CIRCULAR ECONOMY ADOPTION PRACTICES WITHIN THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: AWARENESS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

IIham Ahmad, Ali Rezai, Abdullah Khan, Nicholas Chileshe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) adoption benefits are well reported in literature. However, its uptake in the Australian construction industry (CI) is limited. Therefore, this paper aims to: (1) examine the current awareness of CE practices; (2) identify CE adoption challenges; and (3) recommend future opportunities relating to the CE practices adoption within the South Australian CI. This study adopts mixed-methods sequential exploratory design, qualitative followed by quantitative. Content analysis and descriptive statistics found the CI as becoming more conscious of CE practices, particularly those that prioritise the use of sustainable materials, reducing the amount of waste, and efficient utilisation of available resources. The challenges were limited awareness and understanding, cost implications, resistance to change, lack of suitable technology, regulatory obstacles, economic implications, and a lack of general industry expertise. Opportunities identified include enhanced sustainability, reduced environmental impact, improved resource efficiency, cost savings and competitive advantage. The findings of this study can help inform the construction practitioners on the adoption of CE practices by addressing exclusive area challenges and focusing on opportunities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2024 - Proceedings of the 40th Annual Conference
EditorsCraig Thomson, Christopher J Neilson
PublisherAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management
Pages759-768
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780995546387
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes
Event40th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2024 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 Sept 20244 Sept 2024

Publication series

NameAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2024 - Proceedings of the 40th Annual Conference

Conference

Conference40th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period2/09/244/09/24

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • construction industry
  • mixed-methods
  • practices
  • South Australia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

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