Circular Economy - Recent Advances in Sustainable Construction Waste Management

Abstract

With time, construction waste is increasing massively and its dumping is a serious issue globally. Utilizing the waste in various products and construction projects is boosting, but still, the amount of waste is much higher. Transitions to more sustainable construction can assist in attaining the specific goal of slowing down natural resources depletion, reducing environmental damage by extracting and recycling new materials, and minimizing pollution from the processing, use, and disposal of materials once they complete their useful life period. An important way to do this is to improve efficiency and bring productivity in the utilization of resources. The circular economy is more productive and healthier, where raw materials are stored longer in the production cycle and can be recycled, thus producing less waste. Due to potential benefits through enhanced quality and productivity in the processes, the concept of circular economy is grabbing the attention of construction industry stakeholders to attain sustainable construction waste management. This chapter focuses on the significance of a circular economy for the attainment of sustainable waste management in the construction sector. Moreover, the impact of construction waste and its utilization through recent sustainable solutions which also impact the economy has also been highlighted.

1. Introduction

Waste generation through human activities has become a global issue because it has a direct influence on the environment, society, and economy, i.e. overall sustainability [1]. Waste can be any material by-product of human and industrial activity that has no residual value. Both the government and industry see opportunities to reduce one of the sources of global warming through the implementation of waste management strategies. In recent years, there has been increasing scientific evidence that human activity is harming the environment with the excessive production of waste that results in pollution [2]. For this reason, waste management is a fundamental aspect of sustainability within the construction industry. Because by controlling the waste generation, it is possible to reduce the number of pollutants being released into the environment. Effective waste management will help in the reduction of landfill waste as well as minimize the costs associated with the construction of the project [3]. The global market is largely driven by the growing construction activity and the tendency of governments in different regions of the world to strive for sustainability. The growing demand for sustainable and recycled building materials for commercial construction projects continues to drive the construction waste market. It is estimated that the global solid waste market will reach $2.01 billion by 2021 [4] and is expected to touch $3.40 billion by 2050, an increase of about 59% [5] as shown in Figure 1. Moreover, 50–80% of construction and demolition waste can be recycled or reused thus indicating that mismanagement of construction waste can result in the loss of valuable economic resources [6]. Therefore, through the successful implementation of a waste management plan, project managers can often reduce the amount of waste being created within the project and the amount sent to landfills [7]. Both the environment agencies and academics globally believe that through sustainable waste management plans, construction organizations develop an understanding of the quantity of waste generated. This will enable everyone within the company from the top down to be focused and aligned with the same goals such as reuse, recycling, or reducing construction waste [8].

Figure 1.

Global annual waste by 2050 [5].

Waste could become a potential source of profit and a financial benefit. Because of reducing the amount of waste going to landfills, there will be a reduction in the costs of the project due to lower landfill taxes. It is also possible to recover costs by selling waste such as scrap metal, the contractor can offset construction costs, which can make them more competitive. Based on the amount of waste generated, its composition, and its treatment, the solid waste treatment and disposal estimated in 2016 was equivalent to about 1.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) greenhouse gas emissions, or 5% of world emissions [5]. This is mainly due to landfills and non-landfill gas collection systems’ unavailability. Food waste is responsible for almost 50% of emissions. Solid waste emissions are projected to increase to the equivalent of 2.38 billion tons of CO₂ per year by 2050 if no progress is made in this area [5].

In many countries, solid waste management is usually under local responsibility, with almost 70% of countries setting up institutions responsible for regulatory oversight of waste policy development [5]. Nearly two-thirds of the countries have adopted specific solid waste management laws and regulations, the implementation of which varies considerably. In addition to regulatory oversight, and tax transfers, it is not uncommon for the central government to be directly involved in waste disposal services, and about 70% of waste disposal services are directly overseen by local governments [5]. At least half of the services, from primary waste collection to treatment to disposal, are provided by government agencies, and about one-third through public-private partnerships. However, successful financing with the private sector and operational partnerships are usually successful only under certain conditions, with appropriate incentives and implementation mechanisms, therefore, are not always the ideal solution.

