Aiming for bullseye: a novel gameplan for circular economy in the construction industry

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to provide managerial recommendations for implementing circular economy (CE) principles in both organizational and interorganizational contexts, including when using digital tools, such as building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain. Drawn from the construction sector in the Netherlands, the findings can be generalized to similar sectors where a company may receive multiple inputs as part of its supply chain augmented by digital technologies.Design/methodology/approachDesign addresses the research question: what are the strategic and tactical approaches of organizations on the CE pathway? Sub-questions target initiatives pursued by participants, and look toward information, roles and functions for supporting the CE process. Applying a multiple-case study approach (21 semi-structured interviews with 29 participants) the paper explores strategic initiatives of construction companies implementing CE pathways. The strength of the research design comes from facilitation of rich and deep qualitative insights from Netherlands-based managers embedded within global supply chains contributing to conceptual mapping. A limitation is data from one country (though representing both national and multinational companies).FindingsInterviewed managers share guidance for production-related construction companies anchored in materials and product design. Recommendations include to (1) develop both internally and externally the awareness of CE amongst leaders, (2) communicate with internal and external stakeholders for shared vision across the supply chain, (3) start with pilot projects, and (4) ensure product data-integration for CE business models through computer modeling and blockchain for decision-making processes, choices of materials, business model coordination and product (re)design. Continuous learning about CE roles and responsibilities amidst organizational process restructuring is required throughout linear to CE transitions. Extending the time for the CE principles evaluation process would allow for reconsideration of decisions made for CE implemented projects.Originality/valueA novel CE gameplan with a hurdles and recommendations checklist provides an operational interface with decision making points between internal factors for the host organization and external supply chain partners.

Why not reprocessed: identifying factors limiting the uptake of reprocessed structural timber

“…Findings Findings on factors that limit the uptake of RST are presented under two key sub-headings, personal factors and contextual factors. Figure 1, adapted from Zandee et al (2022), shows the thematic analysis framework that led to the development of the relevant codes and themes.…”

Integration of Smart Cities and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for a Sustainability Oriented Business Model to Address Sustainable Development Goals

“…Table 5 displays studies on the use of business models in the field of BIM and smart city integration, which are directly related to SDG 8.3. The pertinent research was initiated in the year 2011, using case studies [67][68][69][70], interviews [41,71], mixed research [13,48], and the DT process [72] as research methods. The research questions depict the business models of organizations' enterprises in various industries.…”

“…The life cycle of sustainable design collaboration, as well as associated intellectual property difficulties and legal responsibilities, can be addressed with the use of existing digital delivery models involving BIM [71]. In addition, to improve communication between internal and external stakeholders, foster interdependence between government and business, and achieve a shared vision across the market environment, a certain level of openness and confidence in the marketplace is necessary [13].…”

“…Governments can also aid SMEs in their transitions to digitization by providing financial and policy supports, for which BIM has been adopted to assist in updating enterprise projects through information models from the planning to commissioning stages for sharing among enterprise project participants, which enables more effective exchange and the updating of enterprise project data, enhances communication, and information management, and thus facilitates collaboration throughout the project life cycle. In the future, transparency and trust are needed for the market to develop new standards and policies, enhance internal and external stakeholder communication, build interdependence between government and business, and achieve a common vision across the market environment [13].…”

“…However, there remains a dearth of interdisciplinary integration within this sphere aimed at fostering sustainable development. Nevertheless, the findings of Zandee [13] and Zanni [14] collectively show that research in this area could provide theoretical and practical guidance for the sustainable transformation of society, which can make a positive contribution to the realization of the UN SDGs.…”