Construction and demolition waste management in the United Arab Emirates through the 3R principle Open Access

The construction industry significantly impacts the natural environment, often leading to serious challenges such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and waste generation. Rising awareness of the critical need for sustainable practices and efficient waste management in this sector has emerged (Swarnakar and Khalfan, 2024). Sustainability initiatives in this industry are diverse, encompassing efforts to reduce negative environmental impacts, enhance community welfare, and maintain economic stability throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects (Bialko, 2017). Such efforts include advocating for efficient energy consumption, preserving natural resources, reducing waste generation, and adopting environmentally friendly products (Lawrence, 2015). Despite these efforts, the continuous expansion of urban areas has led to a significant increase in CDW. Moreover, only a small fraction of this waste is recycled, most of which is landfilled or dumped illegally (Wilson, 2015). Consequently, the resources required to transport and dispose of this waste increase yearly, necessitating improved CDW management to ensure sustainable development (Ding et al., 2023).

The adverse impacts of increased CDW waste generation stretch to communities globally, creating diverse challenges. CDW waste includes unwanted materials produced directly or indirectly from activities related to construction and demolition processes. Construction waste comprises various materials, ranging from large-scale materials like concrete, masonry, wood, steel, and electrical wiring to less noticeable elements like nails, insulation, chemicals, and materials generated during site preparation, such as vegetation, rubble, and dredging material. Demolition waste includes debris from building demolition activities. Both waste types may contain hazardous substances like lead, asbestos, and other potentially harmful materials (Municipality of Dubai, 2015).

Several studies have been carried out in the field of CDW management, focusing on a hierarchical approach of reduce, reuse, and recycle techniques, which are identified as the main principles in CDW management with well-documented efforts to implement them individually or in combination (Huang et al., 2018; Kabirifar et al., 2020). In parallel, the CE has gained interest in recent years and has been acknowledged as a key concept for efficient waste management (Kirchherr et al., 2017; Pomponi and Moncaster, 2017). It is considered an umbrella concept encompassing strategies focused on reducing, recycling, and recovering materials and resources that flow through economic activities (Christensen et al., 2022). Implementing production patterns that close the loop requires the integration of sustainable practices from the early design stage of products to consumption and disposal. Adopting CE practices can minimize reliance on virgin raw materials, decrease waste sent to landfill, and promote a sustainable approach to using circular construction materials (Ghisellini et al., 2016; Hossain et al., 2020).

Studies have also analyzed the five essential stages of the Waste Management Hierarchy (El Haggar, 2010) namely the 3Rs coupled with treatment and disposal. Unlike treatment or recovery options, which are usually categorized within general waste management practices, disposal is not considered an efficient approach. Reducing waste is always the most desirable outcome of management (Lu and Yuan, 2011). However, the generation of CDW is inevitable; consequently, implementing reusing and recycling becomes pragmatic managerial strategies (Yuan et al., 2011). Therefore, the 3Rs principle is the elemental component of CDW management. Reuse involves more actions beyond using materials more than once; it advocates for giving them different roles from their original ones. If the generated waste cannot be reused, it should be converted into new materials through recycling (Kabirifar et al., 2020). Administrative authorities in various countries recognize the relevance of addressing efficient CDW management through the implementation of regulations and policies. Most sustainability policies in the construction industry focus on reducing waste, promoting recycling, and ensuring regulatory compliance with responsible disposal. Properly managing CDW mitigates resource depletion and improves other industry-related impacts (Lu and Tam, 2013; Zhao et al., 2022). Nevertheless, the configuration of CDW varies between geographies and is typically associated with the socioeconomic situation, highlighting the necessity for location-specific tailored policies and frameworks (Knoth et al., 2022).

The building industry in the UAE faces significant challenges caused by the increasing amounts of CDW, which negatively impact the industry's effectiveness and productivity (Saradara et al., 2023). Figure 1 shows the CDW statistics in the UAE till 2022 (Federal Competitiveness and Statistics and Centre, 2022). There has been a notable increase over the years, which may be attributed to inadequate project planning, widespread lack of environmental awareness among workers, and insufficient designs leading to reworks (Mawed et al., 2020; Rogers, 2011). In addition, the inclination towards shorter lifespans of buildings leads to early destruction, hence exacerbating the problem of CDW (Rauf, 2022). The UAE has aggressively addressed these challenges by implementing stringent sustainability efforts (Saradara et al., 2023).

