Accelerating Circularity in Construction Logistics by Utilizing and Developing Digital Platforms
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Design and construction project management (MPDCM), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Hulterström, Jonatan
Jonasson, Björn
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The construction industry is facing increasing pressure from climate regulations,
which are expected to become even stricter in the future. This has in turn led to
an increased interest in circularity as a tool to meet future demands. Construction
logistics has shown potential to bring positive synergies in addressing many challenges
faced by the industry, including circularity. Additionally, the digital maturity
of the industry is relatively low, presenting challenges to new initiatives. This thesis
investigates the interface between digitalization, circularity, and construction logistics,
exploring how Digital Logistics Platforms (DLPs) can contribute to enabling
circular material flows. Previous research in this area is limited, making this thesis
a valuable contribution and a potential starting point for future research. The aim
of this study is to help practitioners in the construction industry better understand
the current state of circularity and identify how they can utilize digital tools, such as
DLPs, to improve their circular performance. An abductive research approach was
employed, combining a literature review with an extensive interview study involving
30 interviews across 29 organizations representing a diverse range of actors in the
Swedish construction industry. The findings reveal that while it is seen as an increasingly
important trend, achieving large-scale circularity remains a challenge. Material
producers and property owners are highlighted for their capacity and potential to
drive large-scale initiatives. Collaboration between actors is defined as crucial, as
individual companies often struggle to drive circular initiatives on their own. This
thesis presents a framework differentiating the term circularity into three different
types. The framework can be used by practitioners across the construction industry
to identify both their own role and potential in circular initiatives but also which
actors and competences they need to collaborate with to succeed. The landscape
of DLPs available on the Swedish market is mapped, identifying three categories
of platforms: multifunctional DLPs, calendar specialized DLPs, and niche DLPs.
These platforms have the potential to enable circular material flows by providing
integrated services and digital functions. However, this requires greater transparency
and digitalization of material inventories across the industry. The development of
DLPs can position them as a crucial enabler for circular practices in construction,
serving as the mortar to the bricks in the interface between digital and practical
activities. Ultimately, the findings of this thesis can help actors across the Swedish
construction industry identify their role within circular initiatives. Once this is realized,
the mapping and investigation of DLPs can be used to understand which
digital tools are applicable to further drive circularity.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
circularity , circular construction , construction logistics , digital platforms , material flows , reuse , recycling