Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 2025, 15(3), 0018
Social Indicators for Integrating the Circular Economy into Infrastructure Projects in Malaysia
1PhD Student,
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Al-Sultan Abdullah, Email: rafiee.razak@yahoo.com
2Senior
Lecturer, Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia
Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Email: leeys@umpsa.edu.my (corresponding
author).
3Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Civil Engineering
Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Email:
arizal@umpsa.edu.my
4Associate Professor, Faculty of Civil
Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah,
Email: arahimirahman@umpsa.edu.my
Project Management
Received December 21, 2024; revised January 6, 2025; accepted January 20, 2025
Available online June 30, 2025
Abstract: The adoption of the circular economy (CE) in infrastructure projects has grown in recent years, significantly contributing to sustainable development. However, the integration of the CE into Malaysia’s infrastructure projects has social aspects that remain underexplored. This study aimed to, first, identify key social indicators that define the integration of CE principles into infrastructure development and, second, propose strategies to enhance the inclusion of these social dimensions. Thematic analysis was conducted on data collected through in-depth interviews with 18 respondents from diverse sectors of the infrastructure industry, including clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers. Three main social indicators were identified: engagement, quality of life, and attractiveness. Strategies such as integration, regulatory policy, and transparency were found to be crucial for advancing the inclusion of social aspects in CE practices. The findings offer insights on integrating social factors into CE frameworks, promoting more inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development.
Keywords: Circular economy, infrastructure projects, social impact, social indicators, social sustainability.
Copyright © Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management (EPPM-Journal).
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Requests for reprints and permissions at eppm.journal@gmail.com.
Citation: Razak, R., Lee, Y. S., Alias, A. R., and Rahman, R. A. (2025). Social Indicators for Integrating the Circular Economy into Infrastructure Projects in Malaysia. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 15(3), 0018.
DOI:
10.32738/JEPPM-2025-0018
Full Text