However, few studies have reported the various facets of CDW management, including policies, plans, and challenges in the context of the UAE (Al-Hajj and Hamani, 2011; Bialko, 2023) none of the literature has provided a framework for CE adoption to manage CDW in the UAE. This study aims to review the existing policies and management process of CDW in the UAE, analyze the challenges associated with CDW management, and develop and propose a holistic 3R principle-based conceptual framework for CE adoption in the UAE construction sector. It describes various building lifecycle stages, solutions for associated challenges, and systematic guidelines for handling CDW in each lifecycle stage for effective management. The study findings will encourage construction stakeholders to adopt 3R principles and implement CE in their organizations.

The structure of this article is as follows: section two covers the methodology applied in the study. Data analysis and findings are discussed in the third section. The fourth section delineates the development of a conceptual 3R principle-based conceptual framework for CE implementation in the UAE construction sector. The discussion of this study is provided in the fifth section. The sixth section presents the conclusion, limitations, and directions for future research.

Figure 2 depicts the methodological approach of the study. In this study, a comprehensive review was conducted to analyze the existing CDW management policies, processes, and green building regulations and KPIs in the UAE, utilizing a desk-based search approach involving official documents from the government and other regulatory bodies to understand the current state of waste management. Additionally, the challenges of CDW management in the UAE were analyzed through scholarly literature from three sources (Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) to minimize the chances of missing relevant articles.

The search for CDW management challenges was limited to the “3R principle” (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) perspective, as CE research is still nascent in the UAE. The study adopted a systematic literature review methodology to search for relevant articles using the following keywords: “Construction and Demolition Waste” OR “Circular Economy” OR “3R principles” OR “Framework” AND “United Arab Emirates” AND “Construction” in the title, abstract, and keywords. The primary search yielded 173 articles (55 in Google Scholar, 74 in SCOPUS, and 44 in Web of Science). Following the primary search, the authors applied predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to refine these results, ultimately narrowing the selection down to 10 pertinent articles for detailed analysis.

The inclusion criteria were: (1) research focusing on at least one aspect of the 3R principles in the construction and demolition sector within the UAE, and (2) no restrictions on article type or publication year. The exclusion criteria were: (1) research focusing on other CE disciplines, (2) research from sectors outside construction and demolition, (3) articles without full text, (4) articles not in English, and (5) duplicate articles.

A comprehensive analysis of existing management policies, key points on CDW waste management in green building regulations, KPIs, CDW management methods, and challenges related to CDW in the UAE provided an overview of the current CDW situation and a basis for developing a holistic conceptual 3R principle-based CE framework. This framework aims to assist CDW management managers, planners, and decision-makers in effectively adopting CE principles for sustainable CDW management in the UAE.

This section provides a detailed analysis of the existing CDW management policies, management methods and challenges in the context of UAE.

National and regional legislation, coupled with policies for sustainable infrastructure and development, aim to divert CDW from landfills. Notable policies include the UAE Vision 2021, UAE-UN sustainable development goals, National Sustainable Production and Consumption Plan (2019–2030), UAE Net Zero 2050, and UAE Circular Economy Policy (Saradara et al., 2023). Collectively, these initiatives aim to reduce GHG emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5^oC above pre-industrial levels. They also promote a shift towards a circular economy, ensuring sustainable resource management and optimal resource utilization.

The UAE Federal Environmental Agency, established in 1993 under Federal Law No. (7), is responsible for formulating policies, evaluating environmental consequences, enforcing legislation, and advocating for sustainability. The primary legislation governing environmental protection and waste materials management is Federal Law No. 24 of 1999, known as the Protection and Development of the Environment (Government of United Arab Emirates, 1999). This law sets clear guidelines for adequately handling, treating, and disposing of waste materials, promoting recycling, waste reduction, and pollution control to protect the environment and foster sustainable development. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCE) enacted Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 to establish a comprehensive waste management system (MOCCE, 2018a). This legal framework covers all aspects of waste management, from production to final disposal, including sorting, transportation, storage, recycling, and treatment.

