| 1. |
- Bergman, Filip, 1992-
(författare)
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Sustainability performance of multi-utility tunnels : Sustainability assessments for furthering knowledge and understanding
- 2022
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The multi-utility tunnel has received increased attention as an alternative method for the installation of subsurface infrastructure for the distribution of electricity, water, sewage and district heating. In previous research, the multi-utility tunnel (MUT) has been described as a more sustainable technology compared to the conventionally used technique where the cables and pipes are placed with open-cut excavation (OCE), especially when the entire life cycle is taken into account. This thesis aims to contribute to an improved understanding of MUT's sustainability performance in relation to conventional installation using open-cut excavation. This is done by using literature study, interview study and quantitative sustainability assessments to gain an understanding of the current state of knowledge. Furthermore, this thesis also focuses on how knowledge can be deepened with the help of quantitative sustainability assessments and the challenges of conducting this type of assessment. This thesis shows that the state of knowledge regarding MUT's sustainability performance is low and scattered, with a lack of a holistic approach. Direct economic performance has gained the most attention, followed by indirect and social impact, and the environmental impact has so far barely been assessed. The sustainability performance depends to a large extent on the conditions of the specific case, and these should be considered when assessing the technology. Quantitative assessments have the potential to help deepen the knowledge of the sustainability implications of using MUT. The characteristics of MUT have some similarities with other types of physical infrastructure. Similarities are that the systems are long-lived, have project conditions that affect sustainability performance, and impact a broad spectrum of actors. One difference to typical infrastructure systems is that the owner and management structure of MUT is, by design, more complex as several types of utility systems are in use. The characteristics of MUT give some practical considerations that need to be addressed: data availability, including practitioners; detailed data; transparency; and flexibility. This thesis highlights the complexity of assessing MUT´s sustainability performance and advocates that future studies should have a learning-oriented approach so that the knowledge level can collectively and gradually improve over time rather than focusing on decision-oriented studies.
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| 2. |
- Eriksson, Per-Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Collaborative Procurement Strategies for Infrastructure Projects : A Multiple Case Study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. - : Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). - 1751-4304 .- 1751-4312. ; 172:5, s. 197-205
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- With the announcement to tender a project, several strategic decisions are made that have significant impact on the innovation and efficiency potential of a project. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare how different types of integrative and collaborative procurement strategies may enhance the opportunities for improved efficiency and innovation in infrastructure projects. Hence, it contributes to the scientific debate on buyer-supplier relationships in relation to project performance. Furthermore, it guides public client organizations in steering explicitly for integration and innovation in their projects. Interview-based case studies of ten public infrastructure projects procured based on four different types of collaborative procurement strategies in Sweden and the Netherlands were conducted. The findings indicate that the duration of the collaboration is fundamental in setting the limits for innovation, and that early involvement as well as long-term commitments in maintenance open up for more innovation. Naturally, the potential for increased efficiency is higher than for innovation, and also occurs in collaborations with limited duration. The findings confirm the importance of a learning perspective on procurement strategies for public client organizations and show the importance of explicit considerations on incentives and project governance issues in the front-end phase of a project.
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| 3. |
- Eriksson, Per Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Procurement of Railway Infrastructure Projects : A European Benchmarking Study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Civil Engineering Journal. - : C EJ PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2476-3055. ; 3:4, s. 199-213
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This benchmarking study compares how railway investments are procured in five European countries: Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. In total, 19 procurement managers and project managers were interviewed. This study compares the national rail clients' procurement strategies regarding: delivery system, reward system, contractor selection, and collaboration model. Historically, these clients have used in-house production. The first step towards a gradually increased usage of the market was to outsource the construction activities while keeping the design and development competence in-house. All five countries have mainly used Design-Bid-Build contracts in their initial outsourcing. However, the last few years there is a discernible trend in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and the UK towards allocating more design and development responsibilities to contractors (i.e. Design-Build contracts) and increasing the strategic focus on cooperation. The UK and the Netherlands are forerunners in this trend that can be viewed as a third step in the transition towards a market oriented railway sector. Norway and Sweden is in the middle of this transition, whereas Germany has not initiated this change. The transition towards a gradually increased usage of the market has two main dimensions; degree of cooperation and degree of contractor freedom, which differs among the countries. The UK and Sweden focus on increasing both these dimensions, while The Netherlands and Norway mostly focus on increasing the degree of contractor freedom. Germany still limits both dimensions by performing design and development in-house and letting contractors compete for construction work in Design-Bid-Build contracts. Due to historical and cultural reasons, Deutsche Bahn in Germany is very hesitant to engage in collaboration with external suppliers; focusing on competition is considered more appropriate and less controversial.
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| 4. |
- Kadefors, Anna, 1962, et al.
(författare)
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Designing and implementing procurement requirements for carbon reduction in infrastructure construction - international overview and experiences
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-0559 .- 0964-0568. ; 64:4, s. 611-634
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Carbon emissions emanating from infrastructure construction are substantial, and public infrastructure clients have begun to include carbon reduction goals in their procurement requirements. This is a new and complex field where practices vary and are still developing. Based on project documentation and interviews we map and analyze the design and implementation of carbon reduction requirements in projects by leading infrastructure clients in Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, the US and the UK. Procurement requirements were influenced by concerns for tender competition, transaction costs and innovation, and further adapted to project delivery models, market maturity and client capabilities. Increasing awareness of practical and contextual constraints often led to modified strategies. This paper identifies factors that should be considered when designing carbon policies and requirements. This knowledge is important for clients and governments in order to develop more effective strategies for learning between contexts. Policies and future research should address client capabilities to drive long-term innovation.
