Unlocking Circularity in Construction via Agile Methods and BIM

Maja-Marija Nahod ()
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Maja-Marija Nahod: University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-22

Abstract: The construction sector is under growing pressure to transition from linear, resource-intensive models to regenerative, circular practices. While Circular Economy (CE), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Agile Project Management (APM) are each recognized for their potential to improve sustainability, their combined application in construction remains underexplored, particularly among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this study, we propose a conceptual framework integrating CE as a strategic objective, APM as the procedural methodology, and BIM as the digital enabler to foster circular practices in construction. Unlike previous studies, this research empirically integrates CE, BIM, and APM into a single coherent framework tailored specifically for SMEs. The framework is informed by secondary analysis of the BLOOM project dataset (n = 153) and a targeted readiness survey (n = 98) conducted among SMEs in the Mediterranean and Central European regions. The findings reveal a significant gap between awareness and implementation: while over 75% of respondents are familiar with CE and 63% use BIM tools, only 19% demonstrate readiness to integrate all three approaches. The main barriers—training gaps, regulatory ambiguity, and digital immaturity—are explored in detail. This study contributes by introducing a five-pillar framework and by identifying and analysing specific barriers that SMEs face when integrating CE–APM–BIM practices. Nevertheless, strong conceptual alignment exists, with over 80% agreeing on the potential of CE–Agile–BIM synergy. This study offers actionable insights into overcoming adoption barriers and emphasizes the need for policy-driven pilot projects, peer learning, and tailored capacity building to foster regenerative construction practices.

Keywords: circular economy; BIM; agile project management; construction SMEs; sustainability; digital transformation; regenerative built environment (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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