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79185026320Literature Review: Circular Economy in the Construction Industry

Introduction
The construction industry has been increasingly focused on the circular economy,
aiming to achieve sustainability and reduce the environmental impact. However,
there are still knowledge gaps and areas for future research regarding net-zero
carbon and climate effects in this context. This literature review aims to
integrate and synthesize the provided research findings to highlight the current
state of knowledge and suggest potential future research directions in the
construction industry's transition towards a circular economy.

Circular Economy in the Construction Industry

Benachio, Freitas, and Tavares (2020) conducted a systematic literature review on
circular economy in the construction industry and highlighted the growing attention
to this concept. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable construction
practices and outlines existing trends, challenges, and a prospective framework for
sustainable construction (Hossain, Ng, Antwi-Afari, & Amor, 2020). Guerra and Leite
(2021) discussed the crucial need for awareness amongst stakeholders, consumer
behavior, and the global challenges and opportunities to achieve a low-carbon,
circular economy in the construction industry in the United States.

Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions

A study by Meys et al. (2021) outlined the potential for achieving net-zero
greenhouse gas emission plastics through recycling, biomass processing, and carbon
dioxide chemical reduction. The findings suggest that these strategies could
ultimately eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions of plastics. Additionally, Bonsu
(2020) discussed insights from transitioning to electric vehicles and a net-zero
economy, emphasizing the importance of a circular and low-carbon economy in
addressing carbon emissions.

Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

Despite the progress in understanding circular economy principles in the
construction industry, there are still knowledge gaps and areas for future
research. The meaning of net zero and the strategies to achieve it have been
emphasized (Fankhauser et al., 2021). However, there is a need for further research
on the specific implementation of net-zero carbon strategies in construction
practices, as well as the development of comprehensive frameworks and guidelines
for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the construction industry.

Moreover, Kaufman, Barron, Krawczyk, Marsters, and Mcjeon (2020) proposed an

alternative to the social cost of carbon for setting carbon prices, indicating the
complexity of policy and economic aspects in achieving net-zero carbon. Future
research should explore the economic implications and policy frameworks for
promoting circular economy practices in the construction industry.

Lastly, Liu, Trevisan, Yang, and Mascarenhas (2022) presented a framework of

digital technologies for the circular economy, emphasizing digital functions and
mechanisms. Future research could focus on the integration of digital technologies
in construction practices to enhance the circular economy and achieve net-zero
carbon emissions.

In conclusion, the transition towards a circular economy in the construction

industry is a complex and multi-faceted process. While significant progress has
been made, there are still knowledge gaps and areas for future research. Addressing
these gaps and exploring potential future research directions is crucial for
achieving net-zero carbon emissions and mitigating the climate effects of
construction practices.

References:
Bonsu, N.. (2020). Towards a circular and low-carbon economy: Insights from the
transitioning to electric vehicles and net zero economy. Journal of Cleaner
Production , 256 , 120659 . http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120659
Fankhauser, S.., Smith, Stephen M.., Allen, M.., Axelsson, Kaya., Hale, Thomas N..,
Hepburn, C.., Kendall, J. M.., Khosla, Radhika., Lezaun, J.., Mitchell-Larson, E..,
Obersteiner, M.., Rajamani, L.., Rickaby, R.., Seddon, Nathalie., & Wetzer, Thom.
(2021). The meaning of net zero and how to get it right. Nature Climate Change , 12
, 15-21 . http://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01245-w
Liu, Qinglan., Trevisan, Adriana Hofmann., Yang, Miying., & Mascarenhas, J..
(2022). A framework of digital technologies for the circular economy: Digital
functions and mechanisms. Business Strategy and the Environment .
http://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3015
Benachio, G. L. F.., Freitas, M. C.., & Tavares, S. F.. (2020). Circular economy in
the construction industry: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner
Production , 260 , 121046 . http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121046
Kaufman, Noah., Barron, Alexander R.., Krawczyk, W.., Marsters, P.., & Mcjeon, H..
(2020). A near-term to net zero alternative to the social cost of carbon for
setting carbon prices. Nature Climate Change , 1-5 . http://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-
020-0880-3
Meys, Raoul., Kätelhön, A.., Bachmann, M.., Winter, Benedikt., Zibunas, Christian.,
Suh, S.., & Bardow, A.. (2021). Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emission plastics
by a circular carbon economy. Science , 374 , 71 - 76 .
http://doi.org/10.1126/science.abg9853
Hossain, M.., Ng, S.., Antwi-Afari, Prince., & Amor, B.. (2020). Circular economy
and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective
framework for sustainable construction. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews ,
130 , 109948 . http://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109948
Guerra, Beatriz C.., & Leite, Fernanda. (2021). Circular economy in the
construction industry: An overview of United States stakeholders’ awareness, major
challenges, and enablers. Resources, Conservation and Recycling .
http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105617