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| 5. |
- Kadefors, Anna, Professor, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
-
Procurement Requirements for Carbon Reduction in Infrastructure Construction Projects : An International Case Study
- 2019
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Executive SummaryIntroductionFollowing alarming reports from the IPCC, climate change has engaged policymakers world-wide to chart policies at different administrative levels to mitigate increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The construction sector causes a substantial part of all greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide. Traditionally in this sector, the focus of carbon reduction measures has been on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Further, various sustainability assessment schemes (BREEAM, LEED, Green Star, etc.) have been developed to assess sustainability performance. More recently, awareness has increased of the considerable greenhouse gas emissions arising from the manufacturing of construction materials and components, and also from construction processes and transport. Consequently, the infrastructure construction sector is now considered as a major source of greenhouse gases. In the UK, The Infrastructure Carbon Review has estimated that the construction, maintenance and operations of infrastructure assets account for 16% of the nation’s total carbon dioxide emissions. It is widely acknowledged that these emissions need to be significantly reduced if the international and national reduction targets are to be met.About the projectThis research project has investigated the institutional and organisational contexts, policies, procurement requirements and implementation strategies used to drive greenhouse gas reduction in large infrastructure projects in five countries world-wide: Australia, The Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the US (see below for an overview of case study projects). The study is based on interviews with key partners on the client side and in the supply chain of each project. To provide a contextual understanding of the strategies used in these projects, we further include descriptions of the policy background that underlies current strategies and ambitions. Thus, the project traces the pathway from political and organisational goals to actual realisation in projects.Overview of case studies in the Impres projectCountryImpres case studiesAustraliaSydney Metro NorthwestNewcastle Light RailThe NetherlandsMotorway A6 AlmereSwedenResults from the Swedish Transport Administration research project Control Station 2018 - an evaluation of carbon procurement requirements in Swedish infrastructure projects.UKHigh Speed 2Anglian Water (Grafham WTW Resilience and Dalton Piercy WTW) USACalifornia High-Speed RailSFO AirTrain Extension The title of this research project is Implementation of procurement requirements for sustainable collaboration in infrastructure projects, also referred to as Impres. The project is a collaboration between the engineering consultancy firm WSP, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Lund University and the construction company Skanska. The project is co-financed by Construction Climate Challenge (CCC), a sustainability research fund and network initiated by Volvo Construction Equipment, and the Swedish Research Council Formas. The latter funding comes through a grant for the Strong Research Environment ProcSIBE, Procurement for Sustainable Innovation in the Built Environment[1].We expect that results from this research project will be useful for decision-makers on the client side that are in charge of developing policies, procurement strategies and procurement requirements to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector. Further, client and contractor project managers, environmental specialists and procurement staff responsible for implementing policies will be interested in experiences gained in similar initiatives in other countries. In parallel with this report, scientific articles are being developed by the authors to analyse and discuss the results described in this report more thoroughly in relation to other studies and to theory.ConclusionsIn all countries studied, there is an ongoing process to develop and implement policies for carbon reduction in infrastructure projects, with raised ambitions over time. In some cases, the development has initially been driven by a few dedicated individuals, but today there are frameworks and executive mandates in place that would make it hard to avoid carbon reduction commitments. National and regional reduction policies were found to be important in encouraging clients to develop ambitious carbon requirements that can contribute to setting new industry standards.Carbon reduction measures such as optimisation of constructions, minimised transport, reuse of excavated material and cement clinker replacement are applied in the studied cases. However, most of these measures are also cost efficient and would – or should – have been undertaken in a normal design and construction optimisation process. The positive side of this is that considerable carbon reductions may be achieved within existing budgets, and in most cases will even reduce cost, and that an increased focus on carbon may contribute to finding more such options. However, it also raises the question of what constitutes a relevant reference case, or baseline. Further, to meet the target levels of the Paris agreement, costly measures will also be needed, and this research identified only a few examples of such policies being implemented. Goals for carbon reduction are still new to many in the sector, and both clients and industry partners need time to adjust and develop new competencies. In countries with a longer history of carbon management, procurement strategies and requirements have advanced through continuous interaction between clients and industry actors over longer periods of time. Clients are wary of introducing requirements that may limit competition, and requirements to comply with rating schemes or to supply EPDs have been introduced successively to match the development of industry capacity. Award (MEAT) criteria related to carbon are used, but more often to increase awareness of carbon reduction rather than as a substantive basis for selection. Front-runner contractors and material suppliers were found to play important roles in reducing obstacles to innovation-oriented procurement. Moreover, the development of procurement requirements has been aligned with information and training initiatives, tool kits and guidelines to support low-carbon design and the calculation of emissions. In general, client environmental specialists have taken an active part in supporting the implementation of requirements in supply chains.Procurement requirements are considered important in driving carbon reductions in all countries, but the preferred style of these requirements vary. This diversity was partly