Investigating the Enablers of Circular Economy Adoption in the Construction Industry of Pakistan

Abstract

This research addresses the pressing need for sustainable practices in the construction industry, particularly in the context of Pakistan, where environmental degradation and resource depletion are significant concerns. The study focuses on identifying and evaluating the key enablers for the adoption of a circular economy (CE) in the construction sector of Pakistan. The circular economy, an innovative economic model, aims to mitigate environmental impact by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials, thereby reducing resource consumption and waste generation. The methodology employed in this research involves a comprehensive review of existing literature to identify potential enablers of CE, followed by a questionnaire survey to determine the most significant enablers. Subsequently, the top twenty enablers are classified into causal and effect groups based on their interrelationships, providing a deeper understanding of the system. Further analysis categorizes the ten enablers in the causal group according to their driving and dependence power. This highlights the most influential causes which includes, research and development, training and education of industry professionals, application of Building Information Modeling (BIM), development of Circular Economy bachelor’s program. The originality of this research lies in its focused examination of Pakistan's construction industry, a sector crucial to the country's economic growth, yet facing challenges in sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The findings of this study are expected to have broader implications, potentially guiding other developing countries facing similar challenges in integrating sustainable practices within their construction sectors.