Stimulating Circular Building Methods

Abstract

Research on circular economy in the construction industry is only recently gaining momentum. A circular economy does not produce any waste. The construction sector is the most polluting sector in the Netherlands and uses 50% of the used raw materials. Therefore, circular building methods might decrease the demand on raw materials in the Dutch construction sector. This research aims to identify what factors can stimulate the adoption of circular building methods by the general contractor.

In this research a cross-case analysis is conducted with two building projects that aimed to use circular building methods. During the interviews for these case studies, some barriers for the adoption of circular building methods were identified. The six barriers which are mentioned most often are the perception of high costs, limited regulation, lack of a circular business model, unattractive esthetics, negative attitude from actors involved, and lack of integrality within the building process.

To have a positive influence on the adoption of circular building methods, and resolve the identified barriers, the general contractor may take the role of an integral manager to manage the social network, supply chain, and building process and facilitate the learning process. When taking this role it is suggested that the general contractor works together with other actors to develop a new business model. This new business model should aim to take away the current barriers for circular building methods.

The main difference between any other innovation in the building sector and circular building methods is that circularity needs more integrality. Other innovations are often only on a specific part of the project, it suffices with only changing or managing on a small part of a building project. However, circularity affects every small part of a project and therefore needs an integral manager.