Circular economy competencies in Swedish architecture and civil engineering education

Abstract

Abstract The transition from a linear to a circular AEC sector requires redefining processes and roles, accompanied by the acquisition of new competencies and skills. Despite existing literature delineating various competencies pertinent to this transition, the lack of knowledge among the actors remains a significant barrier to enabling it. This study involves a comparative analysis of the competences needed in the AEC sector with the bachelor’s educational programs in architecture, civil engineering, and real estate and construction management offered by five higher education institutions (HEIs) participating in the Swedish Universities of the Built Environment (SBU). Aiming to emphasize the need to improve the integration of circular economy concepts and strategies within academic curricula, the overarching objective is to identify both circular-focused syllabi and the potential implementation of circular competencies in existing courses within the SBU programs. First, the results show the technical competencies deemed necessary for the transition to a circular building process. Second, by analysing course syllabi from the five Swedish HEIs, this study identifies gaps in circular-focused education and the level of integration of these competencies within the curricula. Ultimately, this study contributes to bridging the gap between Swedish education on circular economy in the AEC sector and its practical application.