This paper provides a holistic overview of the evolution of policies towards digitalising energy renovation processes in the European Union (EU). Since the European Green Deal initiative in 2019, EU policies have been increasingly addressing the digitalisation of the building industry to enable evidence-based decisions when tackling environmental challenges. To better understand the development(s) since, this paper integrates a structured policy analysis approach and critically reviews 31 EU policy documents on digitalisation and/or energy renovation. The analysis identified a growing number of policy instruments aimed at supporting a robust use of data, to, among others, improve decision-making and information sharing throughout the energy renovation process. These include Energy Performance Certificate, Building Renovation Passport, Smart Readiness Indicators, Level(s), Digital Building Logbook, Digital Product Passport, Digital Twin, Building Information Modelling, and Digital Permitting. While each of these nine instruments can independently facilitate decision-making on sustainable and/or smart renovations, they also project a significant degree of complementarity between each other. To that, this paper presents the Digital Energy Renovation Framework, which comprehensively synthesises the (inter)relationships between the proposed policy instruments with respect to facilitating energy renovation processes. A key finding is that the integration between the Building Renovation Passport and a data-rich Digital Building Logbook is fundamental to maximise the impact on decision-making throughout the renovation process. To achieve this, ensuring coherence and interoperability of data throughout the renovation value chain is crucial, with the standardisation of data formats and protocols being essential for effective data gathering and processing across these instruments.

Purpose
Owing to the many involved stakeholders, major challenges in the transition to a circular construction (CC) sector have an organisational nature. This study aims to better understand how intra-organisational changes can advance the transition.

Design/methodology/approach
The Delft University of Technology’s (TU Delft) circular campus ambition serves as a single case study. Construction projects are examined through desk research and interviews. Barriers to circular strategies are analysed using a framework that combines the R-Ladder for hierarchies of CC practices with organisational levels used for transition management.

Findings
Most barriers occur on the operational and tactical level, while most possible interventions are located on the tactical to strategic level. Current endeavours mostly target mid-R-Ladder strategies at the operational and tactical level. The linear accounting and project development frameworks remain significant tactical barriers within the campus real estate and facility management (CRE&FM) department. Moreover, strategic tooling such as consistent monitoring and forward dashboarding is lacking. Furthermore, CRE&FM is leading the implementation but is dependent on its parent organisation, in which measurable goals, understanding of their implications, as well as a circular financial framework, are largely missing.

Practical implications
The study provides valuable insight and practical recommendations for (semi-)public RE owners to support the CC transition from within their organisation.

Originality/value
This study advances knowledge on intra-organisational transition management and offers a new analysis framework that combines circular strategies and different management levels.

Er is zelfs een landelijke aanpak optoppen ontwikkeld. Natuurlijk is ook het Platform31 aangehaakt, en publiceert over optoppen een hele reeks zeer informatieve artikelen onder de paraplu van de woningvoorraad benutten. Een voordeel, toegegeven soms ook een nadeel, van vele jaren ervaring met de sector is dat je niet meer wordt verrast, bijvoorbeeld door optoppen. Maar ook van alle andere varianten van het verbeteren en uitbreiden van bestaande woningen die er ook zijn. Er is veel geschreven over transformaties van (naoorlogse) woonwijken, zowel stedenbouwkundig als op het schaalniveau van bouwblokken. Een voorganger van Platform31, de Stuurgroep Experimenten Volkshuisvesting, besteedde er veel aandacht aan, bijvoorbeeld in brochures 'Gereedschappen voor herontwikkeling'. Een serie met zes uitgaven, te weten: 'Een tweede leven voor vroeg naoorlogse flats', 'Optoppen', 'Uitplinten', 'Slopen', 'Eengezinswoningen' en 'Verticaal samenvoegen'. Er zijn ook voorbeelden van aftoppen om woningen en buurten aantrekkelijker te maken. Een ingreep die door verlies aan woningen en daarmee ook huurinkomsten moeilijk voorstelbaar is, maar bij aanpak van een buurt een oplossing kan zijn. [...]

