Page 8 - Open Access December - 2025

POINT OF VIEW

materials recovered from demolition sites are safely preserved in the reuse process. Moreover, the lack of real-time integration
and redirected into new projects. Without proper logistics, the between environmental impact metrics (e.g., Scope 3 emissions)
environmental benefits of reuse may be outweighed by the and digital material inventories limits the ability to make
emissions and costs associated with long-distance transport or informed decisions at the point of design or procurement [22,27] .
ad-hoc handling [16,18] . Therefore, developing seamless, standardised, and scalable
infrastructure, both physical and digital, is essential for
In parallel, digital infrastructure, particularly BIM, blockchain, and translating circular construction theory into widespread practice.
material reuse platforms, provides the technological backbone Without it, material traceability and lifecycle accountability
for managing circular flows. Platforms, such as Madaster, remain fragmented and ineffective [17,19] .
Concular, and Loopfront, enable the registration, tracking, and
trading of used construction materials, often integrating material 11. BARRIERS AND ENABLERS TO MATERIAL
[24]
passports into searchable databases . These tools help bridge REUSE AND RECYCLING IN CIRCULAR
supply and demand by connecting demolition contractors with CONSTRUCTION
designers or developers seeking certified reused materials, and
[21]
they promote transparency in lifecycle decisions . Despite the growing interest in adopting circular economy
practices within the construction industry, several significant
Interoperability, however, remains a challenge. Data generated barriers hinder the effective reuse and recycling of materials,
in BIM models or by manufacturers may not always align with spanning technical, economic, organisational, logistical, and
platform standards or material passport formats, creating friction regulatory dimensions (see Table 2). There seems to be a

Table 2: Key barriers and enablers for material reuse and recycling in the circular economy within the
construction industry

CATEGORY BARRIERS ENABLERS RESPONSIBLE ACTORS INDIA READINESS
AND INSTRUMENTS
Technical - Poor quality of reused/ - Technological innovations Manufacturers, Standards Some activity: Beginning to adopt digital
recycled materials improving material recovery Bodies, EPC contractors; tools, modular and prefabricated systems.
- Lack of standards/ - Digital tools for material Instruments: updated But standards for recycled / reused
guidelines tracking technical codes, certification concrete materials are still weak.
schemes, R&D support
Economic and - High upfront costs and - Tax incentives for reused Government/ULB, Owners/ Emerging interest: reports point to large
financial uncertainty on return on material PMC, Financial institutions; potential savings from circular economy
investment (ROI) - Proven ROI through pilot Instruments: tax credits, in India (construction included) if policies
projects green bonds, preferential and incentives aligned
financing
Organisational - Lack of awareness about - Capacity building Owners/PMC, Professional Some readiness: institutional capacity
and cultural the benefits of circularity among cross-disciplinary bodies, Academia; improving; NGOs, industry bodies
- Resistance to change from researchers Instruments: training promoting circular construction; but
linear models - Professional training programs, awareness broader cultural uptake still limited.
- Promoting Innovative campaigns, innovation
culture awards
Logistics and - Lack of information about - Technological tools such EPC contractors, Demolition Starting: some regulation of Construction
supply chain the reusability/ recyclability as material passports, contractors, Manufacturers; and Demolition (C&D) waste, new rules
of materials material custodianship Instruments: material requiring processed C&D for large built-
- Fragmentation and lack of - Early stakeholder passport mandate in DPRs, up area projects. Material passports not
traceability in supply chains Engagement for material supply chain traceability yet widespread.
sourcing and production platforms
Regulatory - Lack of standards, - Clarity on regulations and Government/ULB, Good momentum: new EPR rules for
and policy regulations and policies Regulators; Instruments: non-ferrous metals announced; Karnataka
enforcement mandates, enforcement state developing circular economy policy
mechanisms, EPR (Extended mandating 20% sustainable materials
Producer Responsibility), in construction; C&D waste rules being
public procurement rules strengthened.
Market and - Low client demand for - Improving client awareness Owners/PMC, Clients, Some examples in Indian cities: municipal
demand reused/ recycled material on circularity Government/ULB; corporations aiming to use processed
due to various reasons Instruments: awareness C&D waste in public works; green
campaigns, demand building certification growing; but
aggregation platforms, demand still inconsistent and often price
green public procurement sensitive.

14 THE INDIAN CONCRETE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2025