Assessing circular economy practices in architecture, engineering, and construction firms

Abstract The rapid growth of population and construction activities has exacerbated environmental issues, necessitating the adoption of Circular Economy (CE) principles in the construction industry. Despite their benefits, CE implementation remains limited in developing countries, including Indonesia. This study aims to analyze CE practices within Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms with large qualifications in East Java, Indonesia to address the knowledge gap. A quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire survey targeting 18 CE-related items, was used and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results show a partial implementation of CE practices, with mean values ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. However, the five most common implementations of CE principles in East Java’s construction industries include using modern construction methods such as prefabricated and modular products, ecological materials in design, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, waste prevention planning, and designing with non-toxic, durable, and reusable materials. The study suggests that there is still plenty of potential for improving and enhancing the integration of CE principles in East Java’s construction industries. This study contributes to revealing the current state of CE adoption among large-scale firms in East Java. It offers practical insights into which CE strategies are emerging and where implementation remains weak. These findings are intended to inform both academic understanding and policymaking, as well as support AEC companies’ efforts to enhance CE integration in similar regional contexts.