Abstract
Reuse of construction materials and products has great potential to reduce the environmental footprint of a building. However, the way buildings are designed and constructed rarely considers closed loop materials systems and the implementation of reuse in building projects is associated with many hurdles. Various professionals might experience different challenges or might be affected to different degrees. The objective of this paper is to provide an insight into experiences and perspectives of professional actors involved in projects with a focus on reuse in Norway. A series of interviews with manufacturers, architects, contractors, environmental consultants, and public institutions was conducted to (i) identify barriers and success factors for reuse in pilot projects, (ii) capture the issues that seem most pressing for different actors, (iii) identify which actors in the value chain need to be more included into reuse processes, and (iv) define and prioritise necessary actions to advance reuse in Norway. The results suggest that reuse in Norway could be greatly advanced by more communication and cooperation between different actors in the value chain. Especially manufacturers can play an important role and need to be more involved in reuse processes. Planning for and practical execution of reuse will benefit from well-functioning research infrastructure. However, legislation needs to be adjusted in favour of reuse. Currently being one of the greatest barriers as experienced by most actors, it has the potential to become the greatest enabler for the reuse of materials and products in the Norwegian building sector.
Highlights
The Norwegian building and construction industry is responsible for approximately 26% of the total national waste stream (Statistics Nor way, 2021)
A Nordic study states that reuse of construction products has the potential to reduce resource consumption by 20% in the Nordic construction sector resulting in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) savings of approximately 900 000 tons CO2equivalents (Høibye and Sand, 2018)
The principal objective of the article is to provide an insight into experiences and perceptions of different groups of actors concerning practical challenges, barriers, and success factors related to the reuse of construction products
Summary
The Norwegian building and construction industry is responsible for approximately 26% of the total national waste stream (Statistics Nor way, 2021). The vast ma jority of construction waste in Norway consists of non-contaminated and inert materials and could be reused without any health or environmental risks (Statistics Norway, 2021). Reuse is a key principle in the waste hierarchies. It improves material efficiency across all economic sectors and represents the second-best choice after waste prevention to decrease resource consumption and carbon emissions, and divert demolition waste from landfills (Akinade et al, 2017; Rakhshan et al, 2020). A Nordic study states that reuse of construction products has the potential to reduce resource consumption by 20% in the Nordic construction sector resulting in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) savings of approximately 900 000 tons CO2equivalents (Høibye and Sand, 2018). It can create social and financial benefits for private companies equating to 1.7% of the annual growth rate (Høibye and Sand, 2018)
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