Unravelling complexity toward circularity: a system-dynamics based approach

Abstract This paper employed the System Dynamics (SD) methodological tool to investigate the intricate dynamics of transitioning to the circular economy, as a climate change mitigation strategy, in the building sector while focusing on stakeholder dynamics throughout the building life cycle. This paper’s methodological approach used a two-stage approach, encompassing problem articulation and formulation of dynamic hypothesis. In the problem articulation stage, this paper identified the stakeholder dynamics in the building life cycle thanks to a comprehensive critical literature review. This paper then delved deeper into the stakeholder dynamics in the formulation of dynamic hypothesis stage. The results revealed that the stakeholders are interdependent while working together to address common concerns. Furthermore, the results emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration and communication in overcoming barriers to the circular economy transition in the building sector. Thus, this paper aims to contribute to the understanding of stakeholder dynamics while streamlining the decision-making process and suggesting potential solutions for the effective implementation of the circular economy in the prevailing linear state of the building sector to pave the way for a collaborative and communicative approach to climate change mitigation. While recognizing the limitations, this paper suggests future research for a more comprehensive analysis of the complex system’s dynamics.