy, society, and environment.