Global Stakeholder Perceptions of Circular Building Adaptability, Open Building Methodology and Mass Timber Construction: A Qualitative Study

To meet global carbon emissions reduction targets we need to adopt sustainable construction practices and transition toward a Circular Economy (CE). The present paper proposes a combination of CE-focused technologies, Circular Building Adaptability (CBA), Open Building (OB) and Mass Timber Construction (MTC) working in concert to support emissions reduction objectives. A total of 158 participants aged between 18 and 65+, from Europe (20%), North America/Canada (32%), South America (3%), Africa/South Africa (3%), Middles East (3%), Asia Pacific (36%) and Southeast Asia & Asia (45) provided open text-based reponses to survey items as part of a larger project. The sample predominately consisted of those who identified as male (87%) and worked as Engineers primarily from the Asia Pacific region and North America/Canada. The paper aimed to assess international construction industry stakeholders’ perceptions of CBA, OB and MTC in delivering a more sustainable construction solution for our built environments. Using a Braun and Clarke (2006) Thematic Analaysis, applying a pragmatist lens, themes interpreted from the data coalesce toward the primary objective of achieving carbon reduction and mitigating the negative environmental impacts of construction activities in the built environment. Themes included, Cost, Economic Barriers, and Market Dynamics Perceptions, Knowledge Gaps, and Education Sustainability, Carbon Reduction, and Environmental Impact, Regulatory and Safety Concerns, Adaptability and the Circular Economy, Open Building Approach and Social Implications. Evidence from the study indicates support for the concepts with participants articulating concerns regarding the adoption of novel construction solutions. The outcomes are discussed, and future research recommendations are offered.