In the bustling construction industry of Ghana, a silent revolution is brewing, one that could reshape the way buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. At the heart of this transformation is the integration of digital technologies to foster a circular economy, a concept that promises to reduce waste, optimize resources, and slash carbon emissions. However, the path to this sustainable future is fraught with challenges, as revealed by a groundbreaking study led by Hayford Pittri from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University.
Pittri’s research, published in the journal Buildings, delves into the critical barriers hindering the adoption of digital technologies for circular economy practices in the construction industry of developing countries, using Ghana as a case study. The findings paint a vivid picture of the obstacles that construction professionals face, from financial constraints to institutional and technological hurdles.
The construction industry is a behemoth, contributing approximately 13% to the global GDP and employing 7% of the global workforce. Yet, it is also one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally damaging sectors, responsible for a staggering 36% of global energy consumption and 39% of CO2 emissions. In Ghana, the rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion have exacerbated waste management challenges and resource inefficiencies, making the need for circular economy practices more urgent than ever.
Digital technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), blockchain, digital twins, and the Internet of Things (IoT), have emerged as critical enablers of the circular economy in construction. These technologies facilitate real-time data collection, material tracking, predictive analytics, and decentralized information sharing, optimizing material reuse and reducing waste generation. However, their adoption in developing economies like Ghana remains significantly lower, largely due to fragmented construction practices and reliance on traditional linear models.
Pittri’s study employed a structured quantitative approach, integrating mean score ranking, exploratory factor analysis, and fuzzy synthetic evaluation to assess the severity of identified barriers. The results were eye-opening. Financial and adoption constraints emerged as the most critical barrier group, followed closely by institutional and knowledge barriers. Technological and market limitations, as well as regulatory and organizational challenges, also posed significant impediments.
“Every category of barriers requires coordinated intervention to accelerate digital transformation,” Pittri emphasized. “A strategic mix of policy initiatives, capacity-building, stakeholder collaboration, and technology frameworks will be vital for facilitating a circular built environment.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As construction practices become more sustainable, the demand for energy-efficient materials and technologies is set to soar. This shift could open up new commercial opportunities for energy providers, technology developers, and construction firms alike.
Moreover, the study’s findings could shape future developments in the field by informing policy frameworks and investment strategies aimed at bridging the digital divide in global construction industries. By addressing the barriers to digital technology adoption, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics can foster sustainable construction practices that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action and sustainable industrial practices, Pittri’s research offers a roadmap for the construction industry’s digital transformation. By embracing circular economy principles and leveraging digital technologies, the industry can transition towards more sustainable and regenerative practices, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.
