Materials passport's review: challenges and opportunities toward a circular economy building sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayara Regina Munaro ◽  
Sergio Fernando Tavares
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Knowledge Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

PurposeReuse and recycling building materials depend on an efficient set of information and tracking, which can be obtained by the materials passport (MP) tool. Although MP introduces principles of circular economy (CE) and brings environmental, social and economic benefits, it is little-explored in the construction sector. The purpose of this study is to explore the adoption of the MP in the sector to raise awareness about this tool. This analysis leads to the conception of a model and identifies the main challenges and opportunities to increase MP implementation in the sector.Design/methodology/approachThrough a systematic literature review, based on the descriptive and thematic analysis, articles were selected, and analyzed to (1) review the MP state-of-the-art in the construction sector; (2) propose a materials passport model and (3) list the main challenges and opportunities to MP adoption.FindingsThe studies about MP were concentrated on strategies to implement general concepts and business opportunities. The MP model was proposed to overcome the lack of studies and understanding showed in the review. The model aimed to improve the recovery and reuse of materials across a building's life cycle. Challenges and opportunities were raised to direct decision-makers and support the development of this tool. A systematic regulation in the construction value chain and policy systems is crucial for creating digital platforms for data management of buildings' material.Originality/valueThis study developed an MP model to enable the management of building materials at different stages of the building's life cycle and contributes to future developments of the studies on this knowledge domain.

scholarly journals Circular economy in the construction sector: advancing environmental performance through systemic and holistic thinking

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Sparrevik ◽  
Luitzen de Boer ◽  
Ottar Michelsen ◽  
Christofer Skaar ◽  
Haley Knudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Recursive Structure ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Environmental Effectiveness ◽  
Standards And Regulations ◽  
Management Schemes ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractThe construction sector is progressively becoming more circular by reducing waste, re-using building materials and adopting regenerative solutions for energy production and biodiversity protection. The implications of circularity on construction activities are complex and require the careful evaluation of impacts to select the appropriate path forward. Evaluations of circular solutions and their environmental effectiveness are often performed based on various types of life cycle-based impact assessments. This paper uses systemic thinking to map and evaluate different impact assessment methodologies and their implications for a shift to more circular solutions. The following systemic levels are used to group the methodologies: product (material life cycle declarations and building assessments), organisation (certification and management schemes) and system (policies, standards and regulations). The results confirm that circular economy is integrated at all levels. However, development and structure are not coordinated or governed unidirectionally, but rather occur simultaneously at different levels. This recursive structure is positive if the methods are applied in the correct context, thus providing both autonomy and cohesion in decision making. Methods at lower systemic levels may then improve production processes and stimulate the market to create circular and innovative building solutions, whereas methods at higher systemic levels can be used, for example, by real estate builders, trade organisations and governments to create incentives for circular development and innovation in a broader perspective. Use of the performance methods correctly within an actor network is therefore crucial for successful and effective implementation of circular economy in the construction sector.

Sustainable life cycle offers through cooperation

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Selberherr
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Business ◽  
Societal Level

Purpose – Sustainable buildings bear enormous potential benefits for clients, service providers, and our society. To release this potential a change in business models is required. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new business model with the objective of proactively contributing to sustainable development on the societal level and thereby improving the economic position of the service providers in the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach – The modeling process comprises two steps, the formal structuring and the contextual configuration. In the formal structuring systems theory is used and two levels are analytically separated. The outside view concerns the business model’s interaction with the environment and its impact on sustainability. The inside view focusses on efficient value creation for securing sustainability. The logically deductively developed business model is subsequently theory-led substantiated with Giddens’ structuration theory. Findings – The relevant mechanisms for the development of a new service offer, which creates a perceivable surplus value to the client and contributes to sustainable development on the societal level, are identified. The requirements for an efficient value creation process with the objective of optimizing the service providers’ competitive position are outlined. Research limitations/implications – The model is developed logically deductively based on literature and embedded in a theoretical framework. It has not yet been empirically tested. Practical implications – Guidelines for the practical implementation of more sustainable business models for the provision of life cycle service offers are developed. Social implications – The construction industry’s impact requires it to contribute proactively to a more sustainable development of the society. Originality/value – This paper analyzes the role for the players in the construction sector in proactively contributing to sustainable development on the societal level. One feasible strategy is proposed with a new business model, which aims at cooperatively optimizing buildings and infrastructures and taking the responsibility for the operating phase via guarantees.

