Digital Solutions for Advancing Reuse in the Industry: A Circular Economy Perspective A critical review on related work and a practical study

Abstract

The Swedish Architectural, Engineering and Architectural (AEC) industry recognizes the importance of transitioning from Linear Economy (LE) to Circular Economy (CE) approach in order to reduce waste, promote sustainable resource utilization, and align with Sweden’s vision of becoming a "net-zero emissions" country by 2045 (Adams et al., 2017; Boverket, 2023a). This transition offers environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, implementing CE practices in the building sector requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, stakeholders from the industry, and academia. Guidelines, policies, and incentives should be developed to encourage the adoption of CE practices. Furthermore, Comprehensive education and awareness raising efforts are needed to ensure decision-makers, architects, engineers, and industry professionals are well-informed about the advantages of adopting circular economy practices and the necessary implementation steps. (Ghisellini, Ripa, and Ulgiati, 2018; Walker et al., 2021; Ababio and Lu, 2022; Bellini and Bang, 2022). The thesis provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with incorporating CE practices in the Swedish AEC industry, emphasizing the role of information flow with a digital framework in order to enhance circularity. It under scores that the growing awareness to shift towards CE models in order to address the environmental impact within the industry. Fostering innovation, promoting eco friendly technologies, addressing social and cultural barriers, updating regulations, overcoming financial obstacles, and developing innovative solutions are key aspects for a successful circular implementation. The thesis also highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and information flow in establishing a common understanding of CE practices. Governments, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders in the industry should collaborate to develop supportive policies, regulations, and incentives. Digital tools, such as 3D scanning, inventory management systems, and databases, play a vital role in enhancing collaboration and value co-creation, but their adoption may face challenges. This is due to the fragmented and conservative characteristics of the industry. Furthermore, the thesis stresses the need for further development, standardization, and consensus on digital tools and software’s for material reuse. Categorizing and grouping existing materials, conducting pre-demolition audits, and developing control plans are essential for streamlining information flow, facilitating inventory management, and identifying reusable building products. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPD) have limitations for reused materials, emphasizing the importance of a reliable basic material passport. The thesis concludes that integrating CE practices, improving information flow, and embracing digitalization can lead to greater resource efficiency, waste reduction, and a more sustainable Swedish AEC industry. The findings and recommendations contribute to further research and actions for successful circular implementation in construction projects, advancing sustainable development and CE implementation.