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Exploring the contributions of circular business models towards the transition of green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry

Samuel Gyimah (Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
De-Graft Owusu-Manu (Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
David J. Edwards (School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK) (Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Joseph Ignatius Teye Buertey (Department of Construction Technology and Engineering, Pentecost University College, Accra, Ghana)
Anthony Kwame Danso (Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment

ISSN: 2046-6099

Article publication date: 29 January 2024

358

Abstract

Purpose

In recent times, both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM) in a bid to promote a green economy. Yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains scant information regarding the contributions of CBM towards the transition of green economy in the construction industry. This present study therefore aims to explore the contributions of CBM in the transition towards a green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the contributions of CBM towards the transition towards a green economy. A quantitative research strategy was then adopted to collect primary questionnaire data from professionals with knowledge of CBM and the green economy from 104 participants for the study. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis viz. Principal component analysis.

Findings

The contributions of CBM towards the transition towards a green economy were found to be: value contributions (i.e. lower carbon footprint, lower emission of waste by the industry, value creation for clients, innovation in construction materials and methods, reduced maintenance cost, creation of energy efficient infrastructures, improved value proposition for firms, improved sustainability of the industry and reduced pressure on finite resource.); green contributions (i.e. recycling and reuse of construction waste, promotion of green building technology, increased potential for economic growth, increased resource efficiency and creation of green building market) and longevity contribution (i.e. increased life span of buildings). It was evident that CBM make significant contributions in the transition towards green economy and as such, policymakers and other stakeholders within the construction industry must adopt these models to maximize their green credentials and accrue inherent benefits associated with transitioning towards a green economy.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel and comprehensive study that explores the contributions of CBM towards engendering a green economy. The study’s results provide construction industry stakeholders and policymakers with clear insight into the contributions of CBM towards the transition into a green economy. In practice, this study provides much needed guidance to support construction practitioners to transition towards a green economy in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords

Citation

Gyimah, S., Owusu-Manu, D.-G., Edwards, D.J., Buertey, J.I.T. and Danso, A.K. (2024), "Exploring the contributions of circular business models towards the transition of green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-09-2023-0265

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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