Developing a Framework to Integrate Circularity into Construction Projects

Jeanine Többen and Raymond Opdenakker
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Jeanine Többen: Division Water and Energy, Sub Department Built Environment, Team Construction Project Management & Consultancy, Sweco Netherlands, De Holle Bilt 22, 3732 HM De Bilt, The Netherlands
Raymond Opdenakker: Sub Department Innovation, Technology Entrepreneurship & Marketing, Faculty Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-27

Abstract: This study provides the first approach to integrating circularity in the early stages of a construction project by the project manager. The circular ambition of the Dutch government stimulates a different approach in project management compared to a traditionally applied approach in construction projects. Design science research (DSR) was used to develop a framework for project managers to integrate circularity in the initial phases of construction projects, and we divided this research into three steps: (1) investigate the problem, (2) design a solution and (3) validate the design. The performed design cycle and formulated design propositions resulted in a framework consisting of two A3 format pages. The framework explains a successful three-step approach: knowledge of circular economy in the construction sector is needed, circularity has to be integrated into the project preparation, and circularity has to be integrated into project management. Furthermore, the framework incorporates extra background information and a checklist with 27 identified success factors. The framework was validated by expert opinions as effective, is ready to be implemented and is described as useful for the current challenges, demands and questions of the market.

Keywords: framework; circular building; project manager; construction sector; initiation and definition phases; design science research; design propositions; fuzzy Delphi method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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