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What is the most sustainable measurement method of #SustainableHousing?

Soeteman, Sam I. (2021) What is the most sustainable measurement method of #SustainableHousing?

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Abstract:As a major consumer of raw materials, the construction sector is increasingly affected by the climate change that is taking place in the world. Sustainability and circularity are therefore receiving more attention. The objective of this research is to assess the various measurement methods that are available to make circularity measurable for Kleissen Bouwmanagement en Advies. Based on the research objective and the problem identification this study answers the following research question: What is the most suitable measurement method to make sustainability measurable for Kleissen and its stakeholders? Kleissen is a company that specialises in construction management and consultancy. With the label #HoudbareHuisvesting (Literal translation: #SustainableHousing), introduced in 2017, Kleissen wants to emphasise that they believe in ecological, social, and dynamic housing. However, it is clear which goals and interests’ stakeholders have but not how Kleissen can measure these. This problem leads to difficulties in comparing sustainable and circular solutions and implementing circularity in their projects. To get a better understanding of the problem, the literature was consulted and the current situation described. The literature research starts with the overarching concept of sustainability, in which ecological, social, and economic issues are addressed. These three aspects are also called the Triple Bottom Line (planet, people, and profit). The aspect circularity mainly relates to the planet aspect, as circularity in the construction industry aims to keep the materials as long as possible in a closed loop. This results in the reduction of new resources. To measure circularity in the construction sector, the Dutch government prescribed the Milieu Prestatie Gebouw (MPG) and sets requirements for a minimum level to be achieved. After the literature review, previous research, interviews and brainstorm sessions gave insight into the stakeholders' wishes. Previous research has revealed the main areas of stakeholder interest in terms of circularity. In addition to the stakeholders' wishes, Kleissen's requirements were also identified through interviews and a brainstorming session. When these requirements and wishes are combined, a distinction can be made between practical requirements and functional requirements. Practical requirements refer to price, ease of use, structure, how specific, reliability and future-proof. Functional requirements relate to MPG, detachability and material processing. Findings from the study showed that the MPG cannot be considered a comprehensive way of measuring circularity. The MPG is too concerned with the environmental impact of a particular product. As a result, other important aspects, such as detachability, residual value, and CO2 emissions, are not sufficiently included. Measuring methods with a broader scope, sustainability, measure more aspects than just circularity. These methods therefore give the user more information about the building. However, the methods are also capable of calculating a circularity score, although they ultimately rely on the MPG for this purpose. There are, however, other measuring methods that do focus specifically on making circularity in the construction industry measurable. Although these methods (CPG, BCI and Circulariteitsindex) also use the MPG as a basis, they all have additional aspects that make them unique. The Building Circularity Index (BCI), for example, focuses specifically on construction in a detachable form, while the Circulariteitsindex looks at a broader scope than the MPG. This study recommends running a pilot project with the CirculariteitsPrestatie Gebouw (CPG) (via GPR Gebouw). In addition, further advice is given on how to better implement circularity within Kleissen. Moreover, the conclusion chapter also advises on how the construction sector in general can develop circular construction.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Kleissen, Hengelo, Netherlands
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:83 economics, 85 business administration, organizational science, 88 social and public administration
Programme:Business Administration MSc (60644)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88826
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