Implementing Circular Economy Principles in Construction Waste Management: A Conceptual Framework for Maximizing Resource Efficiency and Minimizing Environmental Impact

Abstract

Construction industry is one of the greatest contributors to global waste and resource depletion. Traditional construction practices generate a lot of waste which is a big environmental challenge. This requires moving to sustainable strategies especially adopting circular economy concepts to address these urgent matters. In the next nine years, the globe will produce 2.2 billion tons of construction and demolition waste, necessitating a reassessment of the traditional methods. Waste accumulation and environmental pollution are also aggravated by the conventional linear approaches in construction which follow the ‘take-make-dispose’ model. Circular economy as a viable alternative promotes a regenerative system which maximizes the flow of materials through reduction of waste, re-use, recycling, and refurbishment. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive implementation framework for circular economy based on construction waste management. It aims to identify major materials contributing to construction waste and determine the possibility of using these materials in the construction industry. The research intends to examine the need of adopting a circular economy in construction projects by focusing on waste reduction strategies, material reuse, and innovative resource efficiency in construction. It aims to offer ways of effective sorting, the reuse of materials and the incorporation of recycled materials into new constructions. By questionnaire survey, trend analysis and stakeholder consultation, this study aims to provide inputs and a strategic roadmap for the application of circular economy principles in waste management from the construction field. In principle, it promulgates sustainability and low carbon footprint in the built environment.
Keywords: Circular Economy, Sustainability, Recycled Materials, Construction Waste Management, Resource Efficiency.