To enhance the recycling rate and achieve the country's zero waste objective, the MOCCE issued Ministerial Resolution No. 21 of 2019 (MOCCE, 2019). This policy promotes the use of recycled aggregates from CDW in the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects by the UAE's public and private sectors. These recycled materials can be used for various purposes, such as paving roads or filling earth at construction sites, provided they undergo quality testing in laboratories to meet UAE criteria and certification requirements of LEED and BREEAM (EmiratesGBC, 2020). Local governments in the UAE supervise waste management responsibilities within their Emirates. Table 1 displays notable policies and legislation in the nation for waste management.

Additionally, in 2018, the UAE government adopted the national waste management database platform for connection and collaboration among waste management agencies across all emirates. It was established to manage and unify waste data across the seven emirates, supporting the UAE's Vision 2021 goals. It tracks the quantity of both non-hazardous and hazardous waste produced, and routinely calculates the percentages treated via various methods, including recycling, composting, incineration (both with and without energy recovery), and export for final disposal. The database also enables local authorities to access dynamic reports concerning their specific data (MOCCE, 2018b).

By 2022, the implementation of legislative measures resulted in a substantial increase in the recycling rate of CDW to an impressive 91%, aligning with the global focus on improving waste management (Federal Competitiveness and Statistics and Centre, 2022). CDW management in the UAE is tackled through recycling techniques, transforming waste into energy with innovative technologies, and improving waste separation and collection systems. The UAE is committed to reducing negative environmental impacts in metropolitan areas, promoting air quality, and enhancing waste management methods at both local and broader levels (Saradara et al., 2023).

Figure 3 illustrates the flow of the CDW management process in the UAE (Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, 2019a). It presents a thorough strategy for handling CDW, highlighting the significance of segregating waste on-site and implementing effective waste management procedures. The classification separates non-hazardous recyclable and non-putrescible solid waste, such as glass, metals, paper, plastics, and wood, from hazardous waste, which encompasses chemical and medical waste (Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, 2019b; Municipality of Dubai, 2015). Following segregation, the waste is gathered and transported by providers approved by the government, adhering to environmental guidelines and permits. In the final stage of the process, different waste management strategies are employed. These include recycling and resource recovery, energy recovery, physicochemical treatment, stabilization, and disposal in sanitary landfills. By following a systematic approach, waste handling is able to comply with regulatory standards and contribute to sustainability in construction waste management (Saradara et al., 2023).

The UAE has successfully implemented a thorough strategy for recycling CDW by establishing specialized facilities that are overseen by various municipal authorities. The Center of Waste Management Tadweer in Abu Dhabi was established in 2008 and is responsible for waste policy. It operates facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, where it recycles CDW into different gravel sizes for infrastructure projects and sand for landfill cover (Saradara et al., 2023). More recently, Tadweer has also been advancing waste-to-energy projects as part of its sustainability initiatives, converting non-recyclable waste into energy, thereby further reducing the dependency on landfills and promoting a circular economy in the region (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company, 2024).

In 2012, Dubai's waste management department developed a comprehensive plan to eliminate the use of landfills within two decades. The primary objective of this plan is to convert solid waste into energy (Government of Dubai, 2022). The Bee'ah facility in Sharjah processes various types of construction and demolition waste materials. These materials are transformed into environmentally friendly construction products such as eco-curbstones and road aggregates. Additionally, the facility recovers metals and produces recyclable products that meet industry standards (BEEAH Group Sharjah, 2007). These initiatives demonstrate a significant transition towards sustainable waste management and recycling in the construction sector throughout the UAE.

Since 2006, the UAE has proactively enhanced its sustainability standards for new buildings by implementing regional green building certifications (Emirates Green Building Council, 2006). These green building regulations include detailed guidelines for the management and recycling of CDW. These regulations aim to foster sustainability and promote environmental responsibility within the construction sector. The regulations require the reduction, reuse, and recycling of CDW to minimize the environmental impact of building activities. Key points of CDW management in these regulations are summarized in Table 2.

In Abu Dhabi, the Estidama Pearl rating system, alongside Dubai's Al Sa'fat regulation and Ras Al Khaimah's Barjeel regulations, all emphasize stringent waste segregation and recycling to enhance environmental sustainability.

