Circular economy solutions for net-zero carbon in China's construction sector: A strategic evaluation

China's pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak CO₂ emissions by 2030 necessitates transformative approaches in high-emission sectors, particularly construction. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of Circular Economy Practices CEPs in decarbonizing the Chinese construction industry by identifying and prioritizing the most impactful strategies. To achieve this, the Fuzzy Delphi Method FDM was adopted to systematically refine and validate the set of relevant CEPs based on expert consensus, ensuring the inclusion of the most significant CEPs. Subsequently, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory DEMATEL method was used to determine the causal relationships and influence levels among these CEPs, enabling the identification of key drivers for carbon reduction. Results show that supply chain optimization CEP20, adaptive reuse of materials CEP18, and bio-based materials CEP17 emerged as the most influential CEPs for reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Further, sensitivity analysis validated these findings' robustness, ensuring their practical application reliability. The study provides actionable insights for managers and industry stakeholders by highlighting the need for integrating CEPs into operational strategies. For example, optimizing the supply chain CEP20 can enhance material efficiency while adopting bio-based materials CEP17 encourages sustainable procurement policies. Policymakers are encouraged to develop incentives and regulatory frameworks that facilitate these transitions. By offering a structured framework, the results guide decision-makers in achieving tangible progress toward China's carbon neutrality goals, fostering both environmental sustainability and competitive advantage in the construction sector.