Strategies for sustainable financing of circular infrastructure projects: a systematic review

Purpose - The transition to circular infrastructure projects already encounters several barriers; however, access to funding has emerged as a critical barrier. Stakeholders within the infrastructure sector are seeking strategies to offset this financial challenge while maintaining financial performance. The purpose of this study is to explore sustainable financing strategies for circular infrastructure projects.
Design/methodology/approach - Using Scopus as the main search engine, 31 relevant studies were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol.
Findings - The study identified and grouped sustainable financial strategies based on the life cycle stages into access to funds, quality of financial resources, cost management practices, government financial support, technology and innovation and project organizational initiatives. The strategies were aligned with the 10R framework of circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Subsequently, the study proposed a conceptual framework of sustainable financing strategies that could be adopted by relevant stakeholders to promote circular infrastructure projects.
Originality/value - The study underscores the significance of circularity in infrastructure projects, and by implementing the sustainable financing strategies presented, this study promotes sustainability in the infrastructure sector. The study provides a conceptual framework that serves as a guide to stakeholders on circular infrastructure projects, enabling them to attain greater financial performance.