A Holistic Framework to Accelerate Implementation of Circular Economy in Mega-Scale Construction Projects

Abstract

Circular economy continues to gain momentum in the field of construction. Notwithstanding the rapid attention this concept is gathering within the construction industry, a clear framework to facilitate its implementation in Saudi Arabia has yet to be developed. This paper aims to tackle this knowledge gap by proposing a framework for CE implementation in construction mega-projects. This study builds upon past research by the authors, where 12 key CE enablers for the construction of mega-projects were identified. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) has been brought into the current research to collect and analyse the relevant data, including further validation of the enablers conducted with two university professors and six participants actively involved in three mega-projects. Following this, 17 professionals (stakeholders) drawn from separate case studies were selected to examine the contextual relationships between the identified enablers. In a third and last stage, the framework underwent additional validation by three professionals and three academics to ensure its consistency and adaptability for the Saudi Arabian construction industry. The results obtained showed that all CE enablers clustered into four categories: dependent, driving, linkage, and autonomous, whereas the ISM analysis demonstrated that CE in construction mega-projects fits a five-level framework, starting with the establishment of law and legislation. The integrated framework not only fills the identified knowledge gaps but also serves as a tool for the strategic implementation of CE in Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects.