Abstract
This paper contributes to the circular economy (CE) literature by investigating the drivers of success of the CE implementation in the construction sector and how those drivers can complement any implementation process in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To do so, we analyzed the case of TECMO Estructuras Metálicas, using the methodology proposed by Jaca and colleagues to implement the CE in SMEs. It is a Colombian company with more than five decades of experience in the manufacture and installation of steel and aluminum structures for small and large building and infrastructure projects. The data were collected between August 2019 and November 2020 through direct communication with the company via workshops, meetings, and company reports. This research found that five drivers are relevant for implementing CE in the construction sector: fertile ecosystem, management commitment, identification of valuable materials, green teams, and CE intermediaries. Moreover, this study also contributes to teaching the implementation of the CE in companies, since it shows that through the methodology presented, implementation projects can be developed in postgraduate classes.
Highlights
In present business practice, it is necessary to complement the traditional view of business models with the new sustainable development perspective
Considering this case study process and results, five drivers were identified for implementing circular economy (CE): fertile ecosystem, management commitment, identification of valuable materials, green teams, and CE Intermediaries
To answer the research question, five drivers were identified for implementing CE: fertile ecosystem, management commitment, identification of valuable materials, green teams, and CE Intermediaries
Summary
It is necessary to complement the traditional view of business models with the new sustainable development perspective. The traditional point of view of business models is focused on creating, delivering, and capturing value This vision expresses the linear economy’s immediacy and completely forgets the dimension of time, raised by Lozano [1] regarding sustainable development ambitions. To fill this gap and given the importance of keeping resources value, some authors as Geissdoerfer et al [2], Richardson [3], and Zott et al [4] complement the approach of circular business models considering creation, delivery, capture, and maintain value, likewise the value network. The construction sector has received particular attention with the emergence of the CE, because it is one of the largest consumers of natural resources such as energy [9], and it is a huge producer of CO2
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
