Från linjärt till cirkulärt byggande. En explorativ studie kring perspektiv, hinder och drivkrafter.

Sammanfattning: As the global world population is growing, so is the demand and consumption for the earth's natural resources. Circular economy has attracted global attention as an alternative to the predominating linear economic system. The construction industry represents a field causing significant climate-and environmental impact and waste. How circular economy should be applied practically within construction, and how actors should approach the issue needs to be evolved. Considering this, the aim of this study was to investigate how different actors view “circular construction” and how circular principles can be applied. In addition, the aim was to identify barriers and opportunities for promoting circular economy in the construction sector and illustrate what municipalities should prioritize when promoting circular construction. The empirical material was collected by semi-structured interviews. The study concludes that “circular construction” is a diversity of aspects and strategies applicable on different life cycle phases of a building. Identified barriers for circular construction constituted of governmental-, economic-, informative-, organizational-, market-oriented-, cultural and technological barriers. Governmental and economic barriers constitute challenges restricting all parties. The main challenges, faced by the municipality, was found to be informative and organizational barriers. Governmental instruments such as supportive legislation and green tax reforms are needed in order to adapt to a circular economy on a societal level. Municipalities, however, play an important part in promoting the development towards a circular economy. The municipality should promote increased market dialogue, develop the level of knowledge within itself, and request solutions that favor circular business models to evolve. Requirements within public procurement thus need to be comprehended by all parties and should indicate a long-term direction for actors within the supply chain. It is also important for the municipality to verify requirements, evaluate realized efforts and communicate the results. Finally, the study concludes that there is a need for further research on what measures provide the most environmental benefit within circular construction.