Financing solid waste management systems is a major challenge, especially because of ongoing operating costs rather than capital investment; operating costs must be forecast [9]. According to The World Bank [5] in high-income countries, the operating costs of integrated waste management, including collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, typically exceed $100 per ton. Low-income countries (Sub-Saharan Africa) spend less on waste management at about $35/ton, but in these countries, the costs are much harder to recover. Waste management is labor-intensive, with transportation costs of $20–50 per ton. The cost-effectiveness of removal services varies greatly depending on the level of revenue. In low-income countries, costs for users range from an average of $35 a year to $170 a year, and full or near-total cost recovery is generally limited to high-income countries [5]. User payment models can be fixed or variable depending on the type of user invoice. Communities typically cover about 50% of the investment costs of waste disposal systems, with the remainder coming primarily from national private sector subsidies. Globally, the production of waste varies from country to country. Figure 2 highlights the country-wise production of waste in which Spain generates the maximum percentage of waste i.e., 70%.

Figure 2.

Country wise waste production [10].

Hao et al. [11] argue that for too long waste management has focused on the construction practices and processes but overlooks the critical human attitudes. For a labor-intensive industry, how people perceive the importance of waste management is a definitive decider over its success, in particular how the Project Manager conveys this message. Mousavi et al. [12] make note that the success of waste reduction is down to the project manager’s ability to value waste reduction as importantly as construction materials ordered. This, therefore, illustrates how attitudes and values within construction are just as critical as legislation. Therefore, the government should focus more on educating the Project Managers. Furthermore, the implementation of sustainable waste management can be bureaucratic and costly. One of these relevant pieces of legislation that construction projects within the UK have had to adhere to has been the Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 [13], which meant obliged projects over £300,000 were required to plan how much waste the project was to produce and where it would go [14]. For some within the industry, this was considered a burden and bureaucratic and too often left out of the design stage but the design stage is a critical stage whereby waste can often be eliminated and opportunities should be taken. As already stressed on the economic opportunities from the circular economy, Figure 3 illustrates further the circular economy opportunities by 2030 [15].

Figure 3.

Circular business model for 2030 vision [15].

The project team along with the Project Manager can now structure the waste management plan on the dependencies within each project, which can often be unique and unpredictable. However, it should be noted that the lack of government enforcement has been a barrier to sustainable waste management, this current government is trying to remove this. Over the last few years, the importance of sustainability within the construction industry has grown to become with it now being a critical aspect of many companies’ policies and ideals. Sustainable Waste Management is something that companies are now looking to promote within the company such as ‘zero waste’ to improve their public image [16]. Though some may state these theories of zero waste are unrealistic, Kannan [17] arguably makes note that sustainable procurement in the future will become ever-increasingly important and therefore companies who promote themselves as green may take advantage of these future projects. As well as future procurement rules, construction waste management should be looked at as a cost-savings initiative as well as sustainability. The contractors should not just look at improving productivity or compressing schedules but instead first look into using their sustainable waste management as a way of making huge cost savings. In other words, the contractors and associated project managers should look at waste as not just a problem but as an asset to the project. Therefore, considering the principles of circular economy as shown in Figure 4, it is a closed-looped system in which raw materials, components, and products lose minimum value with maximized utilization of renewable energy resources. The circular economy will contribute to a more sustainable world as the focus of both concepts is people, planet, resources, and economy.

Figure 4.

Circular economy principles.

2. Impact of construction waste on the economy

While the circular economy is gaining more and more attention, mining and primary commodity prices continue to rise. The circular economy estimates that 9% of all raw materials have been fully recycled in 2019. In 2018, the proportion was slightly higher at 9.1% [18]. Theoretically, 100% of the raw materials in the circular economy are fully recycled and no new raw materials are needed. The implementation of this scenario will take a very long time, as methods must be found to completely recycle the materials currently used in the products. Circular economy and sustainability go hand in hand. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 5 in which circular economy contributions include: strategic planning (SP), cost management (CM), circular supply chain management (CSCM), quality management (QM), environment management (EM), process management (PM), logistic and reverse logistic (L&RL), service management (SM), and research and development (R&D).

Figure 5.

Circular economy and sustainable development [19].

