Exploratory Study on Integration of Circular Economy Principles into Waste Mitigation Principles in Construction Projects

Abstract

In Nigeria, especially within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the rapid pace of urbanization and infrastructure development has led to a sharp increase in construction waste, much of which is improperly managed. Traditional linear production models that emphasize “take–make–dispose” practices have proven unsustainable. Consequently, the circular economy (CE) framework which emphasizes reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and regenerating materials has emerged as a viable strategy for promoting sustainable construction and minimizing environmental impact. However, the strategy has not been effectively adopted in Nigerian construction industry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application of circular economy principles for waste mitigation in construction projects in Abuja, Nigeria. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, targeting professionals in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, and project managers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents, while 427 valid responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data obtained in the study. Findings revealed that recycling (64%), waste segregation (56%), and reduction at source (42%) are the most frequently used waste mitigation practices in the study context. The study also identified three major CE integration dimensions which are material innovation, process redesign, and service models which together accounted for 84% of the total variance in CE adoption. The study concludes that integrating circular economy principles into waste reduction strategies can substantially enhance resource efficiency, reduce material waste, and foster sustainable construction practices in Abuja’s building sector.