Incorporating circular economy principles into facilities management practice in Ghana: a theory-building conceptual framework

Purpose Facilities management (FM) regulates the most resource-intensive and longest stage of the built environment lifecycle but is peripheral within the theory of circular economy (CE). The study aims to build a conceptually rich theoretical framework of how the principles of CE can be systematically incorporated in FM practice in Ghana, a setting that is generally underrepresented in literature on CE-FM. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, theory-building research design, based on an integrative literature review of CE, FM, built environment sustainability, and Global South urban governance was used. Themes and conceptual abstraction were used to synthesise peer-reviewed journal articles, international standards and policy reports to combine CE principles with FM functions at governance, institutional and operational levels. Findings The study develops a multi-level CE-FM model that illustrates how circularity in building operations is achieved through the coordination of policy and regulatory indicators, organisational governance and procurement regimes, and operational FM practices in terms of asset management, energy, water and waste. The structural obstacles are short-term cost rationales, ineffective lifecycle information structures, and underdeveloped circular supply markets. Research limitations/implications Although the framework is based on Ghana-specific literature, contextual heterogeneity in Sub-Saharan Africa can restrict short-term applicability outside of Sub-Saharan Africa without empirical confirmation. Practical implications In practice, the framework can guide organisations and policymakers on what systemic levers should be in place to make FM operations circular. It emphasises the need to have stakeholder coordination, procurement innovation and capacity-building as tools of operationalising CE principles. Originality/value The paper contributes to theory by rebranding FM as a socio-technical governance intermediary at the centre of circular transitions in the built environment. It expands the theory of CE-FM into a Sub-Saharan African setting and offers a platform upon which future empirical studies can be carried out in FM research.