2.1 Economic growth

An important principle of the circular economy is that economic growth must be separated from the use of raw materials. As a result, the economy is not hampered by a lack of raw materials for growth. The transition to a circular economy is expected to accelerate economic growth. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) [20] estimates that by 2050, the global economy will benefit from about $2 trillion a year and more resource efficiency. In a circular economy, this growth is bound to happen. On the one hand, by increasing revenue from new circular operations, and on the other hand - by creating more functions on the same number of materials and production capacity. The development, production, and maintenance of these circular products require a special workforce that expands these jobs. On the other hand, the need for extraction and processing of raw materials decreases, which reduces the amount of less specialized work [21]. This increases labor costs, which is good for job opportunities and gross national product (GNP).

2.1.1 Growth in employment

In a circular economy, labor is valued more than raw materials. As a result, employment is rising. These jobs go back to a time- and quality-intensive patchwork; Employment in logistics through the recycling of local products; new businesses through innovation, the service economy, and new business models.

2.1.2 Innovation growth

The circular economy is a challenge for innovative solutions based on a new way of thinking. This means thinking about circular instead of linear value chains and trying to optimize the whole system. This leads to new ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and processors, and thus to environmental innovation.

2.1.3 Demand change

The final key factor in the economic benefits of a circular economy is a better understanding of the shift and demand side. Since companies deal with their customers and their role throughout their lives, this ultimately leads to less resource use, less waste production, and production change.

The construction industry is the highest storage of materials and waste in the economy. The large city of Amsterdam alone processes 1.4 million tons of mining material every year, with a value of up to €688 million. At the same time, the production of new building materials has a significant impact on the environment. Thanks to the high-quality processing, foldable and modular design, this value can be capitalized on and protect the environment. According to Kaza et al. [5], in a report published by The World Bank Group, the global per capita per day of waste generation is 1.68 kg. Additionally, the global C & D market will also expand at a compound average growth rate of 5.30% between 2021 and 2026 with a market value of about $34.40 billion as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6.

Average C & D waste generation [5].

The benefits of a circular economy create opportunities for businesses. This creates new profit opportunities, a more stable supply of materials, increasing demand for a range of services, and stronger relationships with customers. In the transition to a circular economy, companies are reducing material costs and creating entirely new, profitable markets. Raw materials are expensive in many industries. The extraction of new raw materials and the uncertainty of their supply in the linear economy increase the price of these materials. Revenues can, for example, offer new profit opportunities through lower costs, greater security of raw material supply, closer supply chain collaboration, and stronger supply chains. The circular economy ensures that a company uses less raw materials and more recycled raw materials and maximizes the value of these raw materials throughout its life cycle. As a result, the entrepreneur has relatively fewer material costs than labor costs, so the price and availability of materials have less impact on the stability of the business model. With greater stability, a firm can make more profitable and targeted long-term investments. The circular economy offers new business models and opportunities to retain customers. The transition from product delivery to services, leasing, and leasing models creates a long-term relationship between the buyer and the supplier, as more relationships are established over the life of the product. If the supplier remains responsible for the product delivered, intermediate service, maintenance, repair, and good communication can lead not only to customer satisfaction but also to customer loyalty, ensuring that the customer repurchases products after the end of the contract.

3. Construction waste prevention in the circular economy

In construction, life cycles significantly reduce material costs and environmental impact. Having said that, mining materials are of great value, provided they are recycled in a quality manner. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation [22] also appreciates the significant benefits of moving toward a circular economy. Their “circular scenario” could reduce Europe’s annual net consumption to €32 trillion by 2030, with an additional €0.7 trillion due to the slowdown in financial markets and, €0.5 trillion due to other external issues. Similarly, the EMF [22] discusses €320 billion of “potential investments” for Europe by 2025. They are prone to speculation about the cost of capital and equipment. European GDP is expected to grow by 11% in 2030 and 27% in 2050 if they adopt a circular economy, compared to 4% and 15% in the current circumstances, which is driven by higher consumption, mainly as a result of tight market regulations and huge competition creating issues in the adoption of profitable opportunities in the circular economy. Under the conditions of a circular economy, GDP could increase by 7 percentage points more than the current rate in 2030 and the gap could widen by 12% by 2050. Moreover, the cost-saving for China, if they adopt a circular economy, could be $5.31 trillion by 2030 and $11.20 trillion by 2040 [23].

