Facilitating a transition to a circular economy in construction projects: intermediate theoretical models based on the theory of planned behaviour

ABSTRACT

A transition to a circular economy (CE) is a sociotechnical phenomenon that relies on adopting innovative methods and technologies, as well as changes in behaviour across the construction supply chain. Although a lot of ground has been covered on developing methods and technologies, there is little research on stakeholders’ change of behaviour. Informed by an underlying framework, the theory of planned behaviour, a comprehensive literature review discusses several conceptual models to establish the interrelationships between barriers and drivers to managing a transition to CE – and their underlying causes. The findings offer a comprehensive point of reference for identifying factors that affect CE adoption, and lay a solid foundation for future research into CE adoption and managing a CE transition where the intermediate theories presented can be validated through empirical research.

KEYWORDS:

• Circular economy
• sustainability transition
• indicators
• barriers
• drivers
• waste management

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the Research and Grants Council (RGC) and the Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, for their financial support in conducting this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).