In the quest for sustainability, the construction sector is increasingly looking towards circular business models (CBM) to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. A recent study published in the *Frontiers in Built Environment* (translated from English as “Frontiers in Built Environment”) sheds light on how these models can be integrated into the construction industry, offering a roadmap for a more sustainable future. The research, led by Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani from the Faculty of Business at UNITAR International University in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, explores the potential of circular business models to revolutionize the way buildings are designed, constructed, and managed.
The construction sector is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and a significant contributor to waste. Traditional linear models, which follow a “take-make-dispose” approach, are increasingly seen as unsustainable. Circular business models, on the other hand, focus on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, and recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their service life.
Shahidi Hamedani’s research delves into the various types of circular business models, including product-as-a-service (PaaS), which shifts the focus from selling products to providing services. This model not only reduces waste but also creates new revenue streams for businesses. “By adopting circular business models, construction companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth,” Shahidi Hamedani explains.
The study also highlights the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in facilitating the transition to circular business models. BIM allows for the creation of detailed digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility, enabling better planning, design, construction, and management of buildings. “BIM can help identify opportunities for resource efficiency and waste reduction throughout the lifecycle of a building,” Shahidi Hamedani notes.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector, which is closely intertwined with the construction industry. Buildings account for a substantial portion of global energy consumption, and improving their resource efficiency can lead to significant energy savings. By adopting circular business models, construction companies can contribute to the reduction of energy demand, thereby supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Moreover, the shift towards circular business models can stimulate innovation in the construction sector, leading to the development of new materials, technologies, and business practices. This can create new markets and job opportunities, further driving economic growth.
Shahidi Hamedani’s research provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of circular business models in the construction sector, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers alike. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the transition to a circular economy is no longer a choice but a necessity. The construction sector, with its significant impact on the environment, has a crucial role to play in this transition. By embracing circular business models, the construction industry can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
The study, published in *Frontiers in Built Environment*, serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the way we design, construct, and manage our built environment. As Shahidi Hamedani aptly puts it, “The future of the construction industry lies in its ability to adapt and innovate in response to the challenges of our time.”