Circular Value Chain Management—Barriers and Opportunities

Abstract

This section is devoted to analyzing the construction industry as one of the significant industries within the economy of any country with a high potential for circularity. According to Huovila and Westerholm [1], the buildings and construction sector is an essential contributor to environmental impacts and wealth creation in society, with social consequences. Globally, construction uses 36% of the energy, produces 39% of emissions, up to 40% of waste, and uses 50% of all the extracted materials. This undoubtedly emphasizes the significance of the industry and the necessity to transform it from a linear business model development towards a circular one to maintain the higher added value of the resources already currently in the economic cycle and significantly impact the consumption of primary resources. This section will provide an overview of different obstacles in the industry, followed by gaps in awareness and knowledge of the stakeholders and various case studies carried out during the research to highlight the potential solutions for shifting the mindsets and business models operating within the construction sector. The section also provides high-quality examples of successful study courses that can be integrated into different study programs to prepare highly-professional specialists in the construction industry or provide general knowledge on the industry and it’s potential for circularity for any other stakeholders.