Barriers for data management as an enabler of circular economy: an exploratory study of the Norwegian AEC-industry

Abstract

Effective data management can enable the utilisation of new tools and technologies and, ultimately the creation of circular business models in the building industry. To accomplish this, a targeted mapping and collection of data must take place. However, several challenges hinder the exchange of information in a seamless digital flow through the value chain and building life cycle. This exploratory study contributes to bridging the gap in the research, providing an overview of existing barriers related to mapping, collecting, and storing data about materials and products in existing buildings. The findings are obtained through 18 semi-structured interviews with experts working with circular economy and digitalisation in the Norwegian AEC-industry. Some of the identified barriers, such as the lack of data availability and interoperability, lack of competencies and unwillingness to share data, are strongly interrelated; a collaborative approach will be essential across the value chain. The research sets the basis for developing a framework for data management that can facilitate the reuse of materials and products from a building at the end of life to new construction or refurbishment projects. Ultimately, effective data management opens for developing and implementing innovative circular business models, enhancing strategic data-based asset management.

Barriers to Adopting Digital Technologies to Implement Circular Economy Practices in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Lack of harmonized protocols and processes for data management: Organisational harmonised protocols and processes for data management throughout the value chain in the circular economy context are still lacking [27]. The authors also stressed that the lack of regular organisational procedures and data management practices hinders information sharing among stakeholders, making applying the CE and material reuse difficult.…”

“…Efficient reuse of construction materials and a CE will require large-scale data management. Data from existing structures and materials can be labour-and cost-intensive to gather, digitise, and manage [27]. Furthermore, the authors underlined that the absence of financial incentives is a significant obstacle to enabling efficient data management.…”

“…Furthermore, the authors underlined that the absence of financial incentives is a significant obstacle to enabling efficient data management. It is challenging to develop a business plan for the large-scale reuse of construction materials without financial incentives from the government or the industry [27]. The absence of government financial incentives affects not only reuse but also the proper implementation of BIM [25].…”

“…Furthermore, gathering projectrelated data to support circular construction is challenging as the industry is so dispersed [3,16]. The inability of many stakeholders to collect, handle, share, and manage data regarding building materials and recognise information's worth in embracing circular principles is an additional barrier to data management [27]. Demanding the construction community's shared commitment to data integration throughout the value chain is one of the most significant barriers [20].…”

“…Demanding the construction community's shared commitment to data integration throughout the value chain is one of the most significant barriers [20]. Stakeholders' unwillingness to exchange information amongst themselves and with other parties in the value chain hampers data management and material reuse in the AEC industry [27]. Moreover, there are still issues with unclear roles and responsibilities, poor communication, and a lack of teamwork in the BIM implementation process [25].…”