Strategies for Adoption of Circular Economy in the Nigeria Construction Industry

Abstract

The concept of circular economy has gained recognition as a way to manage waste and conserve resources sustainably, and has the potential to transform the construction industry. This is particularly relevant in the construction industry due to the significant amounts of waste generated during the construction and demolition process. This study examines the perceived importance and effectiveness of strategies related to the circular economy in the construction industry. The data were collected through a survey administered to professionals in the construction sector, capturing their perceptions of various strategies. The results reveal that most strategies received high mean ratings, indicating their perceived significance. Strategies such as waste management and recycling facilities, design for disassembly, and prioritising the use of renewable and sustainable materials were highly valued by the respondents. Additionally, statistical analyses confirmed the significance of these strategies. However, some strategies received comparatively lower ratings, suggesting the need for further attention and improvement. The findings have important implications for policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. By prioritising and implementing the identified strategies, stakeholders can drive the adoption of circular economy principles, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce waste in construction practices. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for future research, highlighting the importance of exploring barriers to implementation, understanding synergies and trade-offs among strategies, conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term impact, and broadening the participant pool for a more comprehensive understanding. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the circular economy in the construction industry and provides valuable insights for promoting sustainability and circularity within the sector.

Drivers for the implementation of circular economy in the Nigerian AECO industry: a structural equation modelling approach

“…At the end of the survey, total of 208 valid responses were received and subsequently considered for the study. This sample size was considered adequate based on related studies in Nigeria that has used similar sample size (Idris & Bello, 2023;Olanrewaju et al, 2022).…”

“…Moreso, while studies on circular economy implementation in developed countries are apparent (Giorgi et al, 2022), there is a paucity of research that examines the factors that influence the implementation of circular economy in Africa built environment industry (Mhlanga et al, 2022). Idris & Bello (2023) further substantiated the prevalence of limited knowledge of circular economy among the Nigerian AECO professionals. These challenges necessitate the need to examine the drivers that could influence circular economy implementation in Nigeria.…”