Policy framework for facilitating reverse logistics in circular construction: an integrated Fuzzy-DEMATEL and system...

Area of Science:

• Construction management
• Supply chain management
• Environmental policy

Background:

• Circular economy (CE) principles are underutilized in construction supply chains, despite the potential of reverse logistics (RL) for material reuse and recycling.
• Existing research on RL barriers in construction lacks focus on interdependencies and policy relevance for CE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an overarching policy framework for reverse logistics (RL) in construction to advance the circular economy (CE).
• To identify and analyze the interrelationships between RL barriers and evaluate policy interventions using a system dynamics (SD) model.

Main Methods:

• An expert workshop was conducted to inform the development of a policy framework.
• A system dynamics (SD) model, utilizing the Fuzzy-DEMATEL method, was employed to analyze 25 RL barriers across six factors.
• Interdependencies between barriers and the impact of policy interventions were explored.

Main Results:

• Lack of "knowledge and awareness" and "policy and regulation" were identified as primary barriers to RL in construction.
• Establishing CE standards and guidelines is crucial for effective policy development and barrier mitigation.
• Current CE initiatives rely heavily on voluntary policies, neglecting the impact of mandatory regulations, thus hindering the transition.

Conclusions:

• A staggered policy framework, transitioning from supportive to stringent regulations, is proposed for strategic control of RL barriers.
• This framework aims to guide policymakers in implementing high-leverage interventions for circular construction.
• Future research should focus on material-specific supply chains to tailor policy interventions for optimizing RL.