Sustainability and Circularity in Electrical Installations: Insights from Belgian Construction Professionals

Asma Salimi Sofla () and Chiara Piccardo
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Asma Salimi Sofla: Department of Civil Engineering, KU Leuven, Campus Ghent, Gebroeders de Smetstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Chiara Piccardo: Building Physics and Sustainable Design Unit, Department of Civil Engineering, KU Leuven, Campus Ghent, Gebroeders de Smetstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-25

Abstract: Electrical and electronic installations (EEIs) are essential to modern building functionality, yet they remain insufficiently addressed in circular economy (CE) strategies and sustainability frameworks. This study examines how CE principles are understood and applied to EEI in the Flemish construction sector, utilising a national survey of 32 professionals and, among them, five expert interviews. Results confirm that energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and the integration of renewable energy, are widely adopted. In contrast, circular practices, including reuse, modularity, and design for disassembly, remain relatively rare. Respondents acknowledged the importance of lifecycle thinking but reported limited access to practical tools, clear guidelines, and market or regulatory incentives to support its implementation. Circular business models, such as leasing and take-back schemes, are recognised in theory but not widely adopted in practice. At the same time, stakeholder engagement often occurs too late to influence circular outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation, improving knowledge exchange, and defining clearer project requirements could help translate circular principles into everyday professional practice. This study provides an initial evidence base for improving professional awareness and integrating circular principles into EEI design and procurement, contributing to more circular and sustainable EEI within the construction sector.

Keywords: circular economy (CE); electrical and electronic installations (EEIs); design for disassembly (DfD); sustainable construction; Green Building Rating Systems (GBRSs); stakeholder collaboration; Belgium construction sector (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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