SRR721 - Construction Research Project Assessment Answer

Introduction

By creating a closed-loop material flow, the circular economy (CE) idea seeks to reduce the consumption of natural resources and advance sustainability. The economic framework identifies new opportunities for economic growth while addressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste. CE can completely transform how we produce, use, and discard materials. It is based on three fundamental tenets: eradicating waste and pollution, protecting recyclables, and promoting natural regeneration systems. The Earth's limited resources are put under tremendous strain by rapid urbanization and population increase. The argument over resource availability focuses on whether there is a problem with scarcity or difficulties in quickly expanding production capacity to satisfy demand. Geopolitical, economic, and societal issues may have an impact on this. The construction sector consumes a lot of resources and produces a lot of trash and pollutants. In the past, it followed a linear process, using raw materials to make building components and getting rid of the majority of the waste after construction. It is essential to move away from this linear model and towards a circular economic strategy to save future natural resources, wealth, and safety.

CE emphasizes creative designs, maximal material reuse, renovating pre-existing structures, and recycling construction materials, as noted by Ghisellini and associates. To maximize material value and lengthen their life cycles while reducing waste, this transition entails changing design and construction techniques. A built structure's life cycle includes all stages of design, building, use, maintenance, and demolition. Waste reduction, resource conservation, and adaptation through deconstruction are CE-inspired design principles that are highly valued for their advantages in terms of the environment, finances, and aesthetics. Due to the industry's high waste production and low material recovery rate, waste generation during building, operation, and demolition is being scrutinized by the public more and more. According to Alberto Lopez, CE provides a thorough framework to deal with these problems, potentially revolutionizing practices in the building industry, leading to more effective resource usage, structural renovation, and minimal environmental impact.

Circular economy studies in the building industry have historically concentrated on recycling construction and demolition waste (C&DW), ignoring other factors such as the design and construction techniques promoted by CE. Companies frequently give the adoption of CE the shaft in favour of sustainability and green building techniques. Despite this, CE stands out because it offers a more comprehensive view of sustainability that takes into account economic, social, and environmental benefits. Companies erroneously connect CE with sustainable development programs or green building techniques. Gilliam et al. (2021) stress the importance of using a holistic strategy to carry out CE's objectives within sustainable development. Industries must understand CE's many advantages to make adoption commercially viable. To promote sustainable development, CE focuses on reducing resource use, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions.

1.1 Background

Motivation - The construction sector has undergone a fundamental transformation recently towards embracing a circular economy model. This concept aims to keep materials in a closed loop, keeping their best value and greatly lowering waste generation, environmental impacts, and resource extraction throughout the many phases of construction: design, procurement, construction, and operations.

Scope - The goal of this study is to investigate the most recent developments showing how the circular economy might benefit the construction sector by encouraging long-term life cycle value.

Relevance - It also aims to pinpoint the adjustments needed to adopt the concepts of the circular economy. The case study analysis is intended to suggest ARUP's use of circular economy principles in building the people's pavilion resulted in benefits for the economy, the environment, and society. This thorough analysis focuses on how we might move towards a net-zero economy and reap financial rewards by rejecting the traditional consumption model and embracing circular economy tactics.

This study sheds light on the benefits that construction companies can derive from incorporating circular economy practices into their projects on an environmental, social, and economic level.

1.1.1 Circular economy

This concept aims to keep materials in a closed loop, keeping their best value and greatly lowering waste generation, environmental impacts, and resource extraction throughout the many phases of construction: design, procurement, construction, and operations.

1.1.2 Circular actions

 Enhancing Awareness and Understanding: To improve understanding of the CE concept and its implementation methodologies.

1.2 Research Aim and Objectives

Research aim - The purpose of this study is to clarify the Circular Economy (CE) concept in the context of current industry practices, highlight the benefits of CE, identify barriers to adoption, and suggest areas for further study.

The following are included in the research's objectives

1. Enhance CE Understanding: Improve comprehension of CE concepts and methodologies.
2. Clarify CE Relationships: Identify synergies and conflicts with existing construction methods and assess economic, social, and environmental benefits.
3. Investigate Obstacles: Explore challenges in adopting CE in construction, suggest future research areas.
4. Guiding Research Framework: These aims guide the examination of CE's role in construction for sustainable development.

