In the quest for sustainable construction practices, a recent study has shed light on the evolving landscape of circular economy (CE) research within the construction sector. Led by Xiaoxue Yang from the Faculty of Architecture at Chengdu Jincheng College, the research, published in *Discover Applied Sciences* (which translates to *Discover Applied Sciences* in English), offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CE-related publications from 2015 to 2024, revealing significant trends and future directions.
The construction industry, known for its substantial resource consumption and waste generation, has become a focal point for circular economy strategies. Yang’s study, which analyzed 2,738 publications, highlights a marked increase in research activity since 2019, with notable contributions from China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This surge in scholarly output underscores a growing global commitment to sustainable construction practices.
“Our analysis reveals a dynamic and interdisciplinary field,” Yang noted. “The collaboration among researchers from different countries and institutions is fostering innovative approaches to circular construction.”
The study identified three key research clusters: policy implementation frameworks and strategic barriers to CE adoption, lifecycle assessment and environmental decision-support systems, and material innovation and reuse practices. These clusters point to the multifaceted nature of circular economy research, encompassing digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and material passports, as well as environmental metrics such as lifecycle assessment (LCA) and the Whole Building Circularity Indicator (WBCI).
Despite these advancements, the research also pinpoints several challenges, including methodological fragmentation, regional policy misalignment, and data inconsistency. “There is a clear need for standardized LCA models and validated circular indicators to bridge the gap between research and practical application,” Yang explained.
The study suggests that future research should focus on standardizing LCA models, validating circular indicators, and addressing context-specific implementation barriers through cross-disciplinary and global collaboration. By doing so, the construction industry can accelerate systemic transitions towards more sustainable practices.
For the energy sector, these findings hold significant commercial implications. As the push for sustainability intensifies, the integration of circular economy principles into construction practices can lead to reduced waste, lower costs, and enhanced resource efficiency. This shift not only aligns with global environmental goals but also opens up new market opportunities for innovative materials and digital tools.
Yang’s research provides actionable insights for scholars, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for inclusive policy frameworks and digital innovation. By aligning construction practices with circular economy principles, the industry can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study will be instrumental in shaping future developments, driving the industry towards a more circular and sustainable trajectory.