A Life Cycle Approach to Circular Economy in Construction: Strategies for Sustainable Transformation

The construction industry’s reliance on linear economic models has resulted in significant environmental challenges, including resource depletion and excessive waste generation. While circular economy principles offer a sustainable alternative, existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how these strategies apply across the entire construction life cycle. Many studies focus on isolated stages, such as material procurement or waste management, without considering the interdependencies between life cycle phases. Additionally, there is a gap in structured frameworks that guide construction companies in implementing circular practices effectively. To address these gaps, this study conducts a thematic literature review of 70 peer-reviewed studies to systematically examine circular economy strategies applicable to the construction industry. A key contribution of this research is categorising these strategies according to the life cycle stages of construction projects—design, construction, operation, and end-of-life—highlighting the importance of a life cycle perspective in circular construction. The findings reveal that while various circular strategies exist, their fragmented adoption is often hindered by regulatory barriers, financial constraints, and supply chain limitations. By integrating circular strategies within a life cycle framework, this study provides a structured understanding that supports construction companies, policymakers, and researchers in advancing circular economy adoption. The significance of this research lies in bridging knowledge gaps and providing a foundation for structured frameworks and assessment methods that enable a more systematic transition toward sustainability in the built environment.