BUILDING THE FUTURE : THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AS A FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The relevance of the work. In the 21st century, humanity has faced global challenges, among which the issues of environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources and climate change have become particularly acute. Against this background, the traditional linear economic model, which involves excessive use of resources and the generation of a large amount of waste, has exhausted its potential. This is especially critical in the construction industry ‒ one of the most resource-intensive sectors of the world economy. In response to the challenges of modernity, more and more attention is paid to the concept of a circular economy, which allows creating closed production cycles, reducing the burden on the environment. In the context of restoring Ukraine's infrastructure after the war, the relevance of the transition to a circular construction model is growing exponentially. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to comprehensively analyze the possibilities and limitations of implementing a circular economy in the construction industry as a tool for implementing the principles of sustainable development. The research is aimed at studying theoretical foundations, practical experience, international cases, innovative materials and technologies that can transform approaches to the design, construction and operation of facilities. Methodology. The article uses an interdisciplinary approach that combines the concepts of ecological economics, urbanism, architecture, and systems analysis. A comparative analysis of linear and circular economic models is conducted, and examples of successful implementation of circular practices in construction in different countries, including Germany, Great Britain, the Scandinavian countries, and Japan, are studied. Statistical data on material consumption, energy costs, and waste generation in the construction sector are used. Special attention is paid to the analysis of regulatory, institutional, and behavioral barriers to circularity in Ukraine. The results. The author proves that the circular economy is not only an environmentally sound, but also an economically profitable strategy for construction. The use of secondary materials, organic insulation, energy-efficient technologies, and local raw materials allows for a reduction in carbon footprint, reduced waste disposal costs, and improved quality of the living environment. Key barriers to the implementation of a circular approach in Ukraine are identified – from the lack of a regulatory framework to the low level of environmental culture. At the same time, the country’s potential in implementing relevant solutions is highlighted, especially in the context of post-war reconstruction. The article calls for a revision of the paradigm of construction as a technical process and its transformation into a worldview model based on long-term responsibility to society, nature and future generations.