Adoption of Circular Economy Within the UK Construction Industry: Particular Analysis of One of the UK top-5 Contractor Companies

Abstract

The construction industry is the major contributor to waste generation in the world. Construction and demolition waste comprised more than 60% of the total UK waste generation in 2020. This presents challenges to material resource efficiency, sustainable development and fundamentally a transition from a linear to circular economy. The analysis of circular economy implementation in the construction industry can help identify strategies and design action plans to improve performance towards net zero carbon and zero avoidable waste targets. The aim of this article was to identify current circular practices in the construction activity in the UK, as well as challenges and drivers for its application, and make recommendations for accelerating circularity performance. As a particular case study, this paper analysed the results of a survey about this implementation by the companies linked to Morgan Sindall supply chain in the Northwest branch. A total of 60 responses were collected from companies ranging from micro to large enterprises, as well as different stakeholders participating in the construction process, corresponding to manufacturers/suppliers, designers, and contractors/subcontractors. The results obtained showed the perception of the participants’ companies and helped identify main recommendations to support a common strategic plan for collaboration and implementation of practices towards circular economy. The findings of this research can contribute to the transition of construction companies to a circular economy at a wider scale. © The Author(s) 2025.