Optimization design of building isolation structure based on sustainable benefit analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Wu
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Optimization Model ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Seismic Capacity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole Life Cycle

PurposeThe study shows that with the progress of building technologies and building materials, the scale of buildings has increased. But in earthquake-prone areas, large-scale buildings mean higher risks; therefore improving the seismic capacity of buildings is an important measure to reduce the risk of buildings.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the isolation structure of buildings was introduced briefly, and the cost-benefit based optimization model of the isolation structure was constructed. The optimization of the isolation structure was carried out from the perspective of benefit analysis. Then, two buildings with the same structure were analyzed as examples. One kept the original isolation structure, and the other optimized the isolation structure with the optimization model.FindingsThe final results showed that the optimized isolation structure had a lower input cost ratio, i.e. it had a higher benefit in the same whole life cycle, and the expected loss cost of the structure produced in the same life cycle was lower.Originality/valueIn conclusion, the optimization model of the isolated structure based on benefit analysis can effectively improve the benefit of building isolation structure produced in the whole life cycle.

scholarly journals Perspectives on “Game Changer” Global Challenges for Sustainable 21st Century: Plant-Based Diet, Unavoidable Food Waste Biorefining, and Circular Economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jhuma Sadhukhan ◽  
Tom I. J. Dugmore ◽  
Avtar Matharu ◽  
Elias Martinez-Hernandez ◽  
Jorge Aburto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Sustainable Diet ◽  
Food Value ◽  
Game Changer

Planet Earth is under severe stress from several inter-linked factors mainly associated with rising global population, linear resource consumption, security of resources, unsurmountable waste generation, and social inequality, which unabated will lead to an unsustainable 21st Century. The traditional way products are designed promotes a linear economy that discards recoverable resources and creates negative environmental and social impacts. Here, we suggest multi-disciplinary approaches encompassing chemistry, process engineering and sustainability science, and sustainable solutions in “game changer” challenges in three intersecting arenas of food: Sustainable diet, valorisation of unavoidable food supply chain wastes, and circularity of food value chain systems aligning with the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. In the arena of sustainable diet, comprehensive life cycle assessment using the global life cycle inventory datasets and recommended daily servings is conducted to rank food choices, covering all food groups from fresh fruits/vegetables, lentils/pulses and grains to livestock, with regard to health and the environment, to emphasise the essence of plant-based diet, especially plant-based sources of protein, for holistic systemic sustainability and stability of the earth system. In the arena of unavoidable food supply chain wastes, economically feasible and synergistically (energy and material) integrated innovative biorefinery systems are suggested to transform unavoidable food waste into functional and platform chemical productions alongside energy vectors: Fuel or combined heat and power generation. In the arena of circularity of food value chain systems, novel materials and methods for plant-based protein functionalisation for food/nutraceutical applications are investigated using regenerative bio-surfactants from unavoidable food waste. This circular economy or industrial symbiosis example thus combines the other two arenas, i.e., plant-based protein sourcing and unavoidable food waste valorisation. The multi-disciplinary analysis here will eventually impact on policies for dietary change, but also contribute knowledge needed by industry and policy makers and raise awareness amongst the population at large for making a better approach to the circular economy of food.

scholarly journals Understanding circular economy awareness and practices in manufacturing firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Liakos ◽  
Vikas Kumar ◽  
Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Bhumika Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The State ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Circular economy (CE) has evolved as a result of the growing environmental awareness, environmental legislation and the need for social responsibility. However, awareness levels of CE are not as high as expected and practices are further behind than they should be, with a significant lack of research around the subject in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of awareness levels and the practices around CE in manufacturing firms. Moreover, the study aims to empirically validate one of the earlier proposed CE models. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative survey questionnaire based approach. More than 500 people from various manufacturing organisations were contacted directly over a 40-day long sampling process through the FAME database, personal contacts and LinkedIn. The survey resulted in 103 completed responses. Given the exploratory nature of the study, the data were mainly analysed using descriptive statistics. To validate the CE model, a correlation analysis was also conducted. Findings The research findings show that with the growing emphasis on CE across the globe by governing bodies, firms are becoming more aware of CE practices. The analysis also shows some useful insights on the state of each of the pillars (economic benefits, environmental impact and resource scarcity) of CE. The findings also indicate that the environmental impact pillar of CE is at a more developed state than the other two pillars which are, mostly, in a research state. Research limitations/implications The study provides manufacturing firms with a thorough understanding of the state of CE practices and importance of its successful implementation. The findings of the study advocates consideration of all three pillars of CE by managers as a guide to plan for an efficient strategy around CE implementation. Moreover, our study adds to existing efforts by the academic community to raise the awareness towards CE practice among all relevant stakeholders. The findings of this study are based on the responses from a limited 103 survey responses from manufacturing firms. Originality/value This study adds to the very limited empirical literature on CE awareness and practices in manufacturing firms. This is also one of the first studies attempting to empirically validate an existing CE model.