In addition to this economic value, the quality recycling of building materials also significantly reduces the environmental impact of the sector. The construction industry currently accounts for 5% of total CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands. Most of them are intended for the production of building materials. Therefore, these emissions would be much lower if recycled materials were used in the construction industry. According to the principles of the circular economy, global greenhouse gas emissions are automatically reduced. Climate change and material use are closely linked. According to Circle Economy [24], 62% of global greenhouse gas emissions (excluding land use and forestry) come from the extraction, processing, and production of goods to meet society’s needs; only 38% is spent on providing and using products and services [18]. For example, if the economy became a circular reality, EU emissions would fall by 56% by 2050. The reduction in global pollution will be even greater as the EU stops importing raw materials from non-EU countries, which will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions in these countries. Moreover, the storage of raw materials and the disposal of waste have a negative impact on inventories. These natural areas are important for the preservation of ecosystem services and the natural and cultural heritage.

Many governments and organizations today are primarily concerned with protecting nature from the extraction and disposal of soil and waste. To systematically protect nature, this extraction and production must be stopped completely. This is achieved in a circular economy. Construction has so many facets that companies and administrators can use a variety of strategies to make it more circular. Five main methods:

1. Recycling of high-quality waste to reduce the need for primary raw materials

2. Processing of materials to preserve the value of raw materials

3. Demountable structures so that parts of the building can be reused

4. Modular design to adapt buildings to new functions

5. Collective design usage so that residents can share buildings and objects

Although the efforts are being done globally by the stakeholders to control the waste generation, still more robust contributions are needed. The projected global waste generation region-wise is highest in East Asia and the Pacific region i.e., 500 million tons/year in 2016, which is expected to reach approximately 240 million tons/year in 2030, and 750 million tons/year by 2050 as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7.

Region-wise projected waste generation [5].

Despite the benefits of the circular construction sector, there are still four factors hampering its development: market development, measurement methods, policy, and knowledge.

3.1 Market development

The demand for circular construction projects is still very much dependent on public supply because modular or foldable construction projects are often even more expensive than the linear construction approach. The innovative nature and limited range of circular construction solutions lead to higher investment costs. However, it takes years to renovate or tear down the building’s savings or benefits. The circular design must therefore create added value to be accepted in the market. In addition, it is important to have a measurement method and more knowledge about this value between builders, builders, financiers, and other parties in the chain.

To talk about the market value of construction waste after recycling, it is expected that with the adoption of circular economy adoption, waste can be minimized by saving $100 billion per year with improved construction productivity [25]. Moreover, in the USA alone, 76% of construction and demolition waste was recovered and recycled in 2020 which created 681,000 jobs and outnumber the conventional waste disposal jobs 9 to 1, generating $37.80 billion in wages, and $5.50 billion in tax revenue collection [26]. As steel is the major element in construction, 650 million tons of steel is recycled and reused globally which approximates 98% of recycling and reuse from steel waste [27] and helped generate billions of dollars thus significantly contributing to the economic growth.

3.2 Methods of measurement

If the added value of circular construction can be demonstrated in terms of environment, health, comfort, safety and operating costs, the demand for circular construction will increase. If the lender is unable to assess the value of the raw materials in the movable building, they cannot include them in the calculation. Therefore, standard measurement methods are needed. However, for an effective and accepted measurement method, all partners in the chain must be involved.

3.3 Knowledge

Market development and standardized measurement methods require knowledge construction at all stages of the chain. The building can still be designed in a circular shape, but it is also not circular when the subcontractor seals the gaps with foam. To achieve this level of knowledge, courses must be upgraded at all levels, from university to pre-vocational secondary education. In addition, special reinforcement courses should be offered.

3.4 Policies

The circular design becomes interesting only when the plus value is measured and recognized. Public policy can contribute by acting as an initial customer and guiding the development of measurement methods and chain knowledge. In addition, there is room for experimentation with rules, so that companies can experiment with new construction methods and cost-effective projects. In addition, the benefits of ring design will only be felt in the long run. Thus, the government is primarily the country that can give meaning to the development of circular constructions.

