Designing for a Circular Economy in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: Insights from Italy

Resource consumption in the construction industry is expected to increase globally in the coming years. Additionally, construction and demolition waste (CDW) remains a significant priority within numerous global policies due to its vast volume and the inefficiencies in its management. This situation results in substantial environmental repercussions, primarily due to the low rates of material recovery in the manufacturing processes for new building materials. In response, the concept of the circular economy (CE) emerges as a promising solution across various sectors. CE promotes more resource- and energy-efficient practices, reducing waste generation and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with product life cycles while also unlocking potential economic opportunities. The primary aim of this study is to identify and assess the design practices influencing the adoption of CE principles within the Italian architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. The study’s main contribution lies in a survey of 77 Italian designers to explore the core strategies driving the development of comprehensive circular approaches. This investigation seeks to understand the constraints and opportunities for CE implementation. The findings will assist in decision-making, inform policy, promote literacy around the CE topic, enable new quality standards, and serve as a baseline reference for businesses regarding sustainability investment indexes and markets.

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