A master thesis from Aalborg University
Accelerating change: Bio-based materials addressing the combined crisis
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-06-06
Pages
56 pages
Abstract
Environmental concerns and warnings arising at the beginning of 1970 have evolved to become part of today's critical ecological reality, characterized by significant biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and increasing CO₂ emissions. This combined environmental crisis requires urgent and systemic changes, particularly within sectors like construction, which significantly contributes to global emissions and resource extraction. In Denmark, despite various efforts to promote sustainable building practices, the construction industry's reliance on conventional materials continues to pose challenges. This thesis investigates the potential acceleration of bio-based materials' adoption in the Danish construction industry as a means to mitigate these environmental impacts. Through a comprehensive review of literature and interviews with industry stakeholders, and supported by the theoretical framework of Multi-level Perspective (MLP) , this study revealed that the Danish building industry is resistant to change and incorporate new materials due to the complex interplay between social and technical factors , urging to act at different levels. Additionally, it was realized that bio-based materials are in an early stage of development, still having a long way to go to be part of the mainstream. Therefore, the research proposes necessary actions to accelerate their use so they are able to replace part of the conventional materials and become institutionalized and anchored in regulatory programs, user habits and professional standards. The study also highlights a critical research gap concerning the impact of bio-based materials in biodiversity, advocating for an integrated approach that encompasses CO₂ reduction, resource scarcity, and biodiversity preservation and restoration. The findings underscore the need for further research and incorporation of regenerative and circular practices to fully harness the potential of bio-based materials in addressing the combined environmental crisis.
Documents
Colophon: This page is part of the AAU Student Projects portal, which is run by Aalborg University. Here, you can find and download publicly available bachelor's theses and master's projects from across the university dating from 2008 onwards. Student projects from before 2008 are available in printed form at Aalborg University Library.
If you have any questions about AAU Student Projects or the research registration, dissemination and analysis at Aalborg University, please feel free to contact the VBN team. You can also find more information in the AAU Student Projects FAQs.