An exploratory study of capacity building for circular economy transitions in the built environment of the global south

Accelerating transitions toward a circular economy (CE) in the built environment is crucial for advancing sustainable development, particularly in regions where institutional capacity and technical readiness often lag policy ambition. This paper presents an exploratory study of a two-day workshop designed to build CE capacity among built environment practitioners in the Global South, piloted in India as part of an ongoing training programme. The workshop brought together twenty participants from fifteen organisations across industry, government, and R&D sectors. It combined conceptual inputs with participatory formats, including collaborative activities, to strengthen the understanding of systems thinking, circular design, and sustainability challenges. Strategic feedback from global and national experts was incorporated to enhance technical depth and ensure the workshop remained both locally grounded and practically relevant. Grounded in transformative learning principles, the study examines how interactive, practice-based learning can help practitioners critically reflect on linear practices and consider adaptive, systematic approaches to CE implementation. Based on participant responses and behaviours, reflective analysis of learning dynamics, and observed mechanisms during delivery and activities, the study synthesises a conceptual model for CE capacity building. Participant feedback surveys indicated strong engagement, content relevance, and value in collaborative formats. Challenges related to limited time for deeper reflection and variability in post-workshop evaluation were also identified. As an exploratory pilot with a small participant group, the findings offer indicative insights to inform future capacity-building efforts. Positioned as a niche-level initiative, workshop learnings also highlight how practitioner-led learning processes can contribute to bridging policy intentions and professional practice, contributing to gradual, system-level shifts toward CE in the built environment of the Global South.