Circular economy financial performance indicators in circular infrastructure projects: a meta-analysis

Circular economy (CE) has received recognition across the globe, with this growing attention warranted because of its potential to resolve sustainability challenges in the infrastructure sector. However, the effective planning and decision-making of circular infrastructure projects demands the identification of CE financial performance indicators. These indicators are vital to the measurement of and reporting on the financial viability of circular infrastructure projects. Project stakeholders in circular infrastructure stand to benefit greatly from these CE financial performance indicators, enabling analysts and practitioners to predict project financial issues and provide new guidance. Lending institutions, bond companies, investors, and clients will also find CE financial performance indicators advantageous to their endeavours. Despite this, research on financial performance indicators for circular infrastructure projects has been inadequate. The study therefore aims to explore CE financial performance assessment indicators for circular infrastructure projects. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, 10 relevant studies were selected using Scopus search engine. The selected articles were comprehensively reviewed and analysed. The CE financial performance assessment indicators identified include cost reduction through green procurement, growth in revenue from the resale of recovered materials, and Cost benefits from reduction of environmental emissions. These indicators align with the 9R framework of CE and as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study provides stakeholders with insights into CE financial performance assessment indicators, allowing for effective strategic and policy planning by focusing on critical areas for the overall implementation of circular infrastructure projects