The significant shift towards sustainability requires a comprehensive set of indicators to monitor and evaluate progress, opportunities, and risks accurately. The indicators should provide an empirical basis for policymakers to set goals, develop strategies, and evaluate results. The MOCCAE has significantly advanced in developing a set of green economic metrics that align with the UAE Green Agenda (MOCCE, 2015). 41 Green KPIs are selected and classified according to the three elements of sustainable development: environmental, economic, and social. Figure 4 displays the list of these green KPIs.

This collection of indicators is anticipated to support policymakers, businesses, and civil society in understanding the connection between the economy and the environment. Environmental KPIs focus on metrics such as energy consumption, waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions. Economic KPIs include indicators related to GDP, investments, and the performance of green sectors. Social KPIs measure aspects like employment rates, innovation, and environmental awareness. This structured approach enables a multi-dimensional evaluation of sustainability initiatives, facilitating targeted policy interventions and promoting a holistic understanding of the green economy's impact.

Despite regulations and policies aimed at controlling CDW in the UAE, there has been a steep increase in CDW over the years. To understand this issue, we analyzed the challenges associated with waste management through the lens of the 3R perspective—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This analysis involves conducting a systematic literature review to understand the existing barriers and challenges in implementing effective waste management strategies. By examining scholarly articles, this review aims to synthesize knowledge on the effectiveness of current practices.

The systematic search observed the limited adoption of CE principles in CDW management in the UAE. The selected articles on CDW management commonly adopted the recycling approach within the “3R principles”. The literature predominantly addresses barriers and challenges associated with CDW management, with less attention given to existing management methods and regulations. The studies on CE and CDW management in the UAE construction industry is summarized in Table 3. This table provides an overview of various studies on CDW management across different lifecycle stages in the UAE, each exploring unique aspects of CE principles.

Figure 5 illustrates the challenges of CDW management in the UAE construction industry based on the studies listed in Table 3. It is evident that waste management in the construction sector faces substantial barriers across three key areas: reduction, reuse, and recycling. Under the reduction principle, main challenges include reworks like design change effect on CDW, poor material quality, poor supply chain and material handling, lack of usage of digital technology like BIM, inefficient planning and methods for building construction, lack of usage of Lean construction practices and lack of work culture and environmental awareness. Material contamination, complexity of waste streams, lack of regulations and material certifications and the underdeveloped market for recycled and reused materials indicate significant barriers to reuse and recycle of CDW.

The construction industry is commonly perceived as prioritizing project delivery with limited concern for environmental protection, despite recognizing adverse impacts on the local ecosystem and beyond (Mawed et al., 2020) Various factors, such as procurement processes, material handling procedures, construction practices, and the attitudes and behavior of the construction team, influence the causes and sources of construction waste generation (Bialko, 2023; Hittini and Shibeika, 2019; Mawed et al., 2020).

Nevertheless, these studies highlight the need to implement a combination of digital technology, legislative support, sustainable building standards, and creative business models to manage CDW effectively. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is crucial for improving the efficiency of waste monitoring and sorting procedures (Nie et al., 2024). Implementing a comprehensive policy may guarantee that the practices are included in the national waste management framework. These features are combined in flexible business models that can adjust to the changing demands of CDW management, helping the UAE achieve its sustainability objectives (Saradara et al., 2023).

Despite these studies on obstacles and enablers for successful CDW management, the review observed a significant gap in the literature related to the absence of a CE framework and roadmap for deployment in the UAE construction sector. This gap encourages authors to develop and propose a holistic conceptual CE framework focusing on the 3Rs principle throughout the building construction lifecycle. The absence of a CE framework has notably contributed to the rise in CDW throughout the country over the past decade. Consequently, the authors have developed a conceptual framework based on the 3R principles of the circular economy. This development came after thoroughly reviewing existing policies, understanding the waste management processes, and analyzing the challenges associated with CDW management within the Emirates of the UAE. The result is a conceptual framework designed to assist construction managers, planners, and decision-makers in implementing the 3R principles across various building lifecycle stages to promote sustainable practices. The successful deployment of the proposed conceptual framework will promote circularity, address the shortcomings of the existing waste management system, and encourage sustainable practices within the UAE construction sector.

