A roadmap for improved circular construction

Abstract

The construction industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation, accounting for substantial global energy use, material waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. In South Africa, the industry generates large amounts of construction and demolition waste, with only a small portion being recycled or recovered. As the country’s population is projected to increase significantly by 2035, the demand for infrastructure will increase, intensifying the waste and environmental challenges. In this research, the urgent need to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy model in South Africa's construction sector is addressed, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. The main aim of this study was to provide a framework for advancing circular construction practices by augmenting the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of construction professionals. A pragmatist mindset was adopted for the research and an abductive methodology was implemented, with an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The data collection commenced with a quantitative survey followed by qualitative interviews with construction experts in the Free State and Gauteng Provinces. The study generated several exciting findings, the primary of which are the following: Construction professionals in South Africa are well-versed in circular construction practices.Construction professionals value circular construction practices for improving resource efficiency and sustainability with positive attitudes towards them. Key knowledge categories, positive attitudes, and best practices for circular economy building in construction were identified in the research. Circular construction adoption is driven by cost reduction, regulatory compliance, and client expectations, with cost reduction being the most significant motivation. Barriers to circular construction include lack of experience, financial constraints, and limited resources that hinder the widespread implementation of circular methods, notwithstanding hopeful sentiments. Circular construction practices are implemented unevenly, with some being more widely adopted than others. A positive attitude towards circular economy practices enhances the likelihood of using circular construction method. Knowledge of circular economy practices strongly predicts positive change in adopting circular building methods. The perceived importance of circular economy practices predicts the potential to adopt circular construction. Contrary to expectation, familiarity with circular economy construction practices had a slightly negative impact on predicting the potential to adopt circular construction practices, and barriers to circular economy construction practices fail to moderate the predictive relationship between attitude towards circular economy construction practices and potential to adopt circular construction practices. Based on this study, the South African dimension is added to the circular economy theoretical body of knowledge in construction, and advice is provided for policy-makers, industry leaders, and experts. Based on the study, a detailed roadmap is presented with pragmatic, concrete measures to improve circular construction processes. These measures encompass enhancing stakeholder participation, broadening training initiatives, and promoting policy reforms that facilitate sustainable development. The purpose of the proposed plan is to guide South Africa's construction sector towards enhanced sustainability and resource efficiency, thereby diminishing its environmental impact and fostering long-term viability.