Breaking down barriers: Enabling the reuse of structural building components through collaboration
M. Bezem (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
V.H. Gruis – Mentor (TU Delft - Real Estate Management)
J.W.F. Wamelink – Mentor (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)
S. Nijhuis – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Landscape Architecture)
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Abstract
The construction sector has a substantial impact on climate change. In the Netherlands, the
construction sector accounts for nearly 35% of the Netherlands’ CO₂ emissions and half of its
resource use. Although Dutch recycling rates are relatively high, the use of secondary materials in new construction is still very low. Given the national ambition to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050, this represents a missed opportunity. Within buildings, structural components account for the largest share of embodied carbon and should therefore be targeted for reuse. Collaboration among key actors in the construction value chain, including actors such as developers, architects, contractors, advisors, and demolition companies, can enable this reuse, but research is limited on this topic.
This research explored how collaboration among the mentioned actors could enable the reuse of structural components from buildings reaching the end of their lifecycle. A qualitative approach was used, incorporating semi-systematic literature reviews, case studies, semi-structured interviews, and workshops. First, the study identified factors that affect the reusability structural components. After this, the study identified barriers and drivers in the reuse process, as well as the collaborative process needed such as roles, knowledge, and workflows. This was followed by a workshop that incorporated these results and identified different strategies for collaboration.
It is found that the key barriers to structural reuse are primarily economic, organizational, and
social, rather than technical. Fragmented information, misaligned timelines, and unclear roles
often hinder the practical implementation of structural component reuse. The resulting strategy guide addresses these barriers and proposes actionable strategies for the early project phase. The guide offers collaborative strategies that embed reuse into the routines, roles, and dynamics of construction projects.