Organising for Circularity in Construction - A Study of the Implementation of Reuse in Swedish Redevelopment Projects

Abstract

The construction industry is a significant contributor to both greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and it is facing increasing pressure to reduce its climate impact. As a result, interest in the circular economy (CE) within the construction sector is growing. However, the transition towards circular practices remains in its early stages, and new workflows have not yet been fully established. This thesis investigates how circular practices – particularly the reuse of building products and components – can be effectively integrated into building transformation and redevelopment projects. The study explores organisational approaches to reuse, aiming to identify success factors and provide practical examples of methods and solutions, with a focus on contract types, procurement strategies, adaptations to the design and construction process, and the management of reuse-related challenges. The research was conducted as a multiple case study with an abductive approach, combining a theoretical framework with empirical data from 11 semi-structured interviews across three case projects. The findings show that both partnering agreements with design-build contractors and divided contract structures with traditional construction contracts can support reuse, though roles and responsibilities differ. Traditional contracts require clearly defined reuse requirements, while design-build contracts rely more on contractor incentives. Reuse also introduces new activities – such as inventory, disassembly, and quality control – that increase coordination needs and challenge traditional workflows. Moreover, the study identifies three main types of barriers to reuse: cultural, regulatory, and financial. Cultural barriers can be mitigated by fostering shared commitment and individual engagement. Regulatory barriers remain resource-intensive to navigate, suggesting a need for simplified regulations and clearer standards. Financial barriers, often tied to added labour costs, may be reduced through more efficient reuse processes. Ultimately, the findings of this thesis provide guidance on how reuse can be organised in practice, supporting stakeholders involved in future transformation and redevelopment projects in planning and organising for reuse.