Implementation of circularity in the building process: A case study research into organizing the actor network and decision-making process

Ditte Gerding*, Hans Wamelink, Els Leclercq

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Circularity aims to reduce waste by closing and narrowing resource loops and by extending the lifetime of materials and products. As a consequence of this fundamentally different approach to construction practices, implementation entails a different organization of the building process. The purpose of this research is to make recommendations with respect to the actor network and the decision-making process to facilitate implementation of circularity in construction practices. First, a theoretical framework is developed to structure and prioritize decision-making to implement circularity based on resource and value strategies. Second, this framework is applied to three circular building cases in the Netherlands, relying on stakeholder interviews and documentation. These cases include a renovation project, a newly built project, and a transformation project. Third, analysis of the case study data demonstrates the actor network and decision-making process including the following aspects: Actors, resources, relations, positions, influence, and decision rounds. It can be concluded that: i) some conventional actors have acquired knowledge on circularity; and ii) expert actors emerged who have specialized in circularity. Both types of actors are a prerequisite iii) to implement circular strategies for the beginning and end phase of the building's lifetime; and iv) should be involved early on (in the design-making processes) to influence decision-making on circularity, especially concerning the long-lived layers of a building.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 36th Annual Conference 2020 (ARCOM 2020)
EditorsLloyd Scott, Christopher J. Neilson
Place of PublicationLeeds, UK
PublisherARCOM, Association of Researchers in Construction Management
Pages556-565
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-9955463-3-2
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event36th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2020 - Virtual, Online, United Kingdom
Duration: 7 Sept 20208 Sept 2020

Conference

Conference36th Annual Conference on Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/09/208/09/20

Keywords

  • Actor network analysis
  • Circular construction
  • Life cycle
  • Sustainability

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