Dutch housing associations, being semi-public construction clients, have been assigned an important role in helping to realize the national goal of a CO2-neutral housing stock by 2050. To achieve this goal, a growing number of housing associations have added sustainable retrofit projects into multi-year programs. Those programs are being implemented by entering into strategic partnerships with retrofit contractors. The aim of this paper is to explore the rationale behind this asset and property management approach, the process, and the organizational conditions and consequences for the partners involved. To do so, a cumulative case study for research, including seven cases, was conducted. The findings show that the rationale is primarily about improving and accelerating the retrofit process by using the knowledge, competencies, and resources of the supply-side partners as effectively and efficiently as possible. This novel approach increases the retrofit rates and tenant satisfaction with the process. Trust is key in the collaboration between housing associations and contractors. For this, partner selection is an intensive and careful process. The factor hindering the upscaling of the approach is the cultural and organizational changes needed on both the demand and supply side.

It is recommended to integrate specific management competencies in academic education to support the transition towards environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in the construction and real estate sector. This paper explores how architectural management education can integrate environmental sustainability within its current university programmes. In recent years TU Delft explored and experimented with various education initiatives to bring forward environmental sustainability knowledge and to connect with policy, societal and industry practices. This paper describes what we learned from both bottom-up and top-down initiatives implementing environmental sustainability in construction and real estate management education. Bottom-up educational initiatives show that knowledge about transition policies, stakeholder experiences, business models and management practices from a European perspective can help students across the globe to apply knowledge into their local context, reflecting on the overarching management principals across stakeholders, institutions, academic disciplines and cultures. Top-down initiatives show that the university has a vision on integrating sustainability in its curriculum, but that integrating environmental sustainability in construction and real estate management education is still challenging. Adapting the academic curriculum to integrate building and portfolio responses to environmental challenges might be a way forward and the experiences from numerous elective courses and educational initiatives can be a basis to identify the development of a future standard curriculum.

In North-West European countries, the uptake of reusing construction elements following their first use in a building is still low. Although a large number of elements are technically reusable, they end up being recycled by crushing ormelting, or simply disposed of. This results in a high environmental impact and a net loss of economic value. This study aims to define a framework that can guide project managers, public and local authorities, as well as other organisations in setting, measuring, and reporting rates of material reuse in construction and renovation projects. To support this, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 construction and renovation projects that have incorporated reclaimed elements. To quantify the effective reuse rates, the data are categorised according to the types of work, functional layers, and type of projects. In summary, achievable reused targets can be determined for the structural layer (1–5% in mass), skin layer 5–15 % in mass), space plan layer (10–25 % in mass), and for outdoor surfaces (0–50 % in mass). Results confirm the contextual nature of reuse practices, emphasising that the achieved rates of reuse are linked to project types in specific layers, and depend on the overall quantity of materials in a project. It also underscores the importance of integrating reuse rate calculations proactively at the beginning of the project, particularly during the preparation of the bill of quantities. This can be accomplished by utilising appropriate procurement strategies, as-built documentation, monitoring material flows during works, and establishing a detailed record of reclaimed building elements.

In this deliverable we give guidance for housing associations for circular asset management. The guidance is based upon the circular asset management practises of the CHARM partners, demonstrating circularity in renovation and new construction projects, and the development of material exchange platforms (MEPs). Also, general insights in circular asset management practises have been used. [...]

In this deliverable, we briefly introduce material exchange platforms (MEPs) and explain business models associated with CHARM MEPs. An overall mapping will be presented on the sustainable business canvas based on the outcomes of related work packages.

In this deliverable, we will briefly introduce circular building strategies and explain business models associated with CHARM strategies. An overall mapping will be presented on the sustainable business canvas based on the outcomes of related work packages.

The implementation of prefabricated housing (PH) has become prevalent in China recently due to its advantages in enhancing production and energy-saving efficiency within the construction system. However, stakeholders may not always fully realize the benefits of adopting PH due to the emergence of transaction costs (TCs) in the development process of such projects. This study investigated the strategies for developers to make rational choices for minimizing the TCs of the PH project considering their own attributes and external constraints. A Bayesian Belief Network model was applied as the analytical method, based on surveys conducted in China. A single sensitivity analysis indicated that developers influence the TCs of PH through the following three most impactful factors: prefabrication rate, PH experience, and contract payment method. Integrated strategies are recommended for developers in various situations based on a multiple sensitivity analysis. Developers facing challenges due to high prefabrication rates are advised to reduce the risks by procuring highly qualified general contractors and adopting unit-price contracts. For developers with limited PH experience, adopting the Engineering–Procurement–Construction procurement method is the most efficient way to reduce their TCs in the context of China’s PH market. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge concerning the effect of traders’ attributes and choices on TCs, expanding the application of TC theory and fulfilling the study on the determinants of TCs in construction management.

