Gyimah, S; Owusu-Manu, D G; Edwards, D J; Buertey, J I T and Danso, A K (2025) Exploring the contributions of circular business models towards the transition of green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(3), pp. 859-880. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: In recent times, both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM) in a bid to promote a green economy. Yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains scant information regarding the contributions of CBM towards the transition of green economy in the construction industry. This present study therefore aims to explore the contributions of CBM in the transition towards a green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the contributions of CBM towards the transition towards a green economy. A quantitative research strategy was then adopted to collect primary questionnaire data from professionals with knowledge of CBM and the green economy from 104 participants for the study. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis viz. Principal component analysis. Findings: The contributions of CBM towards the transition towards a green economy were found to be: value contributions (i.e. lower carbon footprint, lower emission of waste by the industry, value creation for clients, innovation in construction materials and methods, reduced maintenance cost, creation of energy efficient infrastructures, improved value proposition for firms, improved sustainability of the industry and reduced pressure on finite resource.); green contributions (i.e. recycling and reuse of construction waste, promotion of green building technology, increased potential for economic growth, increased resource efficiency and creation of green building market) and longevity contribution (i.e. increased life span of buildings). It was evident that CBM make significant contributions in the transition towards green economy and as such, policymakers and other stakeholders within the construction industry must adopt these models to maximize their green credentials and accrue inherent benefits associated with transitioning towards a green economy. Originality/value: This paper presents a novel and comprehensive study that explores the contributions of CBM towards engendering a green economy. The study's results provide construction industry stakeholders and policymakers with clear insight into the contributions of CBM towards the transition into a green economy. In practice, this study provides much needed guidance to support construction practitioners to transition towards a green economy in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | business models; circular business models; construction; contribution; Ghana; green economy |
| Index terms: | strategy, literature review, construction practitioner, exploratory factor analysis, methodology, questionnaire, green building, value creation, recycling, Ghana, United Nations, carbon footprint, promotion, quantitative research, statistics, economic growth, construction industry, construction waste, maintenance cost, resource efficiency, construction material, principal component analysis, sustainable development goal, business model |
| Subjects: | professional development, management, financial management, design practice, industry analysis, statistical analysis, data collection methods, mathematical modelling, business, data analysis and analytics, institutional frameworks, building materials, Geography, sustainable design, economic development, research methods, waste management, environmental impact |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Design Practice, Human Resources, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Governance |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here