Flores Lara, J C; El Fadel, M and Khalfan, M M A (2025) Integrating industry 4.0 and circular economy in the UAE construction sector: A policy-aligned framework. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(3), pp. 535-556. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: This study addresses the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies with circular economy (CE) principles in the UAE construction sector, aligning with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 (UAECEP). It explores how digital tools can facilitate sustainable construction practices by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing waste and supporting circularity across the building life cycle. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify frameworks that integrate I4.0 technologies with CE principles. Based on the review, a conceptual framework was developed and refined to meet the UAE construction sector’s specific needs, focusing on applying digital tools at different stages of construction. Findings: Integrating I4.0 tools, including building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainability in the UAE’s construction sector. The framework aligns digital transformation efforts with the UAECEP, indicating these technologies’ applicability in design, construction, operation and end-of-life stages. Key challenges include high initial costs, technical limitations and the need for regulatory support. Originality/value: This study offers a novel framework tailored to the UAE construction sector, bridging the gap between policy objectives and practical implementation. It provides strategies to overcome local challenges through stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building life cycle; circular economy; construction industry; digital transformation; industry 4.0; sustainability |
| Index terms: | methodology, integration, construction sector, artificial intelligence, collaboration, transformation, building life cycle, implementation, industry 4.0, resource efficiency, internet, strategy, circular economy, circularity, building information modelling, sustainable construction practice, construction industry, conceptual framework, systematic literature review |
| Subjects: | asset management, contractual arrangements, sustainable design, research methods, business, sustainable materials, industry analysis, organizational analysis, research evaluation and metrics, technology adoption, computing systems, theoretical framing, information systems, sustainable construction, artificial intelligence, management |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Sustainability, Procurement, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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