In dit artikel trekken wij lessen uit de opzet en contractuele en relationele sturing van een integrale gebiedstransformatie. We onderzochten of en hoe er bij de aanpak van een dergelijke grote maatschappelijke uitdaging (‘grand challenge’) in de gebouwde omgeving rekening gehouden wordt met complexiteit en onzekerheid. Ons onderzoek toont het belang aan van een integrale programmatische aanpak, waarin verschillende beleidsvraagstukken, actoren en middelen worden samengebracht om gemeenschappelijke doelstellingen te behalen. Om meer waardecreatie te realiseren moet de aanpak de complexiteit van de opgave onderkennen. Daarvoor zijn gezamenlijke visievorming tussen partners, aandacht voor verschillende waarden en belangen, en overkoepelende sturing op deelinspanningen noodzakelijk. Onder financiële druk kan gemakkelijk de behoefte ontstaan om complexiteit te reduceren, en meer controle en beheersing te introduceren door te focussen op individuele deelprojecten via strikt contractuele sturing. Dat dient echter het gezamenlijke doel niet. Naast contractuele sturing is voor succes relationele flexibiliteit nodig om onzekere omstandigheden in de toekomst het hoofd te kunnen bieden. Publieke opdrachtgevers moeten meer aandacht hebben voor sturing op samenhang en integraliteit, het onderlinge vertrouwen tussen partners, het gezamenlijk oplossen van problemen en conflictmanagement.

Purpose-oriented collaborative networks are a potential effective inter-organisational form to define and implement solutions for grand challenges in the construction industry. The governance of such networks must be designed ex-ante and adapted over time by considering the nature of grand challenges around which they are set up. Currently, there is limited understanding of the governance requirements resulting from different analytical dimensions of grand challenges. This study identifies these requirements through a review of grand challenge, wicked problem, and network governance literature. Based on the examination of three grand challenge characteristics (i.e., dynamic complexity, knowledge uncertainty and conflict), we present an overview of requirements across five governance dimensions (i.e., goalsetting, capability building, coordination, roles and decision-making, and monitoring and evaluation). This overview can be used to: (i) guide the formation and implementation of collaborative networks; (ii) explore to what extent the governance structure and processes of existing networks are organised from a problem-based perspective.

Vijf woningcorporaties in de regio Haaglanden gaan een langdurig partnerschap aan met enkele vaste aannemers: Vidomes, De Goede Woning, Rondom Wonen, Stedelink en Rijswijk Wonen. Dit initiatief - Bouwstroom verduurzaming genoemd - heeft tot doel om in 8 jaar tijd naar verwachting 9.000 sociale huurwoningen te renoveren en verduurzamen. Eind januari zetten de bestuurders van de betrokken corporaties hun handtekening onder de intentieovereenkomst voor deze intensieve samenwerking, waarbij alle woningen in één keer worden aanbesteed.

Passports for circularity, e.g., digital product passports and material passports (MPs), have gained recognition as essential policy instruments for the Circular Economy goals of the European Union. Despite the growing number of approaches, there is a lack of knowledge about the data requirements and availabilities to create MPs for existing buildings. By deploying a mixed-method research design, this study identified the potential users and their data needs within the context of European social housing organisations. Three rounds of validation interviews with a total of 38 participants were conducted to create a data template for an MP covering maintenance, renovation, and demolition stages. This data template was then tested in a case study from the Netherlands to determine critical data gaps in creating MPs, including, but not limited to the composition of materials, presence of toxic or hazardous contents, condition assessment, and reuse and recycling potential of a product. Finally, an MP framework is proposed to address these data gaps by utilising the capabilities of enabling digital technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence and scanning systems) and supportive knowledge of human actors. This framework supports further research and innovation in data provision in creating MPs to narrow, slow, close, and regenerate the loops.

