A Transition Management Framework for Implementing Circular Economy in the Construction Industry

Construction contributes to around half of global material consumption and solid waste generation. Transitioning to a circular economy is a potential solution to mitigate negative environmental externalities. Nonetheless, this transition is challenged by various technical and socio-economic factors. To identify a viable path for a circular economy transition, the overarching objective of this research was to build on transition theory and identify drivers, motivations, challenges, and efforts in shifting to a circular economy in the construction industry. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from 13 construction companies in North America and Europe, including owners, contractors, and manufacturers, who are actively implementing circular economy principles. Interview findings were summarized, and a four-step transition management cycle framework for the transition to a circular economy in the construction sector was proposed. Findings are useful in managing the transition from a linear to a circular model in the construction sector.