Roadmap for implementing circular construction practices in India – an overview

Abstract

Globally, the construction industry is considered as one of the biggest consumers of natural resources and is a generator of large quantities of demolition wastes. Hence, the full-scale adoption of circular economy (CE) in the construction industry not only conserves the natural resources but also reduces the environmental pollution by reusing the demolition wastes. Despite the recognized potential of the concept of circular economy, the application of CE in the construction industry is still in its infancy and is limited, especially, in developing countries like India. Though the circularity elements are applied in construction sector in India to a certain extent, there is still a long way to go for the large-scale adoption of CE practices. Improvements in supply chain system, incorporating reused and recycled materials and minimizing the use of virgin materials in construction, implementing modular constructions, using digital tools are some of the solutions that can be adopted towards achieving circular economy in construction. In this context, present study discusses the practices currently adopted in construction sector in India towards achieving circular economy. Further, the methodologies adopted in other countries and limitations in implementing these technologies in India, towards circular construction, are discussed. Learning from the principles/concepts of other countries that are successfully adopting CE solutions, this study provides roadmap for implementing construction practices in India to make this sector less resource intensive.