related to general carbon management maturity and partly to general contracting practice and policy culture in the country or region. All countries used some form of contract-level reduction requirements, in most cases set in relation to a carbon emissions baseline. Overall, reduction requirements are perceived to encourage innovation, but our results show that such requirements were often more complex than foreseen and associated with administrative costs. First, to produce change and avoid speculation it is important to set requirements and incentives at the right level, which requires awareness on the client side of both the supplier’s competence and of the opportunities for carbon reduction in the specific project. Also, sharp requirements call for equally sharp and transparent performance evaluation. Moreover, much time was spent on calculation and re-calculation of baselines which could detract from measures for actual reduction of carbon emissions. In effect, time constraints in the projects limited the opportunities to involve subcontractors and material suppliers, which meant that all possible reductions were not realised. We conclude that expectations for substantial and innovative carbon reductions through functional reduction requirements may be too high. To influence sub-contractors and suppliers directly, several clients use specific requirements.Collaborative contracting models are a flexible option to encourage innovation and integrate knowledge of different participants. Many interviewees state the importance of breaking silo-thinking and integrating the supply chain in order to reach greater carbon reductions. Also, long-term alliances allow for continuous learning and more transformational innovation, including incentivising contractors to find ways of fulfilling client goals while building less. However, it should be emphasised that strong client leadership and commitment are essential both to legitimise collaborative contracting models and to achieve more fundamental behavioural change within collaborative projects and alliance schemes.Clients in mega-projects perceive an obligation to conform to national policy goals and may also have ambitions to be industry-level change agents. Since such projects have vast budgets, last for long periods of time and engage highly competent firms and individuals, they are often expected to show high performance in the area of innovation. However, mega-projects have many goals to fulfil, are technically and organisationally complex and associated with high risks. Therefore, time and willingness to develop new ways of working or implement new technology may be lacking. Further, even large projects may not be long enough to encompass processes to develop, test and approve new solutions. Thus, to support more efficient innovation processes in the industry, a long-term system perspective is needed. Interviewees suggested using smaller pilot projects for quicker testing of new materials, tools and technologies and, once proven, use procurement requirements in large projects to implement these more widely in the market.Overall, the study shows that the applicability of procurement requirements for carbon reduction is dependent on how well these requirements are aligned
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| 6. |
- Kadefors, Anna, Professor, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
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Public procurement for carbon reduction in infrastructure projects : an international overview
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings SBE19 Graz Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2019. - : IOP Publishing. - 9783851256840
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Carbon emissions emanating from infrastructure construction projects are substantial and stem primarily from production of construction materials and use of energy for construction transport and site activities. In recent years, public infrastructure clients world-wide have begun to include carbon reduction goals in their procurement requirements. This is however a new and complex field where practices vary and are still developing. In this paper, we compare models for carbon reduction requirements in infrastructure construction projects based on case studies of large projects in Australia, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and UK. We found that open, functional carbon reduction requirements were considered innovative but entailed costs for calculating baselines and risks for speculation. Also, high time pressure in projects limits contractors' opportunities to explore reduction opportunities. Thus, specific, prescriptive requirements may play an important role in client-led, long-term innovation processes. Organizational competence and resources on the buyer side are essential, and policies for carbon reduction should aim to increase client capacity. Further, procurement practices are developed in mutual interaction between clients and suppliers over longer periods of time, which limits possibilities to transfer procurement policies and requirements between contexts.
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| 7. |
- Karrbom Gustavsson, Tina, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Procurement Research: Current State and Future Challenges in the Nordic Countries
- 2019
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Ingår i: 10th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization (Emerald Reach Proceedings Series, Volume 2). - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. ; , s. 195-204, s. 195-204
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- PurposeThe purpose of the study is to map previous and current construction procurement research to further develop the research in the Nordic counties.Design/Methodology/ApproachMapping of previous and current research based on search in national database. The analysis is based on research perspectives, empirical contexts and research methods.FindingsThat the blind spots are partly overlapping, but that there is potential for knowledge transfer in some areas. There is also the potential for a Nordic research program on one or several of the blind spots.Research Limitations/ImplicationsThe study is limited to PhD and licentiate-thesis reports in Norway and Sweden. Further research should include the other Nordic countries and a more extensive literature review including journal articles to broaden the scope. Findings have implications on collaborative Nordic research initiatives, knowledge transfer and in a longer perspective on the level of procurement knowledge in industry and society.Practical ImplicationsFindings provide a base for future research collaborations, initiatives and applications.Originality/ValueFindings provide a comprehensive understanding of construction procurement research in the Nordic countries, starting with Norway and Sweden. This understanding is needed for developing research collaborations and applications.