Scope of research

Improvement of demolition waste management techniques through circular economy strategies is beneficial to the economy, society, and environment: to assess the benefits of incorporating CE principles on the economy, society, and environment. The current study greatly expands our understanding of the Circular Economy (CE) and its implementation methodologies, which adds to the body of knowledge for the construction industry. For those working in the construction sector, this enhanced understanding of CE and its related social, economic, and environmental benefits is of great impo The study of the circular economy spans a wide range of academic fields, including business, engineering, environmental science, and economics. Researchers look on issues like waste reduction, innovation in green technology, policy development, and the effects of circular models on the economy and environment. The circular economy is a crucial area for tackling urgent global issues as concerns about sustainability around the world grow. Research in this area is focused on finding workable solutions to resource depletion and environmental problems

This study also clarifies the difficulties in CE adoption, providing helpful information to those working in the building business. It allows increased cooperation among many project stakeholders by addressing these issues and encouraging a deeper knowledge of CE's costs and benefits, ultimately assisting in the achievement of all-encompassing sustainability goals. In conclusion, this research increases collaboration and alignment among stakeholders in the construction sector, which supports their collective efforts to reach sustainability targets as set forth by the United Nations. It also advances our understanding of CE.

1.2 Research Methodology

The study adopts methodology to identify the major barriers to implementing circular economy solutions linked to demolition waste management, the study utilizes a technique that involves exploring and reviewing case study journals in the body of current literature. First, challenges are recognized with the aid of journals and literature; next, after evaluating the most recent literature through case studies, strategies are suggested.

1.3 Research Questions

1. How can awareness and understanding of Circular Economy (CE) principles be enhanced within the construction sector to address sustainability concerns?
2. What are the primary barriers preventing the adoption of CE practices in construction, and how can these obstacles be overcome?
3. How do Circular Economy (CE) practices align with or differ from existing construction strategies and sustainability initiatives like LEED, and what are the implications for material choice and cost considerations?
4. What framework can be developed to assess the costs and benefits of CE implementation in construction, addressing concerns related to risk and ambiguity?

1.5 Thesis structure

Chapter 1 provides information on the circular economy

Chapter 2 provides information on the literature review

Chapter 3 – Research Methodology

Chapter 5 – discussion

Chapter 2: Literature Review

This section examines past and present research on the application of CE (Circular Economy) principles in large capital projects. Additionally, it assesses the current degree of CE awareness among the different project stakeholders. It also provides recommendations and tactics for raising CE awareness, which will help future capital projects use CE principles

2.1 Awareness of Circular Economy

The main goal of this study is to increase understanding, application, and awareness of Circular Economy (CE) strategies in capital projects in the construction industry. Increasing CE knowledge within the building industry is a crucial first step. This can be accomplished by highlighting the importance of CE, clarifying the justifications for moving away from conventional methods, and underlining the numerous opportunities and positive effects CE implementation will have on the environment, society, and the economy. Clarify and quantify the benefits of CE to increase public understanding of the subject(ellenmcarthur foundation,2023).

2.1.2 Understanding the Strategies of CE adoption in capital projects

Since its origins in the 1970s, the Circular Economy (CE) idea has gone through several stages of development. The effective management of resources and waste is the essential principle of CE, according to numerous research. This entails lowering energy requirements, decreasing the production of waste materials, and encouraging a closed-loop system.

The circular economy includes techniques including durable design, repair, re manufacturing, refurbishing, reuse, maintenance, and recycling, according to the World Economic Forum. These methods can be successfully used in capital projects and necessitate, among other things, a focus on adaptability, durability, deconstruction, adaptability, closed-loop materials, and materialization. The building industry has been stressing design and systemic viewpoints more and more to encourage the adoption of CE practices and produce more sustainable life cycle outcomes. Since Sassi developed a system for evaluating materials as part of a closed-loop cycle, the idea of achieving sustainability through closed-loop design principles has gained popularity(Blomsma,2017). Additionally, it is not sufficient to concentrate solely on the materials; installation and construction techniques are as crucial. For materials to be used in a closed-loop cycle, they must meet two requirements:

Dismantling Capability: The building has to be made in a way that permits eventual dismantling.

Reusability and Recycling: As part of the closed-loop material cycle, the material's constituent parts should be able to be recycled or reused(ellenmcarthur foundation,2023).

Buildings must be constructed to enable their demolition when necessary to satisfy the first criterion. In the second stage, materials and their parts are properly disposed of using closed-loop cycles. This can be done by reusing components and materials from older buildings and continuously improving them utilizing industrial and organic techniques(Ghisellini et.al,2018)

The utility of reusing materials through various recovery processes has been the subject of numerous research. Ness et al., for instance, support digitally tracking steel to make it easier to incorporate it into future structures. However, a steel's capacity for reuse is based on how well it is maintained.

Stakeholders associated with circular economy

Different project stakeholders, including customers, designers, contractors, and manufacturers, might approach the adoption of the circular economy (CE) from different angles:

Clients:

Sustainability Objectives: Customers frequently start construction projects with definite sustainability objectives. By minimizing the project's environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and fostering long-term sustainability, they may see CE to support these goals.

