Breaking Linear Lock-In: A Systems Transition Perspective on Circular Economy Implementation in the Construction Sector

Abstract

The linear 'take–make–dispose' economy is driving resource depletion and environmental degradation at a pace that makes a transition to the circular economy (CE) not simply promising but increasingly urgent. However, within the construction sector, one of the most materially intensive and environmentally consequential sectors, CE remains narrowly and inadequately implemented. Where CE practices have been adopted, they are typically operationalised to optimise rather than transform linear systems, prioritising incremental downstream interventions over upstream transformation and regeneration. Drawing on systems thinking and transition theory, this perspective argues that achieving a meaningful transition constitutes a systemic transformation challenge rather than a technical or organisational one. Overcoming linear lock-in requires coordinated intervention across culture, policy, agency, and practice to enable upstream and regenerative niche innovations to scale and replace the dominant linear regime. By applying a systems transition lens to CE in construction, this paper offers a conceptual framework for considering where linear lock-in persists and advancing more coordinated, transformative approaches to CE.