Technical Barriers and Challenges to Circular Strategies Implementation

This chapter examines the primary technical barriers and challenges that impede the transition to a circular economy within the built environment. It highlights the complexities involved in integrating circular practices into the industry which traditionally relies on linear models, government and society. The analysis explores technical barriers at the urban, building and material levels of the built environment through a problem-based approach. Findings highlight a lack of standardized methodologies, inadequate design strategies for reuse and adaptability, insufficient data on material performance, and constraints in current construction practices and regulations. Furthermore, it underscores how technical fragmentation and limited interoperability among systems hinder the advancement of circularity. The chapter also explores the potential benefits of digitalization, design for disassembly, and building information modelling (BIM) as a means to address these challenges. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders, supported by robust regulatory frameworks and innovation, to effectively implement circular economy principles in the construction industry.