4. Approaches related to the circular economy

4.1 Traditional approach

The circular economy is fundamentally different from the linear economy. In short, in a linear economy, raw materials are extracted and discarded into a product after use. In a circular economy, we close all these raw materials. Completing these circuits requires much more than recycling. It changes the way value is created and maintained, how production becomes more sustainable, and how business models are used. The circular system and the linear system differ in value creation or retention. The linear economy traditionally follows a “take-produce-throw” stepwise procedure. This means that the raw materials are collected and then converted into products that are used until they are finally disposed of as waste. In this economic system, value is created by producing and selling as many products as possible. Whereas, the 3R approach is followed in the circular economy: reduce, reuse and recycle. Minimum resource utilization (reduced). Ensure reuse of materials and products as much as possible (reuse). And lastly, the raw materials are highly processed (recycle).

The sustainability perspective in the linear economy is different from the circular economy. When we operate sustainably in a linear economy, the emphasis is on eco-efficiency, meaning we try to minimize our environmental impact to achieve the same result. This extends the time in which the system becomes overburdened [28]. The system of eco-efficiency usually works during downcycling: part of the product(s) is recycled due to poor quality use, which reduces the value of the material and makes it difficult to reuse and recycle the flow of materials as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8.

Comparison between conventional and sustainable circular economy approaches.

4.2 Sustainable approach

4.2.1 Life cycle assessment (LCA)

LCA is the most popular method for sustainable waste management. LCA has become a significant waste management tool that studies the environmental characteristics and potential effects throughout the product life cycle, from the supply of raw materials to production, utilization, and disposal. LCA can point out the current environmental impact of emissions and waste. It is widely used to compare the environmental impact of waste with treatment options for efficient energy management (WtE). The results can provide an overview and scientific support for various environmental aspects of waste management strategies for the attainment of sustainable waste management. It has been used to assess many aspects of WtE systems, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy performances [29], circular economy [30], and impact on global warming [31].

4.2.2 Waste to energy approach (WtE)

Waste to energy or energy from waste is one of the sustainable approaches to waste management that has the potential to meet future energy needs and is economically and environmentally sustainable. It is a mass burnt waste to energy process of converting waste into electricity or heat energy or it can also be said as “fuel from waste”. It is not only a sustainable waste management solution, but also economically viable, especially for developed nations. One of the world’s primary energy sources is currently fossil fuels, which account for about 84% of total electricity production [32]. Due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the world needs alternative energy sources, such as the WtE, to address the future energy crisis.

Baran et al. [10] indicated that energy recovery through waste incineration (a WtE technology) is an integral part of an environmentally sustainable waste management method. Nevertheless, Yay [19] indicated in his study that this method is not always economically sustainable due to high operating and maintenance costs. But, the WtE method is a way of recovering energy from waste in the form of heat, electricity (bypassing gas or steam through a turbine), or fuel [33]. WtE technologies are now considered suitable for solving waste-related issues. Impact of Sustainable construction waste management on Economy. Other sustainable approaches to the circular economy presented in Figure 9 include:

1. Regenerative design: Regenerative design is focused on the concept of developing a project that mimics the restorative characteristics of nature to achieve a positive effect.

2. Performance economy: In the performance economy, the aim of the sale is not the product itself, but the performance it delivers, and the benefits it provides to the consumer.

3. Cradle to cradle: The main goal of the cradle-to-cradle approach is to create products that are 100% beneficial to humans and the ecosystem, which will actually improve the quality of life, not just cause less harm.

4. Industrial ecology: It focuses on the natural level of production processes and services and mimics the natural system for conserving and reusing resources.

5. Biomimicry: In biomimicry, the inspiration is taken from nature and natural systems.

6. Green economy: The relationship between people and the environment is established through low carbon, resource-effective, and socially inclusive processes.

7. Blue economy: Sustainable utilization of ocean resources for optimizing economic development, enhanced livelihoods of inhabitants, and employment opportunities while conserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

8. Bio-based economy: It is defined as an economy in which materials, chemicals, and energy come from renewable biological resources.

