Towards a regenerative built environment: A circular economy business model approach

Abstract

This study explores how a Regenerative Built Environment and a Circular Economy Business Model Approach influence sustainable transformation in Ghana’s construction sector, with an anchoring in sustainability transition theory. Adopting an interpretive qualitative design, the study conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with construction professionals across public and private organisations. The study targeted construction professionals and used purposive sampling to select experienced participants in project auditing and infrastructure delivery. Thematic analysis using NVivo enabled the identification of strategic drivers, implementation practices, and impact evaluation frameworks, triangulated with policy and industry documents. Results show that the adoption of the circular economy in Ghana is strategically driven by client expectations, regulatory evolution, and corporate sustainability goals. Multinational firms demonstrate stronger integration through digital tools and partnerships, while local firms face challenges of limited capacity and infrastructure. Environmental benefits such as waste reduction and resource recovery are evident, though comprehensive evaluation metrics remain underdeveloped. Policy gaps, leadership commitment, and cross-sector collaboration were found to critically shape the scalability of the circular economy. This research shows that circular business models support low-carbon construction. The study suggests that governance, coupled with digital traceability, the development of technical skills, fiscal policies, and collaboration among stakeholders, will support the integration of the circular economy. This paper extends sustainability transition and business model innovation theory by contextualising the implementation of the circular economy in an emerging economy. It develops a multidimensional framework that links the strategic, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions of circular construction. The study informs policymakers and industry leaders on how to align governance, digitalization, and financial incentives to mainstream the circular economy. It also provides practitioners with insights into embedding lifecycle thinking, material traceability, and collaborative value creation in project delivery. The study’s qualitative scope and focus on Ghana limit statistical generalization, though its analytical depth supports theoretical transferability to similar developing contexts. The study concludes that the full potential of circular construction can only be achieved through improved governance and leadership, institutional resilience, and collaboration across the construction sector and among stakeholders. Future studies need to establish context-relevant frameworks and metrics to evaluate circular value creation in Ghana’s construction sector.