Application of circular economy principles into tropical building designs: a literature review

Abstract

The increasing intensity of global population growth has heightened the demand for buildings in tropical zones. Consequently, meeting this burgeoning demand poses a significant challenge to the construction sector, compounded by resource scarcity. As a result, there is mounting pressure on construction building designs to transition towards more sustainable practices. In response, Circular Economy (CE) principles are being considered for incorporation into tropical building designs to enhance sustainability. Thus, this research endeavours to assess the feasibility of integrating CE principles into building designs as a means of advancing sustainability. Adopting content analysis collected data were analysed. The study revealed that tropical building designs offer a sustainable method well-suited to address the growing demand for buildings. Furthermore, it was identified ten enabling factors, thirty-five barriers, and twenty-four strategies in relation to the application of CE principles to building designs. It was revealed that the findings of the study will drive the convergence of CE principles with tropical building designs. Consequently, this research contributes to the theory by bridging the gap in utilising CE principles within building designs to enhance sustainability in the construction industry.