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Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Modular Construction to Enhance Sustainability

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  • Garusinghe Dewa Ayesha Udari Garusinghe

    (Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

  • Balasooriya Arachchige Kanchana Shiromi Perera

    (Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

  • Umesha Sasanthi Weerapperuma

    (Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Modular construction (MC) has gained attention due to its potential for fast construction, reduced construction waste, and lower environmental impact while having several other issues on stimulating sustainability. The circular economy (CE) focuses on better resource management through a closed-loop system. Even though MC enhances sustainable practice, several pitfalls barricade sustainability in MC (high initial investment, design consideration, and technology challenges). Nevertheless, the synergy between CE and MC has not been investigated in past studies to address the issues in MC to achieve sustainability. This study investigates the integration of CE principles in MC to enhance sustainability. This study used a qualitative approach via the Delphi technique by conducting three semi-structured expert interview rounds with the use of a purposive sampling method. The collected data were analysed using manual content analysis. This study identified nine notable issues in MC to achieve sustainability, and all CE 9-R (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle, and recover) principles could address those identified issues. Accordingly, thirty implementation strategies were recognised to fill the gap between the problems in MC and the potential of CE principles to solve the issues. The results provide insights for construction practitioners, policymakers, and researchers on integrating CE principles into MC processes to achieve sustainability goals. Ultimately, this study highlights the significance of a holistic approach by theoretically combining MC and CE principles as a benchmark for future studies. As a contribution, CE strives to make the planet a safe place to live by combatting resource depletion.

Suggested Citation

  • Garusinghe Dewa Ayesha Udari Garusinghe & Balasooriya Arachchige Kanchana Shiromi Perera & Umesha Sasanthi Weerapperuma, 2023. "Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Modular Construction to Enhance Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:11730-:d:1206158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Janappriya Jayawardana & Malindu Sandanayake & Asela K. Kulatunga & J. A. S. C. Jayasinghe & Guomin Zhang & S. A. Udara Osadith, 2023. "Evaluating the Circular Economy Potential of Modular Construction in Developing Economies—A Life Cycle Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-25, November.
    2. Rohit Kumar & Saurav Kumar Gupta & Hwang-Cheng Wang & C. Shyamala Kumari & Sai Srinivas Vara Prasad Korlam, 2023. "From Efficiency to Sustainability: Exploring the Potential of 6G for a Greener Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-45, November.
    3. Kaveesha Gihani Dewagoda & S. Thomas Ng & Mohan M. Kumaraswamy & Ji Chen, 2024. "Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA): Synergising Circularity and Modularity in the Building Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-27, October.

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