A Review on circular economy and its synergy with industrial symbiosis

Abstract

The construction industry, a major contributor to global material consumption and environmental impact is also pivotal for economic growth and job creation. Hence, transitioning to concepts like Circular Economy (CE) and Industrial Symbiosis (IS) offers a sustainable pathway in reinforcing the industry by mitigating the negative impacts. CE emphasizes principles like reduce, reuse and recycling to close loops, while IS fosters this through cross-industry collaboration by repurposing waste and by-products. This study explores synergies between CE and IS in the context of the construction industry to address the implementation gaps of the two concepts. Through a narrative literature review, this study analyses definitions, and principles to CE adoption in construction sector, such as fragmented regulations, high costs, technical limitations. Moreover, findings reveal that IS is a critical enabler for CE in bridging implementation gaps. This is by facilitating material exchanges between different industries This study also explored current practices of these concepts in various regions. Though the studies prove this synergy, between CE and IS, it was also highlighted that practical challenges persist, at the same time underscoring role of the IS concept due to the lack of trust and systemic linkage. In concluding the research, it was emphasized that policymakers and industries must prioritize in creating and working on collaborative frameworks, standardising regulations while ensuring the construction sector aligns with sustainable development goals.