A Roadmap towards Circularity - Modular Construction as a Tool for Circular Economy in the Built Environment

Abstract

Abstract The concept of Circular Economy (CE) is a novel economic model aiming to foster sustainable economic growth, increase a company’s economic value added, boost global competitiveness, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The modular construction has a high potential to embody a starting point for this transition because of its industrial construction and predestined characteristics for disassembly and reuse. In this paper, a circular economy framework is applied to the modular construction industry to develop a roadmap within the scope of Circular Business Models (CBM). In the first part, a literature review is conducted to identify the current CBMs in terms of applicability, usability and adaptability to the sector. The four business models maintenance and repair, reuse and refurbishment, upcycling, and product-as-a-service emerged. In a second step, a qualitative approach with international experts in modular construction, circular economy in the built environment and consultancy is used to explore the opportunities, challenges and barriers in the industry to accelerate the transformation to circularity within the holistic building life cycle. To overcome the barriers, 15 guidelines are distilled and through additional expert interviews verified. Subsequently, this roadmap supports responsible consumption and production through the building life cycle and enables benefits concerning the triple bottom line paradigm. While some of the guidelines refer to specific CBMs, the majority represents a comprehensive approach. Applying the roadmap is a first step to activate the identified potential of the CE in the modular construction industry in order to enhance an innovative and sustainable industrialization within the built environment and to contribute to a cleaner, more resilient economy.