Near-site utilisation of demolition materials: a value network analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyses the actors and transactions in the value network of circular near-site utilisation of materials generated in the demolition of buildings. The study aims to increase the knowledge of such value networks and thus enable more efficient project planning and construction design from the point of view of circular demolition material use. Design/methodology/approach: A multiple case study methodology with semi-structured interviews was utilised. Four demolition cases were chosen for analysis, with 60 identified value transactions between actors. The actors were categorised based on their position in the value network to find out how different types of actors create value for each other in the network. Findings: Four actor categories were discovered: legislative, ownership and finance, operational and intermediary. These categories have different types of value transactions with other actor categories in the network – legislative actors create the boundaries for the business- and operational environment, ownership and finance actors create the operational network for intermediary and operational actors, which create value based on opportunities in business collaboration. These findings complement previous studies and show that macro-scale models of circular economy implementation are also applicable in the meso-scale. Furthermore, missing or severed actors and transactions were found to hinder value creation in the network. Originality/value: This article provides novel insights into the value networks of demolition materials, especially in terms of near-site utilisation, and suggests developing means to optimise their use in a demolition/construction project setting.