Appraising circular economy business model adoption in construction projects to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11

Purpose Scarce resources and the high cost of construction materials, coupled with clients’ requests for value for money, are challenging. Innovations such as the circular economy business model (CEBM) can create value and deliver while ensuring sustainable construction projects. However, CEBM adoption may be stunned by barriers. There is a paucity of studies concerning CEBM and its relevance in improving the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 in Nigeria. This study aims to investigate hindrances facing CEBM adoption in construction projects and suggests measures to promote usage and, by extension, improve the achievement of SDG 11. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted qualitative research and collected primary data via oral interviews. A convenient sampling technique selected 28 participants. This comprised knowledgeable construction practitioners in circular economy (CE) and SDGs from Lagos and Abuja. The collated data were analysed manually. Findings Findings reveal that stakeholders should promote CEBM adoption in Nigeria’s construction project delivery to improve achieving Goal 11. Also, it grouped the perceived barriers to CEBM adoption in construction project delivery into construction contractor and/or housing developer, government and/or policymaker, economic, market and/or user and technological know-how-related barriers. The research recommended measures to promote CEBM adoption in construction projects and, by extension, improve the achievement of Goal 11. Originality/value This study adds to the paucity of literature by identifying CEBM barriers in construction project delivery. As part of the value, the findings will help in CEBM policy formulation uptake in construction project delivery and improve the achievement of SDG 11.