A systems-focused assessment of policies for circular economy in construction demolition waste management in the Aysén region of Chile

Abstract

This study pairs a recently developed regulatory framework for Chile with a regional case study in Aysén to highlight systems-level pinch points and synergies for the future application of a circular economy framework for construction demolition waste (CE-CDW) management. A qualitative coding process called purposive text analysis was used to extract, aggregate, and structurally analyze causal connections between factors impacting CE-CDW derived from 15 semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders in Aysén. Findings highlight recommendations for future CE-CDW policy and practice centering on well-structured and enforceable laws and regulations that can undergird effective stakeholder collaboration, market competitiveness, and infrastructure development.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• Construction demolition waste (CDW)
• Systems thinking and modeling
• Policy
• Purposive text analysis