Figure 9.

Sustainable approaches to circular economy.

5. Government role in the circular economy

The Circularity Gap Report [24] states that by 2019, only 9.1% of the world’s raw materials will be fully recycled. In 2018, it was still 9.5 percent. Internationally, the world of circular economy is changing. In addition to developing policies, governments can use their role as buyers and customers to stimulate the circular economy. The state as a buyer must take into account the entire process from production to disposal. To be able to play an effective role as a new partner, it is important that governments actively collaborate with companies. The concept of purchasing power clearly shows how purchasing power can influence prices, affordability, and development. Local governments buy more than €40 billion a year and central governments more than €20 billion. Traditionally, buying is the best value for money. Today, government procurement is being used to change the world. As a result, dozens of government bodies signed a Green Procurement Agreement 2.0 in 2018 [18]. In the context of the circular economy, it is important to use the term purchasing in the broadest sense of the word. Attention at the time of purchase is not limited to the time of purchase (transaction) or even the course of demand at the time of purchase. Procurement starts with the initial description of the requirements and ends when the end product is reused or reissued. Governments should therefore see public procurement as a process in which:

1. The government body formulates a demand based on the need to provide work, goods, or services; it is then procured by a government agency in cooperation with the supplier.

2. The supplier delivers the goods, works, or services following the conditions laid down in the performance of the contract.

3. The product is used at the end of its life.

Moreover, the government should invest in an organizational culture where innovation is important. Make sure that policy and implementation work together to set ambitious and responsible goals and create space for personalization and experimentation. Support those who want to innovate and strengthen communication and collaboration. Governments must make clear to the market what their ambitions are. Stimulate the market to get moving and contribute to these ambitions. Join less frequent suppliers, describe their profit potential, and provide opportunities for innovation in procurement processes. Sometimes the government itself must be actively involved in realizing the desired innovations. It is about supporting innovation efforts that help market countries build a cartel set up by the government. Together with the market, it maintains the development (ideas), concludes role and turnover-sharing agreements, and organizes the management of the innovation portfolio. Governments can deploy additional and sometimes different policies to promote the transition to a circular economy. For example, definitions of waste and raw materials and legislation and regulations are outdated. In addition, the policy focuses mainly on recycling and traditional partnerships and the transition from taxation to employment has not yet taken place. In addition to the national level, the global governments must continue to formulate their international role in the circular economy. The number of raw materials extracted worldwide is increasing year after year. The following recommendations to strengthen public policy and the circular economy:

1. Make sure the prices of the products and services include environmental damage.

2. Use more compulsion and enforcement in policies such as mandatory taxes, more legislation, and standards. Currently, the vast majority of initiatives are not yet mandatory.

3. Step-by-step confirmation of government requirements for circularity of tenders and auctions, including in the context of producer responsibility.

4. Develop a detailed overview of the circular economy, widely supported by civil society organizations, and develop it for specific purposes.

5. There must be a clear division of roles between the implementing bodies, for example between the different sectors.

6. Develop decision criteria and measurement system. This results in goal setting, evaluation, and peer review.

7. Promote international knowledge transfer. This will accelerate the international dissemination of effective policy.

8. Build a global coalition for diverse and inclusive action. This coalition will increase the capacity of the leaders.

9. Project managers should try to eradicate the production of waste and pollution from the original designs of the projects.

10. Top management should prioritize only those materials that can are durable, reusable, and recyclable.

11. The environment should be transformed and improved through regeneratable natural systems.

12. Stakeholders should strive for higher technological development, renewable material resources, and energy-efficient processes.

13. Through circular economies, production costs can be lowered, which will directly expand economic growth.

14. Technical and knowledge regarding circular economy should be spread globally at all levels in the companies will pave way for the adoption of circular economy principles.

15. Financial structures should be improved to remove all hurdles for those investors and companies who are willing to adopt a circular economy as part of their business cultures.

Figure 10 shows a model for the design and disposal of waste material throughout the value chain. This method comprised the triple value system, making clear interdependence of the three types of dynamic systems i.e., industry, society, and the environment. Resources are withdrawn from nature, go through production processes to develop a value for markets, and then the generated wastes are moved to the reuse or recycle phase.

