The developer as low-emission supply chain initiator

The developer as low-emission supply chain initiator: A multiple-case study examining the supply-chain configuration and the developer’s role in implementing low-emission construction practices in Dutch inner-city high-rise projects.

Broekman, Jelmar (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Vrijhoef, R. (mentor)
Brancart, S. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Management in the Built Environment

2024-01-18

The construction industry is responsible for the emitting carbon, nitrogen, and particulate matter, which is harmful to the environment and contributes to global warming. Municipalities in the Netherlands plan to reduce emissions in inner-city developments to zero before 2030, for which a transformation of the already complicated construction supply chain would be necessary. The unique characteristics of the construction supply chain; temporary coalition of organizations working on one-of-a-kind projects, complicate reduction of supply chain emissions. In other sectors like manufacturing focal firms take in a central position between the demand and supply system and can align the supply chain. In construction the developer translates demands from society, the public and customers into projects that are executed by core supply chain stakeholders. The main question to be answered in this thesis is: How can real estate developers organize a low-emission supply chain for high-rise construction in Dutch cities? A literature review on green construction supply chain management and construction emissions have given insight into the drivers, barriers, and roles of different stakeholders in low-emission design, -procurement, -logistics and -construction & manufacturing. Inner-city high-rise case studies and semistructured interviews with relevant stakeholders within these projects were conducted to draw lessons from practice. Developers can have a big influence on construction emissions through setting ambitions and translating these low-emission ambitions in the criteria for the procurement of services and materials for all supply chain stakeholders. In design, close collaboration with the architect and early involvement of the contractor and relevant expertise can help implement low-emission practices. Logistics and construction & manufacturing emissions can be influenced through contractual agreements with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, but should not be a direct responsibility of the developer and ask for active involvement of the government.

Low-emission Construction,
Construction & manufacturing,
Procurement
Green Supply Chain Management
Multiple case-study
Real estate Developer
Inner-city high-rise Construction

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:65cf87da-aba2-4d4f-b66c-87de43d10582

Student theses

master thesis

© 2024 Jelmar Broekman