Passports for circularity, e.g., digital product passports and material passports (MPs), have gained recognition as essential policy instruments for the Circular Economy goals of the European Union. Despite the growing number of approaches, there is a lack of knowledge about the data requirements and availabilities to create MPs for existing buildings. By deploying a mixed-method research design, this study identified the potential users and their data needs within the context of European social housing organisations. Three rounds of validation interviews with a total of 38 participants were conducted to create a data template for an MP covering maintenance, renovation, and demolition stages. This data template was then tested in a case study from the Netherlands to determine critical data gaps in creating MPs, including, but not limited to the composition of materials, presence of toxic or hazardous contents, condition assessment, and reuse and recycling potential of a product. Finally, an MP framework is proposed to address these data gaps by utilising the capabilities of enabling digital technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence and scanning systems) and supportive knowledge of human actors. This framework supports further research and innovation in data provision in creating MPs to narrow, slow, close, and regenerate the loops.

Digital technologies are considered enablers of circular economy implementation in the built environment. Literature mainly focuses on conceptual or review studies examining the role of digital tools (e.g., material passport and building information modelling) to close the material loops. There is a lack of understanding of how digital technologies are implemented in real-life and whether they offer value to the industry actors. This study conducted a multiple-case study to collect empirical evidence from Dutch social housing organizations actively applying circular principles in new construction, renovation, maintenance, and demolition projects. Our findings suggest that artificial intelligence, digital twins, and scanning technologies support data collection, integration, and analysis for slowing the loops strategies (i.e., maintenance), while digital marketplaces facilitate material reuse, enabling narrowing and closing the loops. This study identified 12 challenges that hinder the broader adoption of digital technologies that are associated with the technological, cultural, market, and regulatory factors.

Steeds meer woningcorporaties werken project-overstijgend samen met marktpartijen bij de verduurzaming van hun woningen. Onderzoek van de Tu Delft laat zien dat deze samenwerking voor de corporaties, hun bewoners en de ketenpartners voordelig is. Het samenwerken stelt wel forse eisen aan de organisatie, het beleid en de taken en rollen van corporaties en partners. Dit artikel geeft een beeld van de algemene ervaringen bij "koplopers". Om te illustreren dat er geen blauwdruk is voor project-overstijgend samenwerken, belichten we twee voorbeelden uitgebreider: de Alliantie en ZOwonen.

The world is facing an alarming housing crisis. The challenge for the construction industry is to find sustainable ways to meet this growing housing demand. The concept of Circular Economy could be an alternative approach as it aims to regenerate, narrow, slow, and close resources loops. Digital technologies are seen as enablers to implementing these looping strategies through their capabilities for managing information and supporting collaboration and new business model creation. In the built environment, many digital innovations have emerged that support the circular transition of the industry at various spatial scales. However, these innovations mainly focus on nano, micro, and macro scales and lack perspectives on the meso level (real estate portfolio). This research aims to understand how digital technologies can support circular strategies at the meso level by collecting empirical evidence from the European social housing organizations actively experimenting with circular strategies. We conducted a multiple-case study method and chose two cases from the UK and Belgium. We collected data through desk research and online group interviews. Our results indicate that housing organizations adopt a wide range of circular strategies for managing their housing portfolio. The support of digital technologies to perform the circularity is low. Our findings suggest five potentially enabling digital technologies at the meso level supporting the housing sector towards circularity: circular asset management tools, digital building logbooks, material passports, BIM, and collaboration tools.

Dutch policies to reach a CO2 neutral housing stock in 2050 force housing associations to realise higher renovation rates at lower costs. The potential for standardisation in renovation processes of the housing stock is huge. Practice shows that an increasing number of housing associations bundle their individual maintenance and sustainable renovation projects in renovation programs for two or more years. Programs that are then implemented in strategic partnerships with maintenance contractors. This paper clarifies the rationale behind this development, sketches internal and external factors that encourage and hinder this development and presents the effects of the shift from projects to programs. The paper contributes to the scientific body of knowledge of public clients in construction collaborating with market parties. The research provides housing associations and contractors tools for the implementation of successful partnerships. The paper is based on an explorative literature review and case-studies of strategic partnerships in this field. The findings show that strategic partnering in housing renovation programs increases the renovation rates of individual housing associations. Also the tenants' satisfaction with the renovation process is high. Trust is key in the collaboration between the strategic partners. Hindering factors are the realisation of the necessary culture and organizational changes on both the supply and demand side.