Drivers and Barriers for Circular Economy in the Building and Construction Industry

The growing awareness of environmental issues has led policymakers, businesses and academics to pay more attention to the circular economy paradigm as a potential solution to balance sustainable development and economic growth. After an initial introduction to the main steps that have led to the development of the circular economy concept, this research defines the principles that must be adopted for a radical transformation of the economic paradigm. Taking into account in particular the studies of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and on circular value chains, it is highlighted how the change of approach and the move away from the linear economic model brings numerous opportunities but also challenges: the presence of drivers (internal and external), barriers and the introduction of new technologies, new materials and new business models determine a shift at all stages of the value chain.The last two chapters of this research will therefore focus on one of the sectors, the Building and Construction sector, that is most affected by this change, with an empirical analysis of the industry, the main business model innovations, and in particular the study of one of the key issues for the implementation of circular models in this field as the end-of-life treatments. Through an overview of the situation in Europe and Italy, real case examples will be used to highlight the potential benefits and challenges that companies must overcome to successfully embark on the circular transition path.