Cost and Return on Investment: As CE practices can affect the entire project budget and financial results, clients may also be interested in the possible cost savings and return on investment connected with them.

Long-Term Benefits: Clients may take into account CE's long-term advantages, which include decreased operating expenses and rising asset values over time.Project clients play a key role in encouraging the application of Circular Economy (CE) principles at the project level. However, it is usually noted that clients might not have the knowledge and perspective needed to decide on their CE implementation plan over the long term. Clients are not the only companies facing this difficulty with CE integration; other companies operating along the building supply chain do as well.

Clients need significant help from other supply chain players if they are to successfully lead the way in implementing CE. A few important components of this support should be included:

New Business Models: By establishing new business models that adhere to CE principles, other supply chain partners, such as contractors, designers, and manufacturers, can contribute. These models may place a strong emphasis on conserving resources, minimizing waste, and long-term sustainability, which motivates customers to use CE techniques.

Supply chain improvements can contribute to technology advancements that make CE adoption easier. Tools and systems for tracking supplies, keeping tabs on resource use, and streamlining building procedures to reduce waste may fall under this category.

Proofs of Advantages: Case studies and real-world examples can be useful in proving the benefits of CE applications. Clients are more willing to support CE when they can demonstrate concrete proof of the advantages, such as cost savings, decreased environmental impact, and increased asset value.

Information and Assurance: Supply chain participants can make a difference by educating clients about CE practices and their possible effects. Client education on the many CE solutions that are available, their costs and advantages, as well as the environmental and social effects, are all part of this (Reike et.al,2017).

Performance Assurance: It's critical to provide guarantees regarding the effectiveness of CE projects. To achieve this, it is necessary to ensure that CE policies will produce the desired results in terms of sustainability, resource efficiency, and long-term value.

In conclusion, clients play a crucial role in the implementation of CE, but they also need a lot of help and involvement from the larger construction supply chain. Encourage clients to adopt CE practices and promote sustainability in the construction industry by working together to introduce new business models, technology advancements, and verifiable benefits of CE.

Designers:

Innovative Design: The incorporation of CE principles into project design is largely the responsibility of designers. They might see CE as a chance to develop original, sustainable, and adaptive designs that put a premium on lifetime and material efficiency.

Designing with the potential for recycling and reuse in mind will help designers choose materials that adhere to CE standards for closed-loop cycles.

Designers can support CE by using techniques like modular design, design for disassembly, and the use of recyclable materials. In the Circular Economy (CE) framework, the role of designers has surpassed that of the conventional value chain in importance. The integration of knowledge and mutual advantages is made possible by designers, who play a key facilitation role among the various project stakeholders. By developing creative CE strategies, they have a rare opportunity to integrate circularity across the project lifetime. CE techniques must be implemented from the very beginning of the project to guarantee the durability, re-usability, adaptability, and deconstruction capability of designs. Starting with circular product design, CE (Kirchherr et.al,2017). The Pantheon and Colosseum, which are still operational after 2,000 years, and other buildings with unusually long lifespans in construction are the product of both sound initial design and efficient maintenance and administration procedures. However, architects and building designers can't do this on their own; they need manufacturers to provide them with the most recent information on the newest materials on the market. In summary, designers are essential in advancing CE by conceiving and putting into practice creative solutions that place a premium on resource efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability throughout a project. To fully utilize CE in construction, they serve as a connecting point between numerous stakeholders and must stay educated about new materials and technology (Hossain et.al,2020).

Contractors:

Construction Techniques: Contractors are in charge of putting CE techniques into action on-site. They might emphasize effective construction techniques, cutting down on waste, and disposing of materials properly both during and after construction.

Supply Chain Management: Contractors should seek out suppliers who supply recycled or repurposed materials as well as other products that adhere to CE guidelines.

Resource Optimization: Contractors may work to reduce waste during construction and to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.To advance Circular Economy (CE) practices inside construction projects, contractors are essential. They have the choice to use circular materials, reducing waste of materials, water, and energy at the project site. Innovative technologies, such as product passports and data embedding into computer-generated construction models, are crucial to advancing these initiatives. Contractors may be confident that recycled materials are both of high quality and compliant with the law thanks to this technology. Prefabrication and computer-generated models are two methods that contractors have previously adopted to increase productivity, cut costs, and shorten the amount of time spent on the job site. To ensure close coordination with other value chain stakeholders, continued development of digital technologies is necessary. These digital tools can help builders achieve goals like zero waste in construction, closed-loop systems, reusing water and energy, and greatly lowering the dangers to workers' health and safety on building sites. This can be done with the use of automated machinery or human labour, increasing the overall sustainability and safety of the project.

