Accelerating Circularity in Construction Logistics by Utilizing and Developing Digital Platforms
| dc.contributor.author | Hulterström, Jonatan | |
| dc.contributor.author | Jonasson, Björn | |
| dc.contributor.department | Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation | sv |
| dc.contributor.department | Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics | en |
| dc.contributor.examiner | Bosch, Petra | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Bosch, Petra | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-06-20T13:41:50Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-06-20T13:41:50Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.date.submitted | ||
| dc.description.abstract | 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. | |
| dc.identifier.coursecode | TEKX08 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/307975 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.setspec.uppsok | Technology | |
| dc.subject | circularity | |
| dc.subject | circular construction | |
| dc.subject | construction logistics | |
| dc.subject | digital platforms | |
| dc.subject | material flows | |
| dc.subject | reuse | |
| dc.subject | recycling | |
| dc.title | Accelerating Circularity in Construction Logistics by Utilizing and Developing Digital Platforms | |
| dc.type.degree | Examensarbete för masterexamen | sv |
| dc.type.degree | Master's Thesis | en |
| dc.type.uppsok | H | |
| local.programme | Design and construction project management (MPDCM), MSc |