A systems approach the Circular Economy: Policy recommendations to increase building components reuse

Building Components Reuse is a promising Circular Economy approach that can help to tackle the sector's rising waste production, energy consumption and material shortages. However, there remains limited widespread implementation of Building Components Reuse and policy makers still lack understanding about how related policies should be developed and implemented within the sector. To address this, the study uses the literature to develop a detailed Causal Loop Diagram that shows the interrelated factors enabling and constraining Building Components Reuse. Twelve leverage points and related policy recommendations are identified from the Causal Loop Diagram, which are then evaluated with policy and government stakeholders in the UK. The findings highlight the need for more robust standards and guidance on the design and quality assessment of building components for reuse, the enforcement of financial incentives and related reuse targets, and the development of technology-based solutions for the effective evaluation, recovery and traceability of building components. The study also finds that industry education and awareness, establishing consistent protocols for sustainability assessment of Building Components Reuse and public procurement strategies can increase the adoption of Building Components Reuse practices. Further collaboration between government and industry is recommended to establish their respective roles and responsibilities in developing Circular Economy policies and practices. Overall, it is likely that a range of policies and supporting mechanisms are needed to enable Building Components Reuse. Further research could address the development of Building Components Reuse policies in relation to other Circular Economy strategies such as adaptive reuse and recycling.