Circular economy research on building construction and demolition waste: A review of current trends and future research directions

The circular economy (CE) paradigm has piqued public interests worldwide as a significant innovative attempt to conserve finite resources, reduce waste, and shift away from the linear economy. An emerging shift to a CE model is unavoidable for resource conservation and efficient use of materials. Although CE is still at its early stage of managing building construction and demolition waste (BCDW), the scientific contribution of the CE agenda is significantly growing and augmenting in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to present the state-of-the-art research on CE adoption in BCDW management using a mixed review approach (quantitative and qualitative analysis). In addition to the existing trends and considerations, the main research themes and CE strategies adopted in BCDW management, are presented and discussed. Furthermore, CE indicators for BCDW and effective management operations for BCDW in a CE environment are put forward. Future research directions, including lifecycle assessment indicators for BCDW minimisation in a CE, application of advanced technologies for CE, and intelligent decision support tools for CE adoption in the BCDW management, are highlighted. It is believed that the analysed critical issues for CE adoption in BCDW management and identified future research directions would further help the development of CE research and help stakeholders and policymakers in advancing and adopting CE in the construction industry at large.

Automated summary

The research on circular economy in the management of building construction and demolition waste has been growing and presenting strategies and indicators for efficient waste management. Future research directions focus on reducing waste through lifecycle assessment and applying advanced technologies and intelligent tools.