Circular Economy R Framework and Sustainability of Construction Industry in Kenya
Abstract
: The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and a major contributor to construction and demolition waste, posing significant environmental, economic, and social sustainability challenges. The Circular Economy (CE) R Framework, comprising Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Redesign, has emerged as a promising approach for improving resource efficiency and promoting sustainable construction. However, empirical evidence on its effectiveness in developing countries, particularly Kenya, remains limited. This study examined the influence of the Circular Economy R Framework on sustainability in Kenya's construction industry. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional correlational research design. Data were collected from 81 construction professionals drawn from registered firms within the Nairobi Metropolitan region using a structured questionnaire. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 to examine the relationships between the Circular Economy practices and sustainability. The findings revealed that all four Circular Economy practices had positive and statistically significant relationships with sustainability. Reuse exhibited the strongest correlation with sustainability (r = 0.873, p < 0.001), followed by Reduce (r = 0.861), Recycle (r = 0.819), and Redesign (r = 0.794). Multiple regression analysis showed that the Circular Economy R Framework collectively explained 87.5% of the variation in sustainability (R² = 0.875, F = 132.812, p < 0.001). Among the predictors, Reuse (β = 0.329) and Redesign (β = 0.307) exerted the strongest positive effects on sustainability. The study concludes that the integrated implementation of the Circular Economy R Framework significantly enhances sustainability within the construction industry. It recommends that policymakers strengthen regulatory frameworks supporting circular construction, while construction firms invest in material reuse, sustainable design, waste reduction, and recycling systems to improve environmental performance and resource efficiency. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on circular economy implementation and provide practical insights for advancing sustainable construction in developing economies.