Problems and prospects of implementing circular economy models in construction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32347/2707-501x.2022.49(2).334-345Keywords:
circular economy, construction, resource efficiency, closed-loop, modular construction, material recycling, sustainable developmentAbstract
Implementation of Circular Economy (CE) models in the construction sector is becoming a key direction in transforming modern construction toward increased resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and sustainable development. Growing demands for environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and cost optimization drive enterprises to adopt concepts of recycling, material reuse, and maximizing the lifecycle of construction resources. Circular models involve comprehensive integration of managerial, technological, and analytical solutions that enable the monitoring of material flows, reduction of waste generation, and enhancement of the economic returns of projects.
A critical aspect is the combination of digital technologies, including BIM, ERP systems, and Big Data analytics platforms, with sustainable resource utilization practices. This integration allows for transparent models of planning and lifecycle control of construction materials, optimization of logistics flows, and effective coordination among all participants in construction processes.
Special attention is given to the challenges of integrating CE into existing construction practices. The primary challenges include high initial investment costs, the absence of standardized methodologies for evaluating the effectiveness of circular solutions, the need to transform corporate culture and train personnel, and adaptation to regulatory requirements and safety standards. Nevertheless, the prospects of implementing CE include significant reductions in construction material intensity, increased competitiveness of companies, development of new business models, and enhancement of the sector’s innovation potential.
By developing a systematic approach to implementing circular economy principles in construction, it is possible to achieve improved economic efficiency, sustainable environmental performance, and comprehensive management of construction resources. The proposed conceptual framework can serve as a basis for further research, development of methodological recommendations, and practical implementation of innovative management models in construction companies seeking to integrate circular economy principles into their projects.
References
Chupryna, G. Ryzhakova, V. Pokolenko, D. Prykhodko and A. Faizullin, “Establishment of the rational economic and analytical basis for projects in different sectors for their integration into the targeted diversified program for sustainable energy development,” 2021 IEEE International Conference on Smart Information Systems Technologies (SIST), 2021, pp. 1-9
Ishchenko, T., Chupryna, Y., & Pokolenko, V. (2018). The organization of biosphere compatibility construction: Justification of the predictors of building development and the implementation prospects. International Journal of Engineering and Technology (UAE), 7(3), 545–549.
Arup & Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2018). From Principles to Practices: Realising the Value of Circular Economy in Real Estate.
Deraman, R., Nagapan, S., & Mazlan, R. (2018). Issues on Construction Waste: The Need for Sustainable Waste Management. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 140(1), 012037.
European Commission. (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan: For a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe. URL: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en
Ghisellini P., Ripa M., Ulgiati S. (2018). Exploring environmental and economic costs and benefits of a circular economy approach to the construction and demolition sector. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, 618-643.
Hossain, M.U., Ng, S.T., & Antwi-Afari, P. (2020). Circular economy and the construction industry: A review of digitalisation tools. Journal of Cleaner Production, 256, 120527.
Lawson, M., Ogden, R., & Goodier, C. (2014). Design in Modular Construction. CRC Press.
Li, J., & Zhang, H. (2017). Recycling and reuse of waste concrete in construction: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 126, 376–388.
Pomponi F., Moncaster A. (2017). Circular economy for the built environment: A research framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 710-718.
Ramesh, T., Prakash, R., & Shukla, K. K. (2010). Life cycle energy analysis of buildings: An overview. Energy and Buildings, 42(10), 1592–1600.
Smith, R. E. (2010). Prefab Architecture: A Guide to Modular Design and Construction. John Wiley & Sons.
Ukraine Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. (2017). National Waste Management Strategy of Ukraine till 2030. URL: https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/recoveryrada/eng/ecosafety-eng.pdf
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
