University of Twente Student Theses
Circular design strategies in procurement : A comparative case study in infrastructure and building construction
Steeghs, J.T. (2025) Circular design strategies in procurement : A comparative case study in infrastructure and building construction.
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| Abstract: | The Netherlands, due to resource availability and sustainability concerns, there are national aims to shift towards a circular economy by 2050. Because of this, circular designs strategies are increasingly prevalent in the construction sector. This study, conducted with Hegeman Bouw&Infra, a construction firm specialising in circular and sustainable solutions, addresses the integration of circular strategies in contemporary tendering procedures. The circular strategies explored are based on CB23’s framework including designing for prevention, quality and maintenance, adaptability, dissassembly and re-use, with re-used materials, recycled materials and renewable materials. The research framework guides the analysis of two specific cases, one in building construction and the other in infrastructure. The methodology includes conducting interviews of relevant individuals as well as a document analysis of the various documents in the tendering phase, including client criteria, contractor bids and the clients verdict. By systematically comparing the results of interviews and document analysis against the seven circular strategies, a comparison can be made on the implementation and articulation of said strategies between the client and the stakeholder. By outlining similarities and differences between the strategy approaches, the cases can be compared against one another to identify where the largest differences emerge on client and contractor articulation and emphasis of certain strategies. By noting the most significant differences, specifically in adaptability and re-use, it is then discussed how these differences emerged in the cases. It provides a foundational understanding on how theoretical universal circular construction practices may need different approaches in practice per sub-sector. Future research should focus on expanding the cases to identify whether these findings can be extrapolated for the industry as a whole, or whether it was primarily relevant for the context of the two cases. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering BSc (56952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105313 |
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