Circular economy & housing sustainability : opportunities and applications in BC

Abstract

Housing sustainability is a significant component of sustainable development. Typical modern housing production has caused severe environmental problems, including massive resource consumption and waste generation. Current research has been limited to the consideration of carbon solutions in a building’s operational phase. Circular economy (CE) is an emergent interdisciplinary approach aimed at increasing the efficiency of material use by innovative designs in a product’s lifecycle. This thesis reviews the concepts of CE and housing sustainability, examines the assessments, applications and barriers of CE in housing, and investigates circular adoptions by BC governments, NGOs, and businesses. Research methods include qualitative methodology, desktop research, interviews, and case studies. Recommendations for BC public and private sectors consist of regenerative leadership, development of public policies in waste and embodied carbon reduction, advanced business models focusing on material innovation, circular design, deconstruction, and an integrated supply chain. This research can contribute to the sustainable development of BC housing industry by implementing circular principles.