Actor-to-actor tensions influencing waste management in building refurbishment projects: a service ecosystem perspective

Abstract

Waste management in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has been a major research topic owing to the AEC industry being one of the top contributors of waste generation. However, research has primarily focused on new build and has neglected refurbishment projects which become relevant due to an aging building stock in Sweden and Europe. Various actors are involved in refurbishment projects which makes it important to study each actor as well as tensions between them. By using a service ecosystem perspective and relying on 38 interviews, this paper aims to investigate tensions and barriers between actors within the service ecosystem of CDW for refurbishment projects in Sweden. Based on the results, spatial barriers are the most mentioned barrier which also create the highest number of tensions between project and contractor mother firm, subcontractors, waste recycling firms and society/citizens. The majority of the tensions are found between projects and the contractor mother firms, followed by tensions between projects and clients and projects and subcontractors. Unlike previous studies investigating only one of the actor's waste management practices, this paper contributes by investigating the interactions between seven different actors which is important for improving waste management practices in refurbishment projects.

Blockchain-Enabled Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Advancing Information Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Efficiency

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Conceptualising Project Uncertainty in the Context of Building Refurbishment Safety: A Systematic Review

“…Building refurbishment projects are central to the contemporary construction industry, as they are often more financially viable than demolition and rebuilding ageing structures [1]. Notwithstanding the substantial benefits offered to the environment, economy and society, refurbishment projects, in general, are widely recognised as being high risk, complex and uncertain [2,3]. There are a number of reasons for this, including a lack of information about the existing structure and occupation throughout execution [2].…”