Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities
The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the construction sector is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive smart cities. This study examines the integration of CE principles into construction policies across four key global contexts: the European Union (focusing on Italy and Germany)...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Smart Cities |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/2/48 |
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| author | Giulia Marzani Simona Tondelli Yuko Kuma Fernanda Cruz Rios Rongbo Hu Thomas Bock Thomas Linner |
| author_facet | Giulia Marzani Simona Tondelli Yuko Kuma Fernanda Cruz Rios Rongbo Hu Thomas Bock Thomas Linner |
| author_sort | Giulia Marzani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the construction sector is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive smart cities. This study examines the integration of CE principles into construction policies across four key global contexts: the European Union (focusing on Italy and Germany), the United States, and Japan. Through a comparative policy analysis, the research identifies best practices, implementation barriers, and the role of digitalization in advancing CE strategies. In Europe, CE is embedded in policy frameworks such as the Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, driving the shift toward sustainable urban development. The United States, while in the early stages of CE adoption, is fostering circular initiatives at local levels, particularly in waste management and building deconstruction. Japan’s policy landscape integrates CE within a broader strategy for resource efficiency, emphasizing technological innovation. The findings highlight the necessity of a research-driven approach to inform policies that leverage digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling and Digital Product Passports, to enhance material traceability and urban circularity. This study contributes to the global effort of designing smart cities that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally and socially sustainable through the adoption of CE principles in the built environment. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8896bc9c63cb4038b52eb7836ae270cc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2624-6511 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Smart Cities |
| spelling | doaj-art-8896bc9c63cb4038b52eb7836ae270cc2025-08-20T02:25:07ZengMDPI AGSmart Cities2624-65112025-03-01824810.3390/smartcities8020048Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future CitiesGiulia Marzani0Simona Tondelli1Yuko Kuma2Fernanda Cruz Rios3Rongbo Hu4Thomas Bock5Thomas Linner6Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Architecture, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka 813-0004, JapanCivil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Curtis 251, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAKajima Corporation, Kajima Technical Research Institute Singapore, Singapore 489690, SingaporeSchool of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, GermanyFaculty of Civil Engineering, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, GermanyThe transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the construction sector is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive smart cities. This study examines the integration of CE principles into construction policies across four key global contexts: the European Union (focusing on Italy and Germany), the United States, and Japan. Through a comparative policy analysis, the research identifies best practices, implementation barriers, and the role of digitalization in advancing CE strategies. In Europe, CE is embedded in policy frameworks such as the Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, driving the shift toward sustainable urban development. The United States, while in the early stages of CE adoption, is fostering circular initiatives at local levels, particularly in waste management and building deconstruction. Japan’s policy landscape integrates CE within a broader strategy for resource efficiency, emphasizing technological innovation. The findings highlight the necessity of a research-driven approach to inform policies that leverage digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling and Digital Product Passports, to enhance material traceability and urban circularity. This study contributes to the global effort of designing smart cities that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally and socially sustainable through the adoption of CE principles in the built environment.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/2/48circular smart citiespolicy scandigital technologiesCircular Economyconstruction sector |
| spellingShingle | Giulia Marzani Simona Tondelli Yuko Kuma Fernanda Cruz Rios Rongbo Hu Thomas Bock Thomas Linner Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities Smart Cities circular smart cities policy scan digital technologies Circular Economy construction sector |
| title | Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities |
| title_full | Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities |
| title_fullStr | Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities |
| title_full_unstemmed | Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities |
| title_short | Embedding Circular Economy in the Construction Sector Policy Framework: Experiences from EU, U.S., and Japan for Better Future Cities |
| title_sort | embedding circular economy in the construction sector policy framework experiences from eu u s and japan for better future cities |
| topic | circular smart cities policy scan digital technologies Circular Economy construction sector |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/2/48 |
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