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| 8. |
- Larsson, Johan, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Innovation outcomes and processes in infrastructure projects–a co mparative study of Design-Build and Design-Build-Maintenance contracts
- 2022
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Ingår i: Construction Management and Economics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0144-6193 .- 1466-433X. ; 40:2, s. 142-156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Innovation is often seen as essential for long-term development in the construction industry, but its actual outcomes and processes in construction projects require more attention. Many studies on procurement strategies and delivery systems have focussed on the public transport infrastructure sector, whereas most construction innovation scholars have addressed the innovation phenomenon in construction generally. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare how two delivery systems, design-build (DB) and design-build-maintenance (DBM), influence project-level innovation. Findings are based on empirical data from a multiple case study of six infrastructure projects, three with DB contracts and three with DBM contracts, in which 12 innovations are identified, described, and compared. The findings show that various kinds of innovations in terms of outcomes and processes are implemented in infrastructure projects, and that the delivery system do effect both dimensions. Long maintenance responsibilities tend to spur contractors to engage in early exploration of sustainable solutions that could be of long-term benefit. The research contributes to procurement literature by exemplifying how delivery systems influence both the outcomes and processes of project-level innovations. It also increases our knowledge about construction innovation as a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
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| 9. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Circular Public Procurement through Integrated Contracts in the Infrastructure Sector
- 2021
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 13:21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Public clients’ procurement strategies are central in facilitating innovation towards sustainability. In the infrastructure sector, the three main project activities—design, production, and maintenance—are traditionally not procured in an integrated way, which results in sub-optimizations and a lack of life cycle perspective. As project actors are accustomed to traditional, non-integrated forms of contract, implementing integrated contracts imposes fundamental changes to the interdependencies among actors, resources, and activities. This study analyzes the interfaces among key project actors and the related interdependencies across design, production, and maintenance in Design–Build–Maintain contracts, and initiates a discussion on how to manage these interdependencies when implementing integrated contracts. This study of circular public procurement (CPP) focused on three infrastructure projects using integrated contracting and applied the industrial network approach (INA) to analyze interdependencies in how they may influence innovation and sustainable development. The study found significant obstacles to clients obtaining the benefits of integrated contracting and concludes that understanding interdependencies is necessary to implement integrated contracts successfully. The study contributes to the construction management literature by adapting the INA to contracting, and to the CPP literature by providing empirical evidence of sustainability and circularity in infrastructure projects.
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| 10. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Funktionsupphandling av järnvägsinfrastruktur
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Vid byggnation och underhåll av infrastruktur för järnväg används stora mängder av olika material, vilket medför stor miljöpåverkan från de tidiga produktionsstegen, till exempel råvaruutvinning. Hittills har Trafikverket inte haft något uttalad livscykeltänkande i sitt arbete med upphandlingar. Trafikverket behöver arbeta med miljöledning av nya produkter och välja de mest resurssnåla produkterna i ett livscykelperspektiv. En bättre planerad och förebyggande verksamhet för drift och underhåll skulle möjliggöra förlängd livslängd för järnvägsprodukter.Integrerade produkt‐ och tjänsteerbjudanden (till exempel funktions‐ eller resultatorienterade kontrakt) är en affärsmodell som används av allt fler företag. Affärsmodelltypen benämns ofta även som funktionsförsäljning och kan beskrivas som ett livscykelkontrakt med funktionsåtagande. Tidigare forskning har visat att denna typ av affärsmodell, ofta ökar drivkrafterna för förändring och därmed ökad kosteffektivitet och kvalitet ur ett livscykelperspektiv.Det övergripande syftet med det här projektet är att;ta fram metoder, som stödjer Trafikverket, att utveckla sina sätt att utformaupphandlingsspecifikationer.Mer specifikt så har det undersöks om integrerade produkt‐ och tjänsteerbjudande kan förbättra förvaltningen av järnvägsinfrastruktur, och vad skulle i sådant fall en implementering innebära för riskfaktorer samt hur kan kontrakten utvärderas ekonomiskt‐ och miljömässigt?
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| 11. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of Risks Related to Integrated Product Service Offerings of Rail Infrastructure
- 2014
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Ingår i: Through-life Engineering Services. - : Springer. - 9783319121109
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Among construction companies in Sweden, incentives for development, increased efficiency and raised competence are low. In Sweden, construction contracts are currently used to a large extent, and have shortcomings concerning weak incentives for development of procedures. The over-detailed specifications cause major obstacles for the rail infrastructure industry in terms of technical development. There is clearly a need for change, and it is now in the strategy of the Swedish Transport Administration (STA) to get as much railway as possible for the money it spends. This includes increased productivity, level of innovation and competition, as well as a will to think more from a life-cycle perspective and increase cost efficiency. Changes in the business model is one of the strategies mentioned to reach these goals.Performance contracting could increase the drivers for change within the industry and thereby increase cost efficiency and quality from a life cycle perspective. This type of contracting is also known as an Integrated Product Service Offering, or IPSO, and implies that one actor has the responsibility to deliver a result and therefore has incentives to optimize the use of energy and material. An IPSO has a lifecycle perspective, and the combination of products and services can be combined into an optimized solution for the customer, as well as give the manufacturing company the possibility to have control over the product throughout its whole life-cycle. PSS provides the supplier with the opportunity to increase the value of the solution for the customer by integrating components in new ways, as well as incentives for the supplier to realize a more economical and environmental development when considering the whole lifecycle. More money spent on the construction, and thereby improved quality, could result in reduced cost for maintenance work. On the other hand, too high a cost for construction can never be motivated by future savings for the maintenance cost.New business models such as IPSO contracts create challenges such as uncertainty concerning forecasting costs at the bidding phase of the contract. With a business model focusing on delivering a result, a lot of the risk previously carried by the user is now assumed by the provider, and it can be difficult rededicating and controlling the risks and uncertainties. In this case the term “risk” is defined as the threat of loss from an unwanted event, to include financial, performance or timescale loss. Risk assessments, including forecasting and economic development, are very important for these long-term contracts and both the supplier side and the buyer side have to be considered. For longterm performance contracts risks caused by uncertainties arise in the bidding stage. Key uncertainties for a IPSO contract are performance, operation, training, engineering, affordability and commercial uncertainties.In cooperation with the STA, the DORIS (Development of integrated product service Offerings for Rail Infrastructure Systems) project investigates the potential use of IPSO contracts for rail infrastructure. So far, only one such contract has been realized; this was partly funded by private capital, and no such initiatives are currently planned. This limited experience in the industry calls for more thorough research. In line with this, the aim of this paper is to identify potential risk components when using IPSO for rail infrastructure for both the provider and buyer perspectives. Furthermore, the paper seeks to investigate how these risks can be potentially reduced or avoided.