The conceptual framework depicted in the Figure 6 provides a comprehensive approach to implementing CE principles in construction. Construction managers can adopt the proposed framework in their organization by following the systematic process illustrated in Figure 6. Similar to the circular notion, the system boundary continues indefinitely until all material is recycled. The conceptual framework depicted in Figure 6 is subdivided into three major components, each dedicated to a specific aspect of integrating CE principles within the construction industry. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive application of sustainable practices throughout the building lifecycle. Each framework component is strategically developed to facilitate the deployment of the 3R strategies—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—at every stage, from the initial planning and design to the final demolition. This ensures that stakeholders have clear guidelines on effectively incorporating these practices into their projects, thus promoting sustainability in the construction sector.

Upon reviewing the current CDW management policies in the UAE, it becomes apparent that the focus has primarily been on the management of CDW rather than on actively reducing it. Among the 3R strategies for CDW and CE, waste reduction stands out as the most effective measure due to its minimal environmental impact (Blaisi, 2019). It is given utmost importance when developing CDW management plans. Implementing strict guidelines for building design, procurement, and construction is essential for minimizing CDW. During the design phase, it is vital to prioritize materials with little potential for generating waste (Fagone et al., 2023). CE is highly effective during the initial design phase, prioritizing careful disassembly in design, design with modularity and prefabrication, and design using reused and recycled materials, thus achieving economic benefits and optimizing outcomes (Guerra and Leite, 2021). These concepts encounter difficulties such as intricate execution and the need for specialized expertise and technology. Tools like BIM can help choose sustainable materials and determine how much material can be recovered at the end of a project's life (Charef and Emmitt, 2021). During procurement, initiatives such as sustainable sourcing and supplier collaboration prioritize the selection of materials that promote the reuse of materials (Chen et al., 2022). Additionally, these strategies include working closely with suppliers to ensure that goods are developed under circular principles. This improves the efficiency of materials and decreases waste. Construction phase strategies like modular construction and on-site recycling advocate for pre-assembled components and processing waste into reusable materials on-site, respectively. This facilitates dismantling and reusing materials (Mackenbach et al., 2020; Minunno et al., 2018). Lean construction practices are advocated for the design of production systems to minimize the waste of materials, time, and effort and generate the maximum possible value (Bayhan et al., 2023). During the operation and maintenance, as well as the end-of-life phases, strategies such as predictive maintenance (Hosamo et al., 2022) and deconstruction prioritize prolonging the lifespan of materials and systematically dismantling them for reuse. This promotes a closed-loop system where materials are continuously recycled within the economy instead of being discarded. Site waste management (SWM) is integrated throughout the building lifecycle, encompassing the design, construction, and end-of-life phases. During the design phase, decisions regarding the use of reused and recycled materials are guided by SWM outcomes, which assess and process materials for their potential reuse. In the construction phase, SWM involves on-site sorting, assessment, and processing to ensure that materials are either reused within the project or recycled into new products, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. In the end-of-life phase, SWM plays a crucial role in the systematic dismantling and recycling materials, aligning with CE principles and supporting the overall sustainability of the construction process.

In the context of this CE framework, KPIs play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented strategies across the building lifecycle (Krishnadas Mazumder, 2016). Several KPIs are particularly relevant in the context of CDW management within the UAE. From the Environmental KPIs, “Waste generation per capita” (ENV3) and “Rate of waste recovery” (ENV4) are crucial for monitoring the volume of construction-related waste and assessing the effectiveness of recycling and reuse efforts in the construction sector. Additionally, “Environmental expenditure” (ENV13) provides insights into the financial resources allocated towards waste management practices in construction projects. On the economic side, “GDP from environmental goods and services” (ECO4) and “R&D expenditure in GDP” (ECO5) are significant. These indicators collectively help measure the efficiency and sustainability of CDW management in the construction industry (MOCCE, 2015).

