Evaluating Regional Strategies towards a Circular Economy in the Built Environment. Issue 3 (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zabek, M; Wirth, M; Hildebrand, L
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 588: Issue 3(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/588/3/032058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: In particular relation to the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal No. 12 ("responsible production and consumption"), the implementation of a circular economy into the building industry has special potentials. More circular flows of material and information can simultaneously decrease resource extraction, fossil energy consumption and environmental pollution, while allowing new business models. However, this chance still remains largely neglected by decision makers. In order to transform this situation, it is necessary to understand and re-weave the entire value chain – requiring new collaborations between various stakeholder groups. In a three-year project that was dedicated to setting up a strategy for the implementation of circularity in the building sector within a region in Germany, stakeholders were involved to work towards circular value creation beyond waste management. The project proceeded in three dimensions: 1) Action-oriented networking and strategy making, 2) Conceptualizations and implementation steps for a pilot location that makes high-value products from building waste, 3) Identification of action items and project initiations. Based on a stakeholder analysis, this paper reflects upon the entire process, with a focus on qualitative information flows. The paper concludes with a critical view regarding the stakeholder network method of the project and its efficiency in implementing the circular economy on a regional scale.