Circular economic strategies for maximising the end-of-life value of modular buildings: a Delphi study

Purpose The construction industry is responsible for over 30% of natural resource extraction and 25% of global waste generation. Modular construction (MC) offers an opportunity to move towards a circular economy (CE), enhancing the value at the end-of-life stage through reuse and disassembly. However, a gap remains, prohibiting the full realisation of this potential. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a strategic framework that enhances the end-of-life value of MBs by integrating CE principles by investigating key parameters, identifying relevant CE principles and formulating integration strategies to maximise their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative research approach, using two Delphi rounds with experts selected through purposive sampling. The qualitative data were analysed using manual content analysis. Findings The research identifies six parameters that influence the end-of-life value of MBs and aligns them with suitable CE 9R principles. In total, 41 strategies are provided for integrating these principles with 6 parameters to enhance the end-of-life value of MBs. Originality/value The study findings present a systematic approach to integrating CE principles to enhance the end-of-life value of MBs. Identifying specific strategies integrating CE principles for each key parameter distinguishes it from previous research, which often lacks this level of focus on end-of-life parameter-specific strategies. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the practical application of CE concepts in MC. Further, it offers practical strategies for enhancing the end-of-life value of MB to promote a sustainable built environment.