Harnessing Migrant Circular Knowledge for Sustainable Transformation: The Hague Building Renovations Industry
Onesmus Onesmus Hopijayanto Salokang
Johan Ninan – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
T.A.O.E. Esteban – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
R.J. Kleinhans – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Antonella Maiello – Graduation committee member (Universiteit Leiden)
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Abstract
The Netherlands has set an ambitious national goal of achieving a fully circular economy by 2050, positioning the building renovation sector as a critical area for sustainable transformation. Within this sector, particularly in urban centers like The Hague, migrant workers form an indispensable part of the workforce. However, a significant disconnect exists: while these workers often possess valuable, practical circular knowledge, they are predominantly viewed and hired as a source of flexible, low-cost labour rather than as a repository of expertise. This underutilization represents a missed opportunity for innovation.
This thesis addresses the central question: How can companies in the building renovation industry harness migrant workers' circular knowledge? Using a qualitative case study methodology, this research conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with contractors, clients, and labour union representatives in The Hague. Thematic analysis, guided by the theoretical lens of Absorptive Capacity, was employed to identify the types of knowledge migrant workers possess and the barriers to its integration.
The findings reveal that migrant workers hold significant circular knowledge, particularly in material reuse and the application of durable materials. However, this knowledge remains untapped due to key barriers, including a "linear employment" model based on temporary contracts, employer bias viewing migrants as "hands, not heads," and contextual mismatches with Dutch standards.
This study concludes that harnessing this knowledge is not merely an ethical consideration but a strategic imperative. It proposes a fundamental shift from a labour-focused to a knowledge-focused employment model and presents an actionable framework to help companies systematically develop their absorptive capacity, thereby turning an overlooked labour pool into a powerful engine for circular innovation and competitive advantage.