Optimizing circular economy practices in construction: a systematic review of material management strategies

Purpose-Although circular economy (CE) principles are gaining increasing attention, a systematic understanding of material management strategies for an effective CE transition in construction is still lacking. This review addresses this gap by examining global construction practices, focusing on waste reduction and recycled materials. The study identifies key material management strategies for optimizing CE practices, supporting an integrated sustainable approach in construction. Design/methodology/approach-A bibliometric analysis of 17,600 papers published from 2015 to 2022 was conducted, leading to an in-depth investigation of 44 relevant articles. The systematic review revealed material management strategies such as on-site sorting, deconstruction planning, modular building and reverse logistics, which were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis. Findings-China emerges as a leader in construction material management research, reflecting significant global interest. Key findings indicate that strategies like design for deconstruction (DfD), minimization at design and modular construction achieve higher waste reduction, while building information modelling and on-site sorting show lower cost-saving potential. This research uniquely validates the structural feasibility of the most common recycled materials through qualitative comparative analysis of studies examined, emphasizing the critical role of CE design principles in sustainable construction. Practical implications-The study validates circular design concepts like DfD, minimization of resource use at design and modularization, which facilitate closed-loop planning. Circular construction systems are technically and economically feasible, underscoring the need for mass implementation. Recommendations on material management and transition strategies are provided for stakeholders based on CE principles. Originality/value-This study synthesizes recent research on sustainable material management, uniquely validating recycled materials' structural viability and comparing material management strategies for optimal waste reduction and cost savings. It emphasizes multi-stakeholder initiatives spanning policy, industry and academia, providing practical insights to embed CE practices in sustainable construction.