Explore potential barriers of applying circular economy in construction and demolition waste recycling. (1st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Jingkuang; Wu, Piao; Jiang, Yuhan; Wang, Xuetong
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 326(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01
• Subjects: Circular economy -- C&DW recycling -- Potential barriers -- C&DW management -- Social network analysis; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The circular economy (CE) aims to reduce resource input and systematically avoid or reduce waste. In addition, the CE is an essential framework for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the barriers to construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling development under the CE model can promote sustainable C&DW management. This study used social network analysis (SNA) to explore the potential barriers, extent and key stage of the transition to CE for C&DW recycling in Guangzhou, China. The results show the following: 1) The network was loose and did not show a clear trend towards a certain point, indicating that the development of current C&DW recycling shows a lack of effective management mechanisms to control and constrain the barrier factors. 2) The key barriers to the network include inadequate incentives from the government sector, inadequate supportive policies, insufficient publicity and education on the recycling of C&DW, and an inadequate legal framework for the management of C&DW. The key stage of the "control power" and "adjustment ability" is the promotion and application of recycled products. 3) The network had three core cluster positions. The authors proposed corresponding suggestions for the results, which will provide theoretical guidance for policy-making for the transition of recycling C&DW move to CE, enabling timely advancement of CE initiatives in the construction industry. Highlights: Social network analysis (SNA) was applied to build a directed-multivalued network. The framework of potential barriers in C&DW recycling moving to a circular economy (CE) was summarized. The interactions between potential barriers were quantified and a network model was established. Promotion and application of recycled products is the key stage for shifting C&DW recycling to CE.