Circular Economy in Business Modeling - An investigation into the Danish Building Industry
Authors
Nielsen, Louise Udsen ; Gajewska, Katarzyna
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2019
Submitted on
2019-06-14
Pages
111
Abstract
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan bæredygtighed i dag omsættes til praksis i bygninger, og hvordan virksomheder og deres netværk kan skifte mod en cirkulær økonomi – en tilgang, der holder materialer og værdi i kredsløb længst muligt gennem fx genbrug og genanvendelse. Baggrunden er behovet for at nå klimamålene i Parisaftalen. Danmark blev i 2018 rapporteret at være på sporet af at reducere drivhusgasudledningerne med 20 % i 2020, og som en anerkendt frontløber for bæredygtighed har landet et stærkt potentiale for at drive udviklingen mod cirkulært byggeri, med mange virksomheder allerede internationalt anerkendt for cirkulære metoder i byggeriet. For at forstå markedet og finde realistiske veje til forandring anvender specialet sensemaking-teori (hvordan mennesker forstår komplekse situationer) og actor-network-teori (hvordan mennesker, organisationer og teknologier danner netværk, der påvirker resultater). Empiriske data blev indsamlet på Aarhus Building Green Conference 2019 gennem interviews og gamificering (spil-lignende øvelser, der skulle fremme idéudvikling) med forskellige aktører i byggebranchen. Analysen vurderede aktørernes viden, entusiasme, bekymringer og oplevede tilgængelighed af bæredygtige løsninger. På baggrund af disse indsigter præsenterer specialet en gennemførlighedsramme, som virksomheder kan bruge til at redesigne deres forretningsmodeller og støtte praktiske overgange til bæredygtighed og cirkulær økonomi i byggebranchen.
This master’s thesis examines how sustainability is currently put into practice in buildings and how companies and their networks can shift toward a circular economy, an approach that keeps materials and value in use for as long as possible through strategies such as reuse and recycling. The study is motivated by the need to meet climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Denmark was reported in 2018 to be on track to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 and, as a recognized sustainability frontrunner, has strong potential to lead the move toward circular construction, with many companies already internationally recognized for circular methods in the building sector. To understand the market and identify realistic pathways for change, the thesis uses sensemaking theory (how people interpret complex situations) and actor-network theory (how people, organizations, and technologies form networks that shape outcomes). Empirical data were collected at the Aarhus Building Green Conference 2019 through interviews and gamified activities (game-like exercises designed to spark ideas) engaging different stakeholders in the building industry. The analysis assessed stakeholders’ knowledge, enthusiasm, concerns, and perceived accessibility of sustainable solutions. Based on these insights, the thesis presents a feasibility framework that businesses can use to redesign their business models and support practical transitions toward sustainability and the circular economy in the building sector.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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