Total interpretive structural modeling of circular economy enablers in the construction industry : Evidence from Bangladesh

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Kawsar, M. M. Aflatun and Shamim, Khondaker Farhana and Islam, Shohaib and Taqi, Hasin Md Muhtasim and Sarker, Sudipa and Ali, Syed Mithun (2026) Total interpretive structural modeling of circular economy enablers in the construction industry : Evidence from Bangladesh. Journal of Intelligent Sustainability and Decision Analytics, 1 (1). pp. 58-100. ISSN 3134-6375 (https://doi.org/10.56578/jisda010104)

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Abstract

Rapid expansion of the construction industry in Bangladesh has been accompanied by substantial contributions to economic development, while simultaneously intensifying environmental pressures. In response to these challenges, the adoption of circular economy principles has been widely recognized as a viable pathway toward sustainable development. However, despite growing global attention, the effective implementation of a circular economy within the construction industry of emerging economies remains limited and insufficiently structured. In this study, the key enablers facilitating circular economy implementation in the construction industry of an emerging economy were systematically identified and analyzed. Initially, a comprehensive set of enablers was derived through an extensive literature review and subsequently refined through expert validation to ensure contextual relevance. The total interpretive structural modeling methodology was then employed to develop an interpretive structural model, through which hierarchical relationships and contextual interdependencies among the identified enablers were established. The robustness and practical applicability of the proposed model were further validated through expert assessment. In addition, Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis was conducted to classify the enablers based on their driving power and dependence. The results revealed a six-level hierarchical structure, in which “government support and policy framework,” “top management commitment,” and “advanced knowledge and awareness of the circular economy” were identified as dominant driving enablers exerting significant influence over other factors. These findings provide a comprehensive and structured understanding of the systemic interactions among circular economy enablers and offer actionable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners in emerging economies. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing a theoretically grounded and empirically validated framework that supports strategic prioritization and facilitates the transition toward a circular construction paradigm.

ORCID iDs

Kawsar, M. M. Aflatun, Shamim, Khondaker Farhana, Islam, Shohaib, Taqi, Hasin Md Muhtasim, Sarker, Sudipa ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9782-2884 and Ali, Syed Mithun;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)