CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND RELIGIOUS HERITAGE CONSERVATION: ADAPTIVE REUSE CHALLENGES

Abstract

Today, we seek to reduce the raw materials extracted and the volume of waste generated through circular economy practices. In this context, heritage buildings hold unique advantages, with multiple economic and environmental benefits. This paper presents the results of quantitative and qualitative analysis of challenges of repurposing sacred heritage places through adaptive reuse and aims to identify how circular economy practices are embodied within the process. The analysis of 23 papers and studies published in the past thirty years showcased challenges varying from materials reuse to support from the local community and users of the new purposed buildings. With insights into the challenges of circular economy strategies in adaptive reuse, a framework for circular economy practices in heritage buildings preservation can be developed.