Adaptive Re-Use of Cultural Heritage Sites: A Strategy for Circular Economy

Fatmaelzahraa Hussein () and Khawla Alhebsi
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Fatmaelzahraa Hussein: Department of Geography and Urban Sustainability, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
Khawla Alhebsi: Department of Geography and Urban Sustainability, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-17

Abstract: Circular economy (CE) is a recently introduced concept by the EU and several national governments that aims to reduce the total resources extracted from the environment and limit waste generated by human activities to achieve human well-being and sustainability. This review aims to bring awareness of heritage sites’ role and significance in reducing carbon footprints as a strategy for applying CE and promoting sustainable urban development. This study adopts a qualitative content analysis methodology, selecting academic literature, international case studies, and policy documents based on their relevance to CE principles and heritage conservation. The approach examines the emergence and dissemination of these concepts through published literature, including professional standards and guidelines for valuing and managing heritage sites. Key themes include adaptive re-use strategies, preventive conservation, and policy integration. A comparative reflection on international case studies was conducted to highlight trends, regional variations, and challenges. This review concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing future directions, reinforcing the value of heritage sites as pivotal assets in advancing CE frameworks. This structured synthesis provides a theoretical and practical contribution to integrating circular economy strategies in heritage conservation.

Keywords: adaptive re-use; Adaptive Re-use Potential (ARP) Model; carbon footprint; circular economy (CE); cultural heritage; environmental impact; sustainable urban development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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