Applying circular economy strategies in mitigating the perfect storm: The built environment context

Abstract

The simultaneous insecurity of water, energy, and food resources, known as the Perfect Storm, requires a mitigating solution for resource security and sustainability. Hence, given the existing gap in the built environment regarding the lack of a clear relationship between the circular economy concept and its contribution to mitigating the perfect storm, this paper utilizes a qualitative research methodology of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Bibliometric Analysis. The paper analyzed how the circular economy concept within the built environment can effectively reduce resource pressure, thereby mitigating the perfect storm. The research findings show that nine (9) successful circular economy strategies are used in the built environment. In using the concept of circular economy in the built environment to mitigate the perfect storm, the paper proposed four (4) circular economy solutions with areas of applications and how they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). These are material efficiency in building construction & circular economy strategies, Resource efficiency, organizational capital development in construction 4.0, and adoption of smart city principles, which address resource insecurity. The paper concluded that the study had widened the application of the circular economy concept from the need for production processes in the manufacturing sector to the prevention of unsustainable activities in the built environment and how it can aid in managing resources like water, energy, and food resources. The study also provided two policy recommendations: circular economy supply chain policies for the built environment and circular economy financing for sustainable materials.