scholarly journals Uso de nutrientes tecnológicos como materia prima en la fabricación de materiales de construcción en el paradigma de la economía circular

Respuestas ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Sarabia-Guarin ◽  
Jorge Sánchez-Molina ◽  
Juan Carlos Leyva-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Material ◽  
Industrial Waste ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Nutrient Recycling ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Waste Reuse

Antecedentes: El sector de la construcción es uno de los sectores económicos en Colombia con mayor crecimiento, generando grandes cantidades de residuos como producto del proceso de construcción, y/o demolición, o en su defecto en la fabricación de los materiales de construcción. Objetivo: facilitar el acceso a información académicocientífica actualizada sobre reciclaje de residuos industriales y su aplicación en la fabricación de materiales de construcción. Así mismo se emplea el término de economía circular, el cual hace referencia a la integración de las actividades de reducción (consumo de energía y residuos), reutilización y recuperación durante la producción, el intercambio y consumo. Conclusión: además de reducir la contaminación generada por los residuos de los sectores productivos, con el aprovechamiento de los subproductos ha sido posible mejorar ciertas propiedades tecnológicas de estos materiales de construcción.Palabras Clave: economía circular, materiales de construcción, nutriente tecnológico, reciclaje, residuos industriales.AbstractBackground: The construction sector is one of the economic sectors with the highest growth in Colombia, generating large amounts of waste as a result of the construction process, and / or demolition, or otherwise in the building material manufacturing. Objective: to facilitate the access to updated academic-scientific information on recycling of industrial waste and its application for the building material manufacturing. Moreover, the concept of circular economy is used, which refers to the integration of the reduction activities (energy consumption and waste),reuse and recycling during the production, exchange and consumption. Conclusion: in addition to the reduction of the pollution generated by waste from the productive sectors, certain technological properties of these building materials have been improved through the use of waste. Keywords: circular economy, building materials, technological nutrient, recycling, industrial waste.

scholarly journals Innovative recycling of end of life silicon PV panels: ReSiELP

Detritus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Pietrogiovanni Cerchier ◽  
Katya Brunelli ◽  
Luca Pezzato ◽  
Claire Audoin ◽  
Jean Patrice Rakotoniaina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Recycling Technology ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
New Type ◽  
Mechanical Separation

In Europe, an increasing amount of End of Life (EoL) photovoltaic silicon (PV) panels is expected to be collected in the next 20 years. The silicon PV modules represent a new type of electronic waste that shows challenges and opportunities. ReSiELP was a European project that aimed at recovery of valuable materials (aluminum, glass, copper, silicon, and silver) from EoL silicon PV modules. During the project a pilot plant, constituted by a furnace, a gas abatement system, an apparatus for the mechanical separation and a hydrometallurgical plant was designed and built. The pilot plan was realized to upscale recycling technology to TRL 7, with a 1500 panels/year capacity. The feasibility of industrial-scale recovery and the reintegration of all recovered materials in their appropriate value chain was investigated. The results obtained showed that 2N purity silicon and 2N purity silver can be recovered with high efficiency. In order to realize a zero-waste plant, a hydrometallurgical process was developed for the wastewater treatment. Moreover, the use of recovered glass for building materials was investigated and the obtained performance seemed comparable with commercial products.

