Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Modular Construction to Enhance Sustainability

Garusinghe Dewa Ayesha Udari Garusinghe, Balasooriya Arachchige Kanchana Shiromi Perera and Umesha Sasanthi Weerapperuma ()
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Garusinghe Dewa Ayesha Udari Garusinghe: Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
Balasooriya Arachchige Kanchana Shiromi Perera: Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
Umesha Sasanthi Weerapperuma: Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-25

Abstract: Modular construction (MC) has gained attention due to its potential for fast construction, reduced construction waste, and lower environmental impact while having several other issues on stimulating sustainability. The circular economy (CE) focuses on better resource management through a closed-loop system. Even though MC enhances sustainable practice, several pitfalls barricade sustainability in MC (high initial investment, design consideration, and technology challenges). Nevertheless, the synergy between CE and MC has not been investigated in past studies to address the issues in MC to achieve sustainability. This study investigates the integration of CE principles in MC to enhance sustainability. This study used a qualitative approach via the Delphi technique by conducting three semi-structured expert interview rounds with the use of a purposive sampling method. The collected data were analysed using manual content analysis. This study identified nine notable issues in MC to achieve sustainability, and all CE 9-R (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle, and recover) principles could address those identified issues. Accordingly, thirty implementation strategies were recognised to fill the gap between the problems in MC and the potential of CE principles to solve the issues. The results provide insights for construction practitioners, policymakers, and researchers on integrating CE principles into MC processes to achieve sustainability goals. Ultimately, this study highlights the significance of a holistic approach by theoretically combining MC and CE principles as a benchmark for future studies. As a contribution, CE strives to make the planet a safe place to live by combatting resource depletion.

Keywords: circular economy (CE); modular construction (MC); sustainability; 9-R principles; integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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