In search of the barriers and drivers for the implementation of a Circular Economy in Dutch infrastructure projects

Abstract

In 2015, the Paris Agreement was established with the aim to strengthen the global response in limiting the increase in the global average temperature. This can be achieved by, amongst other measures, lowering of CO2 emissions. The Paris Agreement was also signed by the Netherlands. Within the Netherlands, the construction sector has the largest environment impact of all sectors; accounting to 36% of the national CO2 emissions, 50% of the national material usage and 40% of the total energy consumption. Research has shown that implementing a CE in this sector may significantly lower these CO2 emissions and material usage. Despite the establishment of several national agreements aiming to accelerate the implementation of a CE in Dutch infrastructure projects, progress is slow. Several barriers are assumed to hamper this transition, while drivers may accelerate the transition towards a CE. This study aims to identify the barriers to and the drivers of the implementation of a CE in part of the Dutch construction sector; the infrastructure sector. The research question is “What are the barriers and drivers that respectively need to be overcome and enhanced in order to accelerate the implementation of a Circular Economy in Dutch infrastructure projects?”

Based on a review of the literature on barriers and drivers for the implementation of a CE in general and in the construction sector, a literature-based framework of CE barrier- and driver-categories was developed. This framework provided the basis in formulating the questions for the interviews. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with respondents from a diverse and balanced group of stakeholders in the infrastructure sector. Respondents were asked what they think are the barriers and drivers for the implementation of a CE in Dutch infrastructure projects. A total of 135 barriers and 72 drivers were identified during the interviews, which could be grouped in the categories of the literature-based framework. The most frequently mentioned barriers relate to the procurement of infrastructure projects, the aversion of risks and the higher costs of secondary or circular materials as compared to ‘virgin’ materials. The most frequently mentioned drivers often require the government to take action, and involved developing more binding legislation and regulation on the use and application of circular materials (at least to an extend) in infrastructure projects. Additionally, as the commissioner of the majority of infrastructure projects in the Netherlands, the government providing more room for circular innovations or pilot projects was mentioned as a driver.

While this study is novel in the sense that it is the first to provide an overview of the barriers and drivers for the implementation of CE in the context of infrastructure project, further search is required to determine how the identified barriers and drivers can respectively be overcome and enhanced. Additionally, further research to validate the applicability of the literature-based framework of CE barrier- and driver-categories in infrastructure projects in other countries is recommended.