A Stakeholder-Based Assessment Model (SAM) for Resource -Efficiency Measures in the Construction Industry

In recent decades, the shortage of natural resources like primary raw materials has increasingly shifted into the focus of public discussion and research. Especially in the resource-intensive construction sector the implementation of a circular economy can strongly contribute to a reduction of primary resource demand. Positive developments can be noticed already, but the desired goal of an effective circular economy is still not being reached. For instance, the usage of recycled raw materials as substitutes for primary resources could be significantly higher.
In order to implement the protection of resources in the construction sector, it is essential to assess resource-saving measures and their impact on conservations as well as stakeholders motivation to implement them. For this purpose, a Stakeholder-based Assessment Model (SAM) is introduced to provide recommendations for political actions and potent measures to foster the circular economy in the construction sector that lead to increased reuse and recycling of construction materials. In the SAM, relevant actors are identified and their characteristics and preferences as well as the level of influence on each other are modelled and validated for Germany. ... mehrMoreover, available resource-conserving measures concerning the construction sector are identified and related measures are grouped together. Thereupon the influence of measures on stakeholders and their willingness to take positive actions in terms of a circular economy have been investigated and modelled. Relevant model data has been gathered by intensive literature review, surveys and expert interviews.
The results show that measures regarding lifecycle oriented planning of buildings as well as the development of stakeholder cooperation are the most effective ones to save resources and to reduce the disposal of construction material. Furthermore the results demonstrate that a leading role of public authorities is crucial to foster a circular economy.