Advancing Circular Economy in Construction: Exploring Technology Adoption

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment in its evolution towards more sustainable practices, with the adoption of the circular economy model – a promising pathway to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. This research project explores how circular economy technologies are integrated within the construction sector by identifying the key barriers and strategic imperatives that could facilitate their broader adoption.

The study will employ qualitative methodologies, conducting in-depth interviews with various construction professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and sustainability consultants. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of technology adoption in the industry. The research will particularly focus on technologies that support the reuse, recycling, and reduction of materials, as well as those that enhance the lifecycle management of construction projects.

Moreover, the study will examine how these technologies are integrated into existing workflows and their impact on project outcomes, including economic benefits such as cost savings and long-term profitability, alongside environmental impacts like reduced carbon footprints and enhanced sustainability performance.

A critical component of this research involves developing a theoretical framework that addresses the socio-technical transitions in the construction industry. This framework will facilitate the analysis of qualitative data collected from the interviews, focusing on identifying the technological, cultural, and economic factors that influence the adoption of circular economy practices.

By providing a detailed analysis of the integration challenges and success factors, the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that support or hinder the adoption of sustainable technologies in the construction sector.