In the realm of construction and demolition, effective SWM is paramount to advancing sustainability within the industry. The emphasis is increasingly shifting towards sustainable practices that include waste minimization strategies. These strategies are pivotal in reducing waste at the source, reusing materials wherever possible, and recycling them to extend their utility, thereby significantly reducing the environmental impact of construction projects (de Magalhães et al., 2017). Implementing these measures not only helps in conserving resources but also promotes sustainability throughout the building lifecycle. Additionally, establishing a comprehensive SWM plan outlines specific procedures and standards for effective waste handling, segregation, and disposal. This plan ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and fosters sustainable waste management practices during construction and demolition phases (Ouda et al., 2018). Figure 7 illlustrates the detailed site waste management plan.

Further enhancing CDW management, on-site collection and sorting, and on-site recycling processes play crucial roles (Ghaffar et al., 2020). On-site collection and sorting involve a systematic approach to gathering and categorizing CDW materials at the construction site based on their type—such as wood, metal, concrete, plastic, and hazardous materials (Bao et al., 2020). This categorization is essential for facilitating efficient recycling and disposal, thereby minimizing environmental impact. On-site recycling processes these materials directly at the construction site, transforming them into secondary materials that can be reused in new construction projects. Alongside these operational strategies, regulatory compliance is enforced through measures like increasing landfill taxes and imposing penalties for non-compliance, while offering incentives such as tax reductions and subsidies for the use of secondary materials (Charef and Lu, 2021). At the End of Life phase, materials undergo a rigorous physical assessment at demolition sites to determine their suitability for reuse, recycling, or disposal (Bertino et al., 2021; Ding et al., 2023; Pantini and Rigamonti, 2020).

At recycling facilities, these materials are processed and reintroduced into the construction cycle, contributing to the development of a circular market (Charef and Lu, 2021; Chen et al., 2022). This market is essential for the provision of secondary raw materials, which are pivotal in reducing reliance on virgin resources and enhancing the sustainability of construction practices (Shooshtarian et al., 2022). Moreover, the design phase of construction projects incorporates these recycled materials, aligning material selection with sustainability objectives (Guerra and Leite, 2021).

In the push towards a circular construction economy, several key drivers like digital technology, policy support, financial incentives, business model innovation, and training and knowledge distribution are instrumental in embedding sustainable practices within the industry.

• (1)

  Digital technology

Digital Technology facilitates a seamless transition by enabling predictive and strategic planning for reuse throughout the building lifecycle. Advanced digital tools such as BIM, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Big Data analytics play pivotal roles (Elghaish et al., 2023; Succar and Poirier, 2020). These technologies help manage the physical flow of materials and the intangible flow of information, ensuring efficient resource use and enhanced collaboration across various sectors (Mehran, 2016). Particularly, BIM not only aids in precise design and resource allocation but also enables the incorporation of material passports, which are crucial for tracking the environmental impact and potential for reuse of materials from construction to end-of-life (Charef et al., 2019).

• (2)

  Policy support

In the UAE, policy support for CE principles in construction is strongly anchored in the UAE Green Building Regulations and Specifications, which aim to advance sustainability in the built environment (Saradara et al., 2023). These regulations are part of a broader strategy to ensure that new buildings adhere to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly standards, significantly supporting CE initiatives. The UAE's commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by its Vision 2021 and CE Policy, which includes specific targets for increasing the use of green technologies and reducing the ecological footprint of construction activities (UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, 2010). Integrating these policies promotes the adoption of recycling and reuse practices in construction projects, encourages the use of sustainable materials, and supports innovative construction techniques that align with circular economy goals. This regulatory framework drives compliance and incentivizes the construction industry to adopt more sustainable practices, thereby fostering a market for renewable and recyclable building materials.

• (3)

  Financial incentives

Financial incentives are crucial in supporting the construction industry's adoption of CE principles. These incentives can take various forms and significantly impact businesses and stakeholders by encouraging themo integrate sustainable practices into their operations (Koc et al., 2023; Munaro et al., 2020). As part of the UAE's circular economy policy, there is a strategic emphasis on developing a variety of measures to optimize the use and lifecycle of urban assets and materials. Economic incentives play a crucial role in this strategy by decreasing the demand for virgin materials and encouraging the increased use of recycled content and waste streams. These incentives are designed to shift market dynamics towards more sustainable practices and support the economic viability of recycling industries (Saradara et al., 2023).

