A Systems Thinking approach towards Reuse

Abstract

Although the construction industry has made considerable progress in reducing the environmental impacts by waste diversion, the consumption rate of natural resources for construction material is still on the higher side. Hence, there needs to be a higher emphasis on reusing old building components in new construction without down-cycling them and retaining their original functions. Barriers involved in reusing recoverable building elements have multiple dimensions. Based on the current development of the industry, the solutions exist as isolated digital tools and focus only on one issue. This calls for a holistic approach to develop a solution which not only focuses on developing a technical tool but also focuses on embedding the solution in the process of reusing building elements. The main objective of this research is thus, to investigate the application of 'Systems thinking' as a holistic approach that focuses on developing a digital platform ecosystem based on the interventions amongst the actors and processes within the system. A serious gaming approach was used to simulate the system such that it can effectively derive its needs. Through the application of systems thinking and modelling approach to the problem, a set of six intervention strategies were derived. These strategies indicated that the digital platform ecosystem for enhancing reuse will fundamentally rely on these intervention strategies and thrive on reinforcing power from one side of the market to the other. By building on these intervention strategies, four propositions of change were given by comparing the existing scenario of the industry to the desired structure of a digital platform ecosystem. The research is concluded with the acknowledgement that implementation of the intervention strategies will require certain adaptations in the system. A conclusive, but not an exhaustive list of recommended adaptations in the design process and actor-network is provided to accompany the interventions strategies.