A review of circular business models for zero carbon, zero waste and zero material extraction in the building sector

The linear "take-make-dispose" approach in the building sector is unsustainable, prompting calls for circular economy principles and circular business models to mitigate the sector’s environmental impacts. As research on circular business models expands, there is a growing need to synthesise existing models to guide future studies and promote adoption in the building sector. We have reviewed relevant literature using Scopus and snowballing, identifying three archetypes of circular business models categorised by material inflow, stock, and outflow in the construction process. We discuss their environmental goals concerning zero carbon, waste, and material extraction targets, emphasising the need for a lifecycle approach in analysing and implementing circular business models in the building sector to maximise social, commercial, and environmental benefits.