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| 12. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Implementation and management of a circular public procurement contract for furniture
- 2023
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Sustainability. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2673-4524. ; 4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Circular public procurement (CPP) is one way to increase sustainability and circularity in public spending. As previous research focuses primarily on procurement, more insight is needed on the latter stages CPP. Real-life examples of CPP implementation are also required to promote the concept to practitioners, improve governance, and add depth to the literature. This study, therefore, provides in-depth knowledge of CPP implementation and management by analyzing a case of circular furniture flows and its implications for the procuring organization. The focus on furniture is motivated by the large volumes sent to landfills every year despite its remanufacturing potential, as well as the large environmental impact for production, a potentially long lifetime, and an often-high purchasing price. The results show that strategic decisions to prioritize sustainability are necessary when resource efficiency and cost reductions do not align in a short-term perspective. A more centralized governance structure facilitates decisions on reuse, remanufacturing and disposal in an organization, e.g., coordination of products for remanufacturing, pooling products for reuse, and standardization of design choices. Follow-up and inventory systems are crucial tools for integrating previously installed products with CPP, keeping track of circular flows, and providing feedback to improve subsequent procurements. Crucial elements in the follow-up include adaptation to circularity in the economy system and accounting for the prolonged life and reuse of furniture. The study's results emphasize how an organization's prerequisites play an essential part in the implementation of CPP and that contextual solutions are needed for circular challenges. The study contributes to the fields of policy implementation, CPP, and the use of circular business models in a public context, as well as to the less explored field of procurement in a circular economy context. Suggestions for future research include studies on product categories with other environmental impact profiles, and on waste management regulations that can make or break circular systems.
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| 13. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated product service engineering : factors influencing environmental performance
- 2011
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Ingår i: Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society. - Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands. - 9789400730106 ; , s. 386-391
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper aims to lead theoretical discussion regarding which IPSE (Integrated Product Service System) factors are expected to increase environmental performance of a life cycle compared to a traditional product sales business. Existing theories such as theory of product development, transaction cost theory and theory for risk management are used and the paper theoretically analyzes and identifies the following crucial characteristics; complexity of the product, uncertainty of offering, control of product operation, asymmetric information and scale of economy.
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| 14. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated Product Service Engineering - Factors Influencing Environmental Performance
- 2012
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Ingår i: Systems Engineering. - : InTech. - 9799533074107 ; , s. 147-164
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This chapter endeavours to lead the scientific discussion regarding which IPSE factors are expected to, in theory, lower the environmental impact of a life cycle compared to a traditional product sales business. To do so, the IPSE concept is introduced, first with an emphasis on engineering processes rather than an object such as PSS. In the following sections, four aspects from theory will be discussed: product development, information asymmetry, economies of scale, and risk. These sections discuss how environmental impacts are influenced from a product life cycle perspective, and highlight crucial factors theoretically. They are followed by an overall discussion and an examination of some promising future work. The chapter provides the research community with a first theoretical cornerstone regarding environmental performance by IPSE. To practitioners, it will be an eye opener for how they engineer.
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| 15. |
- Lingegård, Sofia
(författare)
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Integrated Product Service Offerings for Rail and Road Infrastructure : Reviewing Applicability in Sweden
- 2014
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This research aims to explore and propose a more effective management of rail and road infrastructure and the possibility of a more resource-efficient road and rail infrastructure by applying business models based on performance and a life-cycle perspective.There is a lack of efficiency in the Swedish rail and road infrastructure industries - at the same time as the availability of the rail tracks and roads is essential. Rail and road infrastructure have long lifetimes, around 40-60 years, and during these decades regular maintenance and reconstruction are needed to ensure proper function. Large amounts of resources are required to construct the infrastructure, and the overall environmental pressure depends substantially on this.This research is largely based on interviews conducted with the buyer, contractors and design consultants for rail and road infrastructure in Sweden. Literature reviews have been conducted to develop the framework needed to analyze the empirical findings. This research contributes by building on theory in areas such as Integrated Product Service Offerings (IPSOs) and eco-design, and this abstract presents a brief summary of the overall conclusions.Several challenges for rail and road infrastructure in Sweden have been identified, such as the lack of information and knowledge transfer between different projects and actors. This is due to e.g. the use of traditional short-term contracts and conservative cooperate cultures, creating sub-optimizations in management. Increased collaboration, through e.g. partnering, seems to be a promising way to increase the information and knowledge transfer between actors by increasing trust and interaction. In this way, management would be more effective, and by involving contractors in the design phase, more efficient technical solutions could be developed and used. Additionally, increased involvement by the design consultants and an iterative information loop between design, construction and maintenance could also be beneficial. The research indicates that increased cooperation increases trust. In this way, there is a possibility to remove the detailed requirements that prevent new ways of working.Rail and road infrastructure have characteristics, such as the resources used and the importance of availability, that are well-suited for IPSOs. This performance-based business model with a life-cycle perspective provides incentives to optimize the use of resources and provide a holistic view for management that is lacking today for rail and road infrastructure. However, a long-term contract such as an IPSO creates uncertainties. The actors are risk-averse, which is an obstacle in the development of new business models and contract forms. Most of the risks and uncertainties identified are due to lack of experience. This implies that an implementation of IPSOs will have a steep learning curve. Additionally, risk allocation between the actors is important for effective management: too much risk for the suppliers will make them reluctant in developing new solutions, and they will use a risk premium to cover up for the risk.
