Implementing circular economy principles in infrastructure procurement to support circular supply chains

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the procurement of infrastructure through the lens of circular economy (CE) principles to achieve contractual delivery methods which promote circular supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an analysis of the key concepts related to the research topic based on a review of recent academic literature. Moreover, based on the empirical and academic experience of the authors in the infrastructure industry, there are multiple actionable discussion points which are raised. However, the research for this paper was undertaken with a focus on literature rather than direct observations and empirical research, which may limit discussion to scholarly rather than practical applications.

Findings

The paper finds that CE principles can be leveraged to capture additional economic benefit in the infrastructure industry. In addition, there are specific project delivery methods which may act as workable practices towards more circular supply chains.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is in the CE-related suggestions the paper provides to procurement practitioners. This work also attempts to link contractual procurement with tangible outcomes across the project lifecycle, including operation and end of life (EOL) of the infrastructure asset.

Citation

Karlovsek, J., Meath, C., Miles-Mwangangi, L., MacDonald, C. and Brockmann, A. (2023), "Implementing circular economy principles in infrastructure procurement to support circular supply chains", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2022-0908