Sadiq, M and Khalfan, M M A (2025) Transitioning to a circular economy in the construction demolition industry: A bibliometric analysis. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(3), pp. 518-534. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to address the research gaps in the application of circular economy (CE) principles within the construction demolition industry (CDI) by providing an updated overview of key themes, trends and challenges. Using a bibliometric approach, it seeks to highlight the transformative potential of CE adoption in CDI, focusing on strategies for waste reduction, resource efficiency and supply chain optimization to support sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: Bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database was employed to systematically review the literature on CE principles in the CDI from 2014 to 2023. The analysis involved a four-step assessment, including qualitative reviews and quantitative evaluations, to identify key themes, trends, challenges and opportunities in CE research within the CDI. The intricate relationship between CE principles with a specific emphasis on CDI, building practices and supply chain management was explored. Findings: The findings underscore a significant emphasis on circularity principles, interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies for efficient waste management. Experiencing a remarkable annual growth rate of 60.58%, particularly evident over the past five years, the escalating volume of relevant publications reflects an expanding interest in the CE within the CDI and related supply chain subjects. This underscores academia’s pivotal role in advancing the transition toward a circular construction economy. Originality/value: The study recommends refining CE strategies by exploring the circular design paradigms, optimizing supply chains, integrating digital technologies, establishing standardized metrics and scrutinizing CE’s impact within the CDI.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bibliometric analysis; circular economy; construction industry; demolition; supply chain; sustainability; waste management |
| Index terms: | publication, building practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, supply chain optimization, waste reduction, digital technology, waste management, integration, methodology, bibliometric analysis, sustainable development, strategy, construction industry, academia, paradigm, emerging technology, resource efficiency, database, circular economy, circularity |
| Subjects: | sustainable materials, waste management, research dissemination and communication, innovation and technology management, supply chain optimization, sustainable design, health safety and environment, research methods, sustainability assessment, building construction, computing systems, research design and methodology, management, education and knowledge transfer, industry analysis, educational institutions, data management, research evaluation and metrics, organizational analysis |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Information Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Education, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Health and Safety |
| 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