Manufacturers:

Product Design: Manufacturers can focus on durability, repair ability, and the use of recyclable or reused materials when creating products with circularity in mind.

Product Life Extension: Through refurbishment, re-manufacturing, or upgrading services, manufacturers may look into methods for extending the life of their products.

Recycling and Take-Back Programs: To collect and reuse their products at the end of their useful lives, certain manufacturers may launch recycling programs or take-back efforts. Collaboration between these groups is crucial for the effective implementation of CE principles into building projects because each stakeholder group provides a distinct viewpoint to the process. Together, they can contribute to the construction industry's circular resource utilization of resources, waste reduction, and sustainability goals.A circular economy (CE) must be established and sustained, and manufacturers and suppliers are crucial to this process. To achieve an intentional design that promotes restoration and preservation of product value throughout a project's life cycle, their efforts are crucial in ensuring that products are by both biological and technical nutrient cycles.

Research gap

The text mentions the need to enhance understanding, clarify relationships, and investigate obstacles related to CE adoption in the construction sector. However, it does not specify the extent to which CE principles have been practically implemented in construction projects, nor does it delve into the real-world challenges faced during implementation. Therefore, a research gap exist in conducting empirical studies that assess the practical application of CE principles in construction, identify barriers faced by industry practitioners, and explore strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Identification of suitable journals

"For this research, international scopus indux based journals published between 2015 and 2023 will be exclusively considered and selected for comprehensive coverage of the demolition waste management process in circular economy literature during this timeframe."

References

Ellenmacarthurfoundation 2023, Eliminate waste and pollution , Ellenmacarthurfoundation, viewed 21 August 2023 <https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/eliminate-waste-and-pollution>

Ellenmacarthurfoundation 2023, What is a circular economy , Ellenmacarthurfoundation, viewed 21 August 2023 <https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview>

Blomsma, F. & Brennan, G., 2017. The emergence of circular economy: A new framing aroundprolonging resource productivit y. J. Ind. Ecol, Vol 21,no.2pp. 603–614.

Ghisellini, P., Maddalena, R. & Ulgiatide, S., 2018. E xploring environmental and economiccosts and benefits of a circular economy approach to the construction and demolition sector. A literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production , Vol 178,no.1 pp. 618-643.

Gorgolewski, M., 2006. The implications of reuse and recycling for the design of steel buildings. Canadian Journal of civil engineering, Vol 33,no.4, pp. 489–496.

Hossain, M., Ng, S., Antwi-Afari, P. & Amor, B., 2020. Circular economy and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective framework for sustainable construction. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev, Vol.5,no.20,pp.5-15.

Kirchherr, J., Reike, D. & Hekkert, M., 2017. Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitio ns. Resour. Conserv. Recycle. , Vol 10,no 127,p p. 221–232.

Ness D AL, 2015. Smart steel: new paradigms for the reuse of steel enabled by digital trackingand modelli ng. Journal of cleaner production, Vol 98,no.17, pp. 292–303.

Rahla, K. M., Mateus, R. & Bragança, L., 2021. Implementing Circular Economy Strategies in Buildings—From Theory to Practice. Applied System Innovation. Journal of Sustainability, Vol 4,no.2.

Reike, D., Vermeulen, W. & Witjes, S., 2017. The circular economy: New or refurbished as CE3.0?—Exploring controversies in the conceptualization of the circular economy through a focuson history and resource value retention options. Resour. Conserv. Recyc,Vol 12,no.8,pp.8-17

Retrace, 2018. The Case study of Better Future Factory. [Online]Available at: https://www.interregeurope.eu/good-practices/better-future-factory

Salvalai, G., Sesana, M., Brutti, D. & Imperadori, M., 2020. Design and Performance Analysis ofa Lightweight Flexible. Sustainability , Vol 12,no85,pp 8-16

Skaik, S., 2009. EPC / EPCM definition & comparison. Construction Management Guide.[Online]Available at: http://www.cmguide.org/archives/1979.

UKCG, (. C. g., 2021. Circular Economy; UK Contractors Group. [Online]Available at: http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/WRAP%20Built%20Environment%20-%20Circular%20Economy%20Jan%202013[Accessed 2022].

Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Gao, W. & Kuroki, S., 2020. Life Cycle Environmental and CostPerformance of Prefabricated Buildings. Sustainability.Vol 12,no.5,pp5-25.

World Economic Forum, 2016. Shaping the future of construction, a breakthrough in mindsetand technology, Cologny: World Economic Forum,Vol 7,no.85,pp.7-17.

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