• (4)

  Business model innovation

Circular Business Models encourage adopting practices that extend the lifecycle of materials and transform products into services. For example, the “Product as Service” model reimagines product ownership, keeping it with the manufacturer or provider and merely leasing it to users, thus promoting longevity and recyclability (Salvador et al., 2021). Other models, such as “Sharing Platforms” and “Refurbishment,” maximize the utility and lifespan of resources. These innovative business models facilitate the shift from a linear to a circular system, encouraging multiple uses and optimizing the value of materials throughout their lifecycle (Goyal et al., 2018).

• (5)

  Training and knowledge distribution

Training programs are necessary in companies to ensure that professionals involved in CE projects are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and certifications required for their new roles and responsibilities (Hart et al., 2019; Kirchherr et al., 2018). Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement within project teams can facilitate their acceptance of technical and strategic project changes (Munaro et al., 2020). In addition, educational programs and professional training are crucial in spreading awareness about circular construction and expanding the market for renewable materials (Chen et al., 2022).

The rapid increase of CDW in the UAE (refer to Figure 1) poses significant environmental and socioeconomic challanges, necessitating a well-designed and efficient control and management plan for its mitigation. Over the years, the UAE has implemented a series of comprehensive policies and regulations to enhance waste management, including Federal Law No. 24 of 1999, Federal Law No. 12 of 2018, and Ministerial Decision No. 21 of 2019, which specifically encourage the use of recycled materials in construction projects. Additionally, green building regulations such as Estidama in Abu Dhabi and Al Sa'fat in Dubai mandate that at least 50% of waste materials generated during construction and demolition be recycled or reused, with additional credits awarded for higher recycling rates.

While the UAE has established strategic measures and green KPIs to manage CDW sustainably, with an ambitious goal of achieving net zero waste by 2050, there remains a critical gap in the form of a systematic implementation framework and clear guidelines for real-world application. The review highlights this issue, identifying significant obstacles that hinder effective CDW management (Hittini and Shibeika, 2019; Nie et al., 2024). A detailed examination of the challenges in CDW management (Figure 5) reveals several underlying issues contributing to inefficiencies. Notably, the lack of a structured framework for adopting circularity principles within the UAE construction sector limits the translation of strategic goals into actionable practices, impeding progress toward sustainable waste management and circular economic objectives (Nie et al., 2024). Identified challenges include poor project planning, inadequate environmental awareness, and inappropreate design, all of which lead to increased CDW (Al-Hajj and Hamani, 2011). For instance, Mawed et al. (2020) highlighted that poor planning and frequent design changes are primary contributors to CDW generation, resulting in excessive waste due to rework and inefficiencies. Additionally, Rogers (2011) reported about general lack of environmental consciousness among construction workers as a significant barrier to effective CDW management, leading to inadequate implementation of on-site waste reduction practices.

Furthermore, the review reveals that while the UAE's existing policies and regulations aim to promote sustainability, they have not fully succeeded in integrating CE principles into CDW management. For example, Saradara et al. (2023) emphasize that although recycling is often the focus, there is a significant gap in implementing comprehensive CE frameworks that could enhance the effectiveness of waste management practices. These studies highlight the absence of waste management protocols at the inception of construction projects and insufficient on-site waste segregation as critical issues exacerbating challenges in CDW management. The gaps in current waste management practices underscore the need for a holistic 3R framework. The proposed framework in this study addresses these gaps by providing a structured approach to managing CDW throughout the building lifecycle.

A structured framework describing various building lifecycle stages and steps to manage CDW by aligning policies, legislation, management process, plans, and considering solutions to associated challenges can help effectively manage CDW in the UAE. This study proposes a holistic conceptual 3R principle-based CE framework for managing CDW in the UAE construction sector. Figures 6 and 7 depict a holistic conceptual framework based on 3R principles for implementing CE practices in building construction. It highlights the importance of meticulous disassembly, optimizing resource usage, and making sustainable material choices throughout the various building lifecycle stages. Considering recycled products during the design and procurement phases and using digital technologies like BIM tools in design and lean construction practices aid in reducing waste and optimizing material recovery (Charef and Emmitt, 2021). The waste generated during the construction process is effectively controlled by implementing on-site sorting, reuse, and recycling methods. Manufacturers of recycled products and circular markets play a crucial role in converting recovered materials. The framework proposes the implementation of waste sorting on site. It offers two options for waste management: either reusing the waste within the project or recycling it through authorized suppliers, enhancing the circular market. This strategic approach ensures the efficient use of recyclable resources, thereby minimizing the need for virgin raw materials.

