Exploring the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a circular economy in the construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest industries in the world, responsible for global waste and pollution. As such, there is a growing interest in transitioning to a circular economy, which aims to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency. The purpose of this study is to investigate the opportunities and challenges in transitioning to circular construction industry in Albania. The research method is qualitative and is based on semi-structured interviews with respondents representing different roles in the construction industry. The findings show that construction stakeholders are primarily driven by mandatory laws and regulations in embracing circular practices. The industry faces significant challenges in effectively adopting and implementing circular economy in its managerial processes and to overcome these difficulties, the study highlights the importance of collective efforts, involving key players such as architects, designers, contractors, and policymakers to formulate and enforce policies that encourage circular design and construction methods, while fostering circular business models. The study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the motivations and challenges faced by contractors in transitioning to a circular economy, and provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics to support the sustainable development of the construction industry in Albania and beyond.