From Environmental Assessment to Institutional Change: Exploring the Transition to Bio-Based Building Materials
Authors
Thygesen, Katrine Chemnitz ; Johansen, Andrea Dolmer Agbanou ; Lund, Anne Sofie
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2026
Abstract
The construction industry is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the need for more sustainable building practices and alternative materials. This thesis examines both the climate benefits and the practical challenges of using bio-based materials in the Danish construction sector, focusing on the renovation project at Valhøjvej 6 in Copenhagen. Drawing on James C. Scott’s critique of simplified and standardized knowledge systems, it combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) compares conventional and bio-based material scenarios for the project, in line with the Danish BR18 building regulations. The results show that bio-based materials can reduce a building’s climate impact (Global Warming Potential, GWP). In parallel, an Institutional Transition Analysis (ITA) explores the forces that hinder or support change, based on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders across the construction value chain. Using W. Richard Scott’s institutional pillars and the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), the analysis identifies regulation, risk aversion, limited documentation, and a lack of shared technical knowledge as key barriers. Conversely, stricter climate regulation and pilot projects are highlighted as important drivers of a transition towards bio-based construction.
Byggebranchen udleder store mængder drivhusgasser, hvilket øger behovet for mere bæredygtigt byggeri og brug af alternative materialer. Denne afhandling undersøger både den klimamæssige effekt og de praktiske udfordringer ved at bruge biobaserede materialer i dansk byggeri med udgangspunkt i ombygningsprojektet på Valhøjvej 6 i København. Med inspiration fra James C. Scotts kritik af forenklede og standardiserede videnssystemer kombineres talbaserede analyser med kvalitative interviews. En livscyklusvurdering (LCA) sammenligner traditionelle og biobaserede materialer i projektet, i overensstemmelse med de danske BR18-bygningsregler. Resultaterne viser, at biobaserede materialer kan reducere bygningers klimaaftryk (Global Warming Potential, GWP). Samtidig gennemføres en institutionel transitionsanalyse (ITA) for at afdække de kræfter, der hæmmer og fremmer udviklingen, baseret på semistrukturerede interviews med aktører på tværs af byggeriets værdikæde. Med udgangspunkt i W. Richard Scotts institutionelle søjler og den såkaldte Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) identificerer analysen centrale barrierer som regulering, risikovillighed, begrænset dokumentation og manglende fælles teknisk viden. Omvendt peger den på skærpede klimakrav og pilotprojekter som vigtige drivkræfter for omstillingen mod biobaseret byggeri.
[This abstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]