Circular Economy: An Overview of Drivers and Benefits in the Context of Construction Industry

This chapter delves into the Circular Economy (CE) within the construction industry, examining the key motivations for its adoption and the associated economic advantages. It highlights the significant environmental impact of the construction sector, which contributes to a large portion of global carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and landfill waste. The chapter emphasizes the need for sustainable building approaches to reduce this impact, with CE principles promoting resource reuse, waste reduction, and sustainability. A comprehensive literature review reveals the drivers behind CE adoption, categorized into technological, organizational, environmental, legal, human, and economic aspects. The study identifies crucial internal drivers such as a cultural shift towards sustainability, top management support, and digitalization, as well as external drivers like financial incentives, climate mitigation, and cost reduction. The analysis underscores the necessity of a holistic strategy for successfully implementing CE practices in the construction sector, providing industry stakeholders with a structured framework to understand and leverage these drivers. The chapter concludes by highlighting the practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders, and practitioners, offering insights for strategic formulation and implementation of construction sustainability programs.