Circular Economy Supporting Policies and Regulations: The Portuguese Case

Abstract

Construction is one of the critical sectors in the transition to a Circular Economy due to its contribution to resource depletion, waste, and emissions. Despite its acknowledged limitations (e.g., low productivity), the construction sector has been the focus of policies and regulations to improve its sustainability and circular economy capabilities. This study focuses on circular economy policies and regulations related to the construction sector in the European Union and Portugal, identifying political and regulatory barriers and opportunities. The analysis identified a growing number of publications since 2019 and divided the policies and regulations for the Circular Economy into four areas: Resource and Waste Management, Sustainable Development Goals, Green Public Procurement, and Circular Economy. Four main barriers were identified: policies and regulations harmonization, digital innovation (within the twin transition), support to the transition (e.g. financial and educational), and clear and focused governance models. It then discusses the documents and barriers, analyzes the Portuguese strategy (Portuguese Action Plan for Circularity in the Construction Sector), and proposes a strategy to be followed by other countries. The findings provide a holistic understanding of why policies and regulations fail to support Circular Economy day-to-day practices and provide insights on how to trigger the transition.