Application of Circular Economy in Facility Maintenance and Management: Moving Towards a Low Carbon Future

The study explores the potential of integrating principles of the circular economy into facility maintenance and management towards sustainable development. With the environmental pressures associated with industrialization and the over-reliance on non-renewable energy sources, there is an urgent need for strategic changes in facility management. This paper details the principles of the circular economy—closed-loop design, efficient resource utilization, and viewing waste as a resource, and their application in the context of facility maintenance and management. Using a combination of theoretical analyses, case studies, and quantitative methods, the study provides a comprehensive exploration of the benefits and practical implications of adopting circular economy principles in facility maintenance and management. This includes improved resource efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and waste minimization. The paper also includes an illustrative case study of Hong Kong’s Circular Modular Building Project and quantitative methods for measuring the effectiveness of facility maintenance and management. The findings suggest that the circular economy offers a valuable framework for creating a sustainable, low-carbon future in facility management.