Figure 10.

Sustainable waste management model [15].

The role of governments in linking enterprises to the circular economy market is significant. By establishing the legal frameworks, developing strategic plans and public services guidelines, and making sound decisions about the functioning of organizations in the circular economy, governments can respond to the needs of the circular products and impact the business functioning ways. Large municipalities, in particular, have a positive impact on the community and industry, with maximized purchasing power and can influence millions of shareholders through effective policies and procedures. Moreover, public dedication, policies and regulations, programs specifically targeting the particular materials, environment-friendly purchasing in procurement, and long-term processing contracts can link the circular market with the enterprises. These steps from governments will pave way for the companies and will motivate them to join hands in sustainable construction waste management.

6. Role of enterprises toward circular economy

In our consistently growing industrialized and densely populated world, the present pattern of manufacturing and consumption of goods and materials by people around the world may not fulfill the necessities of consumers. The supply chain around the world is predominated by the linear economy, an economic model in which raw materials are treated, utilized, and then disposed of as waste. Due to the high cost of processes in a linear economy, and heavy dependence on fossil fuels, this unique method is a major producer of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

If businesses around the world continue normally with the same concept of linear economy till 2050, global demand for resources will continue and it could almost triple resulting in the land reserves being depleted by more than 400% [34]. If the world does not transition to a purely circular economy, it can stop a functioning society, not just the economy. Linear approaches such as further deforestation for agriculture, and persistent use of non-renewable resources in construction projects, which contributes to habitat degradation and contributes to climate change, are already in the sixth mass extinction. However, investors can support the global acceptance of the circular economy in several areas i.e., public and private equity, fixed income, etc. Such investment strategies, along with discouragement of businesses and interests that sustain the linear economy, can lead to a future of environmental, social, and economic sustainability [35].

Organizations globally are taking steps to adopt the circular economy practices in their manufacturing, production, and logistics procedures to obtain the benefits of the circular economy and help preserve the environment. According to Mazonni [36], the companies like Nike, Burger King, Loop, Ikea Furniture, Adidas, Puma, Patagonia, H&M, HP, and The North Face have successfully adopted the circular economy principles to get closer to optimizing their operations in which nothing becomes waste. This step will motivate other companies to follow as well. Furthermore, many cement and concrete manufacturing companies in Colombia are adopting sustainable product development goals with minimized energy and water consumption [37]. Apart from this, the flooring company Desso has adopted circular economy principles by utilizing the cradle-to-cradle approach in its operations. Similarly, the ventures like Cycle Up, Waste Marketplace, and Backacia are encouraging construction waste to recycle, reuse, and circularity adoption [38].

7. Conclusion

Sustainable waste management is a key concept in the circular economy and offers many opportunities and benefits for the economy, society, and the environment. This is a systemic approach to economic development that utilizes the waste management model and seeks to optimize economic growth from limited resources. Sustainable waste management helps meet the far-reaching challenges of a linear consumer society, but also offers a faster solution to many of the problems that waste causes. It includes collection, sorting, reuse, recycling, and, with the appropriate availability of facilities, provides energy and resources. This will create jobs, improve waste management techniques, and reduce the effect of human activities on the environment, leading to better air and water quality. It minimizes waste, protects against high environmental costs, and protects from dangerous health problems, thus improving the overall state of human life.

The goal of sustainable waste management is to use materials for as long as possible and to minimize the amount of solid waste that is discharged or incinerated in landfills. But in our current linear economy, waste is generated just before the product is produced. A deeper approach to sustainable waste management must focus on the entire product life cycle to help reduce the negative impacts of waste on the environment, society, and economy. Moreover, sustainable waste management reduces the utilization of natural resources. Recycling and reusing of materials extracted from nature should be ensured and the generation of as little waste as possible must be attained. We have to maintain sustainability for our environment and future generations. A sound and well-functioned sustainable waste management system should integrate feedback loops, concentrate on processes and procedures, adaptability and constructability, and divert waste from disposal.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and HITEC University for their support.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.