The Role of the Circular Economy in Shaping Egypt's Construction Sector Towards Sustainability: A Policy and Industry Transformation Framework

This individual research publication analyzes the structural, regulatory, and economic barriers preventing Egypt’s construction sector from adopting circular economy principles. Using a mixed-methods approach supported by SALSA systematic review methodology, interviews with construction SMEs, and sector-wide surveys, the study identifies key obstacles including weak enforcement of building codes, a lack of sustainability incentives, knowledge gaps, and poor waste management practices.

The paper proposes an integrated three-pillar policy framework—developing a new Sustainable Building Code, mandating sustainability reporting by 2030, and establishing a national Union for Construction Waste Management with a material passport system. Drawing inspiration from the EU Horizon Europe ENPOWER project, the study emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, institutional capacity building, and evidence-based policy design.

This work contributes to Egypt’s sustainable development discourse by providing a practical roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to transition the sector toward circularity, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 and global sustainability standards.