Browsing by Author "Dmitrijeva, Anastasija"

The construction sector is a substantial contributor to waste and global carbon emissions due to the extraction and consumption of natural resources. Scholars underscore the critical importance for the construction sector to embrace the principles of the circular economy (CE), with a central focus on the efficient and careful use of natural resources, promoting material reuse and avoiding waste. Previous research conducted on the CE transition within the construction sector has shown a gap in addressing its material perspective. In Finland, the use of wood in construction is actively promoted by the government due to its potential to reduce industry’s carbon emissions. However, most used wood materials and waste from construction end up in energy recovery processes releasing absorbed carbon. This study explores the reasons for the limited wood recirculation within the shortest and most preferable loops in construction sector in Finland. The qualitative research data is based on 12 semi-structured qualitative interviews with professionals working either directly or closely to the construction sector. Employing the method of thematic analysis, this study endeavors to discover barriers, drivers and opportunities associated with recirculation of wood in the construction industry of Finland. While the findings of this study were found to be aligned with previous research that has identified barriers and drivers to CE implementation both within the construction industry and more broadly, multiple new wood-specific challenges were identified. The research findings demonstrate the necessity of adopting a holistic and systematic approach to increasing wood recirculation in construction and underscore the significant role of mediating actors, such as management of material hubs, in facilitating its implementation. This study suggests that supported by mediating actors, the development of the business ecosystem for circulated wood, enhancement of construction industry’s experience beyond internal projects is needed. Harmonization of the industry’s practices within the interplay of CE and bioeconomy thinking would promote wood recirculation in construction.