Does PSS help to increase circularity? A framework for the circular design process and case study of five pilots in the Dutch infrastructure sector
Dominika A. Teigiserová (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Colin A.J. Reit (Student TU Delft)
Daan Schraven (TU Delft - Real Estate Management, TU Delft - Materials- Mechanics- Management & Design)
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Abstract
The circular economy (CE) has been established as one of the leading strategies to achieve a more sustainable system leading to national and global goals. One of the models coupled with CE is Product-Service Systems (PSS), with service integrated into products to various degree. PSS implementation in the infrastructure sector has been studied to a limited extent, with evidence of circularity lacking. This study analyzed five PSS infrastructure assets: bridge deck, guide rails, road lights, and municipal and provincial roads. Circularity improved in the design, input materials, and availability of secondary materials. A three-step framework is suggested to enable a circular process: incorporating R-strategies and circularity metrics during design, tracking material circularity, and evaluating implemented metrics and strategies. We suggest mandatory data collection by law to allow traceability, transparency, and the establishment of a secondary resource market.