Integrating circular economy into construction and demolition waste management: A bibliometric review of sustainable engineering practices in the built environment
Gina Cynthia Raphita Hasibuan, M. Thoriq Al Fath, Naeemah Yusof, Rezky Ariessa Dewi, Gea Geby Aurora Syafridon, Indra Jaya, M. Ridwan Anas, Syahrizal Syahrizal
Abstract
The construction sector is a major contributor to global waste, underscoring the pressing need for sustainable management of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). The circular economy (CE) offers a transformative paradigm, moving away from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model toward strategies focused on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. C&DW encompasses a wide variety of materials with distinct properties, each requiring distinct handling, recycling, and reuse methods. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of CE integration into C&DW management, identifying key research trends, contributors, material-specific challenges, and policy and digital tool adoption. Using Scopus-indexed literature (2005–2025) and VOSviewer, this study maps global research landscapes through co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrences, and citation analysis. Findings reveal that concrete recycling dominates current research, while materials such as plastics, treated wood, and metals remain underexplored. Digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) show promise in optimizing waste management but face adoption challenges due to high costs and interoperability limitations. Policy frameworks play a critical role in CE adoption, with European nations leading in regulatory advancements, whereas developing regions struggle with weak enforcement and infrastructure gaps. Despite progress, barriers such as inconsistent policies, financial constraints, and technological limitations persist. This study contributes new insights into the evolution of CE research, mapping key academic collaborations, citation patterns, and thematic clusters, offering a more holistic perspective on the future of CE in C&DW management. The study underscores the need for stronger interdisciplinary collaborations, regulatory incentives, and industry engagement to scale CE implementation in construction. Future research should prioritize scalable recycling technologies, innovative business models, and artificial intelligence (AI) driven waste tracking to enhance circularity and accelerate the construction sector's transition toward a circular economy, reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable urban development.