Echoes down the corridor. Experiences and perspectives of library and information science education (LISE) during COVID-19 through an African lens

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
New Research

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous challenges, but also presented opportunities that have notable implications for the future. The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the experiences, perspectives, challenges and opportunities of Library and Information Science Educators (LISE) during the pandemic. The aim is articulated in the following three research questions: How is the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by LISE and in research? What are the perceptions formed during the period? And what are the challenges and opportunities?Design/methodology/approachThis is an interpretivist qualitative study informed by disaster management theories. The study involved the content analysis of existing literature with a focus on COVID-19 and higher education, particularly LISE, in conjunction with an open-ended email questionnaire that was sent to selected LIS educators/faculty/staff from major LIS Schools from eight sub-Saharan African countries. The author used personal experiences and observation to supplement the data and the interpretation.FindingsResults show more similarities than differences in how the COVID-19 pandemic is experienced and perceived, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it brings to the sector. As a whole, political factors are most pronounced, meaning that administration and decision-making need more attention in the sector. Also notable is that opportunities are mostly linked to technological factors, which will determine the “new normal” for LISE in the future. Almost all the narratives focused on the middle level of (during) the disaster life cycle, which is understandable as the complete cycle of the disaster is yet to come, likely when COVID-19 ceases to be a threat.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was small, as related studies focus more on COVID-19 and higher education, with hardly any focusing on LISE. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, so the disaster management life cycle cannot be fully exploited. Furthermore, the author’s categorization of responses within PEST was largely judgmental.Practical implicationsNew research, teaching and learning developmental paths have been created for LISE. The study provides practical reflection on the effects of COVID-19 on the sector and HEIs that can inform discourse and responses to the pandemic.Originality/valueThe study explores a new research domain in LISE and due to limited research in the domain brings together important voices/narratives – based on their experiences – of LIS educators in Africa on the research area. Further, it proposes the future of LISE under COVID-19 within the 4IR framework.

Life Cycle Assessment of Circular Bio-Based Construction

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Cascione ◽  
Matt Roberts ◽  
Stephen Allen ◽  
Barrie Dams ◽  
Daniel Maskell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Service Life ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Natural Materials ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Sequestration Potential

The construction sector is a large consumer of non-renewable resources and it is responsible of 44% of global energy related CO2 emissions. Circular economy is an emerging strategy that has potential to make significant improvements in the construction industry, by taking efficient and sustainable actions against climate change. The principles of circular economy are to minimise the waste of resources, by maximizing materials' performances, whilst in use, and recycle and regenerate them at the end of their service life. Natural materials can potentially be suitable in this strategy, due to the use of renewable resources, carbon sequestration potential, and high suitability for reuse and recycling. The development of bio-based wall panel is a first step into the integration of a circular economy approach in the construction sector. In this study, vapour responsive bio-based panel prototypes with low thermal transmittance (U<0.20 W/m2K) are being designed, taking into consideration the burdens and benefits of natural materials over their entire life cycle. The challenge is to assess the environmental impact of the panels during their design and production, maximise performance and life span, when in use, and regenerate and recycle panel components at the end of the service life. In this paper, a life cycle assessment of a prototype bio-based panel designed with circular economy principles is investigated. The environmental impact of the panel is analysed to investigate limitation in assessing emissions and use of resources in a circular prospective. The objective of the research is to integrate environmental impact analysis during the early stage of panel design. This will put the basis for the development of a sustainable and circular building industry and for identifying area of improvements for the development of sustainable circular panels with expected hygrothermal benefits conferred using bio-based materials.

Reusability analytics tool for end-of-life assessment of building materials in a circular economy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukman Akanbi ◽  
Lukumon Oyedele ◽  
Juan Manuel Davila Delgado ◽  
Muhammad Bilal ◽  
Olugbenga Akinade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Component

Purpose In a circular economy, the goal is to keep materials values in the economy for as long as possible. For the construction industry to support the goal of the circular economy, there is the need for materials reuse. However, there is little or no information about the amount and quality of reusable materials obtainable when buildings are deconstructed. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to develop a reusability analytics tool for assessing end-of-life status of building materials. Design/methodology/approach A review of the extant literature was carried out to identify the best approach to modelling end-of-life reusability assessment tool. The reliability analysis principle and materials properties were used to develop the predictive mathematical model for assessing building materials performance. The model was tested using the case study of a building design and materials take-off quantities as specified in the bill of quantity of the building design. Findings The results of analytics show that the quality of the building materials varies with the building component. For example, from the case study, at the 80th year of the building, the qualities of the obtainable concrete from the building are 0.9865, 0.9835, 0.9728 and 0.9799, respectively, from the foundation, first floor, frame and stair components of the building. Originality/value As a contribution to the concept of circular economy in the built environment, the tool provides a foundation for estimating the quality of obtainable building materials at the end-of-life based on the life expectancy of the building materials.

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