Road map for implementing circular construction practices in India: an overview

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 would not only conserve natural resources but also reduce environmental pollution by reusing demolition waste. Despite the recognised potential of the concept of CE, the application of CE in the construction industry is still in its infancy and is limited, particularly in developing countries such as India. Although circularity elements are applied in the 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 the supply chain system, incorporation of reused and recycled materials and minimisation of the use of virgin materials in construction, implementation of modular construction and use of digital tools are some of the solutions that can be adopted towards achieving CE in construction. In this context, the present study discusses the practices currently adopted in the construction sector in India towards achieving CE. 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 a road map for implementing construction practices in India to make this sector less resource intensive.