Conceptualising the Circular Economy Potential of Construction and Demolition Waste: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Traditionally, construction and demolition waste (CDW) materials have been considered to be unwanted, surplus, or wastage materials or materials with zero value. Such a conceptualisation only embraces a negative aspect, which underpins the disposal of reusable and recyclable CDW materials in landfills, thus damaging the circular economy and the environment. The scope of this research was to conceptualise the circular economy potential of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, which can be used as a resource for advancing the circular economy and sustainability in the built environment. Thus, the abbreviation ‘CEPCDR’ is used for this purpose. The study employs an integrative literature review to understand in depth whether the rationale in the existing CDW definitions advocates for the circular economy. Instead, the literature showed that the current definitions mainly support quantitative, economic, or classification needs, respectively. That is because they lack consideration of the dynamic nature of CDW materials, which embraces the spatial and temporal dimensions. The former involves the geographic context in which the CDW phenomenon eventuates, while the latter concerns the lifecycle of materials. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by conceptualising the CEPCDR using a holistic approach that includes five dimensions: the social, economic, environmental, spatial, and temporal perspectives. Furthermore, the study seeks to drive future research in measuring the CEPCDR.

Construction industry classification systems: Defining the construction sector in New Zealand

“…This type of review generates knowledge by building a conceptual model or framework that offers new ways of thinking about the literature and a research agenda that delivers questions for future research [17]. The integrative literature review is employed in research to generate conceptual frameworks and guide future research [18,19]. In this study, comparing existing construction classification systems helps develop a conceptual model that categorises the related-construction activities using the broader construction sector definition.…”

The impact of regulations on construction and demolition waste market creation and stimulation: Australian stakeholders’ perception

“…The issues with the Australian waste regulatory landscape are multifold. They mainly include disparities between state and territory regulations, lack of or inadequate definition of C&D waste [15], lack of support for waste recovery and use of recycled products, and double standards when dealing with raw and recycled materials. Despite limited research investigating C&D waste regulations and their impact on the Australian waste management system [16], studying the effect of those regulations that directly impact C&D waste market creation and stimulation is a new area of investigation in Australia.…”

A Synthesis of Express Analytic Hierarchy Process (EAHP) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM) for Sustainable Construction and Demolition Waste Management Assessment: The Case of Malaysia

“…The increasing rate of construction, renovation, and demolition activities around the world has produced a massive amount of CDW [17,28], which primarily consists of metals, wood, plastics, cardboards, plasterboard, asphalt, bricks, concrete, glass, and other materials [29]. It may also contain substances that adversely impact human health as well as the natural environment.…”