In a world grappling with waste and energy consumption, the construction industry stands as both a significant contributor and a potential pioneer in the shift towards a circular economy. A recent study, led by Mohammed Al Kaabi from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Qatar University, sheds light on the stark divide between policy and practice in construction and demolition waste (CDW) management. Published in the journal *Frontiers in Built Environment* (which translates to *Frontiers in the Built Environment*), the research offers a roadmap for bridging this gap, with profound implications for the energy sector.
The construction industry generates over one-third of global waste and consumes 36% of global energy, making it a critical sector for circular economy transitions. Despite increasing government intervention, a persistent gap exists between policy development and operational implementation in CDW management. Al Kaabi’s study systematically mapped 1,842 high-relevance papers from 2015 to 2025, revealing that while advanced analytical methods appear in 32.4% of studies, only 12% provide validated tools for real-world policy deployment.
“This stark implementation deficit highlights the urgent need for practical, actionable research that can translate policy into tangible outcomes,” Al Kaabi emphasized.
The study also uncovered geographic imbalances in research focus. Policy-leading economies like China (28.4%), the EU (31.8%), and the US (16.7%) dominate the landscape, while high-waste countries like Brazil and India (3.7%) remain underrepresented. This disparity underscores the need for tailored frameworks that consider the unique challenges of developing contexts.
Economic policy instruments and cross-jurisdictional coordination mechanisms emerged as areas with the largest research-practice gaps. To address these challenges, the study identifies three critical priorities: mathematical optimization models for policy calibration, frameworks tailored to developing contexts, and coordination mechanisms for multi-stakeholder governance.
“The energy sector has a vested interest in these developments,” noted Al Kaabi. “Effective CDW management can significantly reduce energy consumption and waste, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient industry.”
The study proposes a tiered research agenda that addresses both immediate operational needs and long-term systemic integration. By offering a replicable approach for identifying research-practice translation gaps, this work paves the way for more effective sustainability policies in the construction industry and beyond.
As the world continues to grapple with waste and energy challenges, Al Kaabi’s research serves as a beacon, guiding the industry towards a more circular and sustainable future. The insights gleaned from this study have the potential to reshape the construction landscape, driving innovation and efficiency in the energy sector.