Promoting Circular Economy in the Construction Industry within APEC Region Using Industrial Symbiosis Approach

A transition to circular economy has to be promoted in Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to address concerns with regard to high solid waste generation rate, inclusive of that of construction and demolition waste (CDW), as well as high resource consumption rate of the construction industry. The report discusses the data collected and perspectives gathered from a desktop study, a survey, as well as workshop and post-workshop discussions to develop a conceptual framework to promote circular economy in the construction industry within the APEC region. The framework adopts an industrial symbiosis approach; solid waste generated from agricultural and manufacturing industries as well as municipal and industrial sources of consumption, along with CDW, are to be utilized as feedstock for the manufacture of construction materials as well as other construction industry operations. The report also highlights the challenges for implementation of the framework as well as recommendations to address the challenges.