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| 16. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated Product Service Offerings for rail infrastructure : benefits and challenges regarding knowledge transfer and cultural change in a Swedish case
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 98, s. 166-174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to investigate potential benefits and challenges regarding knowledge transfer and cultural change from the provider and buyer perspectives when using IPSOs for Swedish rail infrastructure. Considering material use and the importance of availability of the tracks makes rail infrastructure an interesting candidate for a business model based on a life-cycle approach, which can result in a reduction in cost and environmental impact.The concept of the Integrated Product Service Offering (IPSO) has in several business areas proven to be a means with potential to reduce the environmental impact of products and services, increase cost efficiency and quality, and act as a driver for change. The business model, which is based on a life-cycle approach, focuses on the function instead of the initial price of the product.Among the main findings are the lack of information and knowledge transfer that act as a barrier for innovation, and that the buyer's conservative business culture makes it difficult to implement new types of contracts. Since IPSO contracts require improved information transfer, they could potentially stimulate innovation as well as processes for evaluation of the contracts. By involving the contractors in the design phase their knowledge could be used in a better way, creating a feedback loop from practice to design.The empirical part, focusing on the rail infrastructure industry in Sweden, has been collected using individual interviews and a group interview approach.
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| 17. |
- Lingegård, Sofia
(författare)
-
Integrated Product Service Offerings for Rail Infrastructure : Potential Benefits and Challenges
- 2012
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Large amounts of different materials are used when building and maintaining railway infrastructure, and the environmental impacts from the upstream production stages are significant. Industry’s motivation to innovate is low, new products or methods are rarely used, and the lowest price is the main driver for selecting a tender.Integrated Product Service Offerings, or IPSO, has been put forward in the research literature as a potential concept to, from a life-cycle perspective, reduce the environmental impact of products and services, increase cost efficiency and quality, and act as a driver for change. Therefore, this thesis attempts to answer to the aim: “Can the concept of Integrated Product Service Offerings improve the management of rail infrastructure and if so, what would such an implementation induce in terms of risk factors?” The Swedish rail infrastructure is used as a case to discuss the considerations and feasibility of such an implementation. Theories such as product development, information asymmetry and innovation are used to complement the literature focusing on IPSO. The empirical part of the thesis has been collected using individual interviews, group interviews and a survey approach.The contracts currently used in the railway industry have several advantages, such as being a familiar business model that is straightforward to calculate for the contractors. However, they are not optimal for innovation due to e.g. detailed specifications, standards and technological and market lock-in effects. Technological and market lock-in, in combination with a lack of information transfer between different contracts and actors, are major disadvantages with the current practice. Furthermore, the buyer’s conservative business culture makes it difficult to implement new types of contracts since it is difficult to break old habits. Even though the providers are part of the same mature market, the organizational changes needed for them to fulfill IPSO contracts are not seen as a barrier.A benefit with IPSO is the holistic life-cycle perspective that provides incentives for dematerialization, resulting in a more resource-efficient and durable infrastructure. IPSO requires improved information transfer, something which stimulates innovation as well as processes for evaluation of the contracts. Further benefits are potential incentives to get contractors involved in the design phase, where the major decisions about the life-cycle are made, in order to reduce the infrastructure's environmental impact and total life-cycle cost. The contractors hope that IPSO contracts will make the buyer focus less on e.g. the initial purchasing price and more on the total life-cycle cost in relation to quality in order to get the best solution.The actors see themselves as parties with opposing interests. At the same time, IPSO will most likely imply more long-term cooperation, something that calls for common interests, shared risks and flexibility. The innovation possibilities with IPSO could benefit from loosening up the material handling monopoly that the buyer currently holds. Since the buyer is a dominant actor within the industry, this organization has major possibilities to introduce changes that the other actors would have to conform to.Several challenges with IPSO are discussed, and most of them are derived from the risk and uncertainty aspects that come with long-term contracts and inexperience with a new business model. On one hand, the contractors request more flexibility; on the other hand, they are reluctant to take on more responsibility that could lead to increased risk. However, risk does not have to be seen as something completely negative, as it depends on how the contractors choose to deal with it. They can either develop the necessary skills and competence needed to identify and handle the risk in a strategic manner, foster a competitive advantage, or take the problems as they come in a more ad hoc way. A way to reduce risk and uncertainty seems to be to focus on transparency and information sharing between the actors and the contracts. This would also open up IPSO contracts for reinvestments, where the current lack of information concerning the condition of the facilities results in reluctance for IPSO contracts.This research has focused on IPSO for rail infrastructure management, using the Swedish rail infrastructure as a case to discuss the considerations and feasibility of such an implementation. The conclusions, therefore, are valid for rail infrastructure in other geographical locations as well.