Active stakeholder involvement is essential to promote the recycling and reuse of waste materials and address any disregard for sustainability in activities (Koc et al., 2023). Adopting business models that maintain high residual values of materials can improve the circularity of CDW management, thereby preventing the need for landfill disposal. Government intervention with policy support and economic incentives is essential to overseeing and incentivizing the recycling of CDW in construction, promoting circularity, and fulfilling the increasing need for building materials.

Thus, this study guides construction managers, planners, and decision-makers by providing a set of existing policies, legislation, CDW management in green building regulations, KPIs for monitoring CDW, CDW process flow, and challenges related to CDW management in the UAE. Furthermore, the study provides a holistic framework describing various building lifecycle stages, solutions for associated challenges, and systematic guidelines for handling CDW in each lifecycle stage for effective management. It will encourage construction stakeholders to adopt 3R principles and implement CE in their organizations.

This study highlights the vital need for a robust and actionable framework that can guide the management of CDW in the UAE, adhering to circular economy principles. Despite the UAE's ambitious targets to achieve net-zero waste by 2050, the research identified a distinct gap in the practical implementation of policies and strategies designed to support this objective. This conclusion builds upon insights drawn from an extensive review of policies, legislations, and detailed analysis of current CDW management, practices, green building regulations, KPIs, and academic literature, revealing critical challenges that impede effective CDW management and the broader adoption of circularity in the construction sector. Identified challenges, such as the lack of standardized techniques and insufficient planning, require urgent attention to enhance CDW management practices. This attention is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and significantly reduce the environmental impact of CDW.

This research proposes a detailed 3R principle-based framework aimed at embedding CE practices into the building construction lifecycle, from design through to demolition and waste processing. This framework is designed to serve as a blueprint for construction professionals, policymakers, and environmental managers, guiding them in integrating sustainable waste management strategies. It suggests specific actions for each construction phase, ensuring that materials are used more efficiently and minimizing waste generation.

The key to successfully implementing this framework is overcoming several identified barriers, including the need for stronger policy support, digital technology, business model innovation, and circular market development. The study points to the potential of technological innovations, such as BIM and material passports, to facilitate greater transparency and efficiency in the use of materials. These technologies can help track and optimize material usage throughout the construction process, essential for minimizing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.

The study also highlights the importance of economic incentives as a driver for change by adjusting economic policies to favor green building practices and the use of recycled materials. Additionally, the research stresses the role of education and training programs in raising awareness about the benefits of CE practices and equipping professionals with the necessary skills to implement these practices effectively.

The study presents a holistic approach to improving waste circularity, reducing environmental impact, offering socioeconomic benefits, and propelling the UAE's construction industry toward a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future. However, the study has some limitations. It focused solely on the 3R principles of CE, reviewed CDW management policies, plans, and processes through desk-based research, identified challenges from scholarly articles, and analyzed the content using qualitative methods only.

Future research could apply a mixed method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research, to assess existing CDW management challenges, strategies, treatment approaches, CE adoption practices, and other related facets through ground-level studies. Further research should be conducted to analyze the integration of CE principles in the UAE's construction sector to explore several pivotal areas and enhance and validate the proposed 3R principle-based framework. Initiatives should include the execution of pilot projects across diverse regions to assess the framework's real-world applicability and to identify practical challenges and potential improvements. Furthermore, integrating advanced technologies such as the IoT, and blockchain could revolutionize waste tracking, sorting, and recycling processes. Innovations in materials and construction techniques should also be investigated to decrease waste and increase recyclability.

Additionally, new R principles of CE can be incorporated into the framework, with pilot tests performed in real environments to identify challenges and provide solutions for mitigation. The success of CDW management relies on validation through pertinent case studies to pave the way for a sustainable and circular future.

This publication is based upon work supported by Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under Award No. FSU-2023-007 - Project 8474000460. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the staff and faculty at the Department of Management Science and Engineering for their valuable insights and assistance.