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| 18. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
-
Integrated Product Service Offerings for Rail Infrastructure - Benefits and challenges regarding resource efficiency and knowledge transfer
- 2012
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Large amounts of material are used for rail infrastructure causing significant environmental impact. At the same time the industry’s motivation to innovate is low and the lowest price is the main driver for selecting a tender. The concept of Integrated Product Service Offerings (IPSO), have in several business areas proven to be a mean with potential to reduce the environmental impact of products and services, increase cost efficiency and quality, and act as a driver for change. The business model is based on a life cycle approach and focuses on the function and not the product of an offering. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate the potential benefits and challenges regarding resource efficiency and knowledge transfer from the provider and buyer perspectives when using IPSO for rail infrastructure. In order to this, theories such as resource efficiency, product development, knowledge transfer, networks and literatures focusing on IPSO are used to discuss the empirical findings. The empirical part has been collected using individual interviews and a focus group approach.Among the main findings is that fact that the lack of information transfer and knowledge integration is a barrier for innovation and the buyer’s conservative business culture makes it difficult to implement new types of contracts. Since IPSO contracts require improved information transfer they could potentially stimulate innovation as well as processes for evaluation of the contracts. IPSO contracts provides a holistic life-cycle perspective and incentives for dematerialization, resulting in a more resource-efficient and durable infrastructure. By involving the contractors already in the design phase their knowledge could be used in a better way, creating a feedback loop from practice to design. The contractors hope that by introducing IPSO contracts the buyer would focus less on the initial purchasing price and more on the total life-cycle cost in relation to quality in order to get the best solution.Several challenges with IPSO are discussed, and most of them are derived from the risk and uncertainty aspects that come with long-term contracts and inexperience with a new business model. New competences in risk management and other types of calculation methods are needed but most of all a change in mindset. Some of these uncertainties also are connected to the inadequate documentation hindering IPSO contract working for anything but new investments.
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| 19. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Life-cycle Cost Strategies for Harbors – A Case Study
- 2015
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Ingår i: Procedia CIRP. - : Elsevier. - 2212-8271 .- 2212-8271. ; 30, s. 317-322
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper discusses maintenance strategies for large technical systems with long life-cycles and critical availability needs. The use of sea freight is rapidly increasing, and thereby the use of container harbors as well. The case of Gothenburg harbor in Sweden is used to discuss appropriate construction and maintenance strategies focusing on availability. Investment costs, operational costs and societal costs are discussed along with environmental impact considerations. Different aspects and considerations affecting costs are also discussed, such as pay-back time and external uncertainties. The paper is based on an extensive literature review as well as interviews with harbor personnel.
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| 20. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Organizational changes in connection with IPSO
- 2010
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Ingår i: Industrial Product-Service Systems (IPS²). - Linköping : Linköping University Electronic Press. - 9789173933810 ; , s. 461-466
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Integrated product service offerings (IPSO) have the potential of obtaining better margins, profitability andless environmental impact. Becoming a service provider implies significant changes in the way companiesdo business, considerable changes within the organization and changes with the relationships to externalactors. This paper aims to contribute to the research concerning these changes when companies start toprovide IPSOs.Changes within the organizations have been necessary for all the companies studied and especially thesales staff since trust, transparency and long-term relationships with the customer is crucial. Support fromthe top management is also of importance as well as working in cross-functional teams. Changes are alsoneeded in the service organization and amongst the retailers. Apart from the change in the providercustomerrelationships little has been done in including other external actors, but the companies seepotential in doing so in the future to expand and develop their IPSOs.
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| 21. |
- Lingegård, Sofia
(författare)
-
Partnering – a Way to Reach Resource-Efficient and Effective Road Infrastructure Projects through Increased Information and Knowledge Transfer?
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The construction industry is behind other industries when it comes to efficiency, and partnering has been discussed as a way to increase the cooperation in and technical performance of projects. For partnering to be successful several different aspects have to be in place, among them information sharing and trust. The objective is therefore to investigate implications of partnering as a way to reach more resource-efficient and effective road infrastructure projects through increased information and knowledge transfer.The article investigates a road project realized using less time than estimated as well as achieving a lower total cost than budgeted. Partnering resulted in a close collaboration and increased trust among the actors, and the co-location of the actors led to the exchange of information and especially informal communication. Information was easily accessed and transferred between the actors, and the cooperation facilitated knowledge transfer between the different functions. This cut the lead times on information transfer and decision making, especially in the integrated construction and design phase, making the project more efficient. Also, solutions adapted for the site were chosen thanks to the active design approach. Instead of spending time on remaking poorly-adapted designs, time could be spent on other things, making the process more effective as well. The success of the project suggests that partnering could be a way forward in the road infrastructure industry. However, even more resource-efficient solutions could have been chosen if the project had a life-cycle perspective.
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| 22. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Partnering as a Stepping Stone in the Transition to PSS for the Construction Industry
- 2015
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Ingår i: Procedia CIRP. - : Elsevier. - 2212-8271 .- 2212-8271. ; 30, s. 347-352
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The paper aims to explain and analyze how the construction industry can benefit from PSS, and how collaborative approaches such as partnering can be a stepping stone in this transition. The potential sub-optimization between construction and maintenance, as well as the necessity of availability in roads for example, make Product Service Systems a suitable approach for improvement. Adapted solutions though the iterative design approach, co-located actors, an active buyer and functioning information flows resulted in a successful project. Interviews conducted with the buyer, the contractor and the design consultant, as well as project documentation, were used to collect data.
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| 23. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
-
PSS Contracts for Rail and Road Infrastructure
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Functional Thinking for Value Creation. Proceedings of the 3rd CIRP International Conference on Industrial Product Service Systems, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany, May 5th-6th, 2011. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin/Heidelberg. - 9783642196881 - 9783642196898 ; , s. 291-296
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The productivity development for rail and road infrastructure has been weak a long time; and explanation can be found in the traditional contracts used, with little room for incentives for innovation. This literature study investigates the use of the few realized PSS contracts within the rail and road infrastructure. The descriptions and the scientific reports are on a synoptic level and a majority of the reports are funded by the involved actors, showing that there is an interest for PSS contracts in the industry and indicating significant potential for further research in the area.
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| 24. |
- Lingegård, Sofia
(författare)
-
PSS Contracts for Rail Infrastructure
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Increased costs and little incentives for technical development within the rail infrastructure industry has resulted in an increased interest for new contracting types such as PSS. This paper examines the current situation, investigates benefits and challenges when using PSS contracts and attempts to develop a model for traditional contracts and PSS contracts. The results show that advantages such as incentives for development and potentially lower costs are challenged by a conservative buyer in combination with reservations due to inexperience and insecurity working with this business model making the actors questioning the feasibility. The models developed clearly show the different phases of the contracts and states what actor that is responsible for the each phase. This is useful when comparing different contracts and also when to determine responsibility and issues related to the interface between different phases and actors.
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| 25. |
- Lingegård, Sofia
(författare)
-
PSS for rail and road infrastructure : a literature study
- 2010
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The productivity development for rail and road infrastructure has been weak for a longer period of time and some explanation can be found in the traditional contracts used with little room for incentives for innovation and development for the contractor. In cooperation with the Swedish Transport Administration a project was launched to investigate the possibility for Product Service System, PSS contracts within the rail infrastructure in Sweden to develop the current praxis. The first step in this study is to investigate benefits and challenges with PSS contracts using a literature study.The ongoing PSS projects show positive outcomes so far, even though it is too early to evaluate the whole process. The most significant benefits with PSS contracts for rail infrastructure are development of technologies, increased efficiency and cost reductions, potentially new innovations, a life cycle perspective providing incentives for environmental consideration and closer relationships between procurer and contractor. It is not straight forward to change to this new way of contracting and to obtain the benefits several challenges have to be overcome such as changes in the work processes, risk allocation and to find a suitable the price mechanism.
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| 26. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Scenarios for Resource Efficient Rail Infrastructure : Applying Integrated Product Service Offerings
- 2014
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Ingår i: PRODUCT SERVICES SYSTEMS AND VALUE CREATION: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH CIRP CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT-SERVICE SYSTEMS. - : Elsevier. ; , s. 13-139
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The rail infrastructure in Sweden, with its long lifetime, large amounts of materials used and traditional procurement, has escalating maintenance costs. What would occur if the infrastructure is instead procured as an Integrated Product Service Offering (IPSO)? This paper discusses scenarios for increased resource efficiency and more value for the money spent by applying an IPSO perspective to rail infrastructure. The best option depends on the conditions at the construction site as well as how much the availability of the tracks is valued.
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| 27. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable public procurement in large infrastructure projects—policy implementation for carbon emission reductions
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13:20
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The infrastructure construction sector is a significant source of carbon emissions, and more stringent procurement requirements are central to meeting reduction targets in this demand-led and project-based industry. This paper aims to analyze the implementation of international policies for reducing carbon emissions in infrastructure construction, focusing on the interaction between policy ambitions and procurement practices. Based on case studies of large projects and their contexts in five countries worldwide: Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, and the US, a cross-country comparison is performed of how policies and practices for carbon reduction develop across multiple implementation levels. Three levels are included in the analysis: policy, industry, and project level. We identify the projects as either drivers of policy goals, frontrunners in industry-level development processes, or translators of national policy. These roles, and the associated pathways for carbon emission reduction, are context-specific and depend on the policy ambitions at the national or regional level, the maturity of the supplier market, and, often, on the strategies of individual champions at the project level. Long-term learning processes, both within and between the various levels, are essential for advancing carbon reduction.
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| 28. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Theoretical Environmental Comparison of Integrated Product Service Offerings vs. Traditional Sales
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Systems Engineering. - : IN-TECH. - 9799533074107
-
Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The book "Systems Engineering: Practice and Theory" is a collection of articles written by developers and researches from all around the globe. Mostly they present methodologies for separate Systems Engineering processes; others consider issues of adjacent knowledge areas and sub-areas that significantly contribute to systems development, operation, and maintenance. Case studies include aircraft, spacecrafts, and space systems development, post-analysis of data collected during operation of large systems etc. Important issues related to "bottlenecks" of Systems Engineering, such as complexity, reliability, and safety of different kinds of systems, creation, operation and maintenance of services, system-human communication, and management tasks done during system projects are addressed in the collection. This book is for people who are interested in the modern state of the Systems Engineering knowledge area and for systems engineers involved in different activities of the area. Some articles may be a valuable source for university lecturers and students; most of case studies can be directly used in Systems Engineering courses as illustrative materials.
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| 29. |
- Matschewsky, Johannes, et al.
(författare)
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Circular economy indicators for the design and procurement of plastic products in the healthcare sector – a review
- 2024
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Ingår i: 31st CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, LCE 2024. - : Elsevier BV. ; , s. 1095-1100
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Policymakers in the EU are betting on a transition from a linear to a circular economy to ensure human activity remains within the planet's boundaries. Public procurement is vital in this context, e.g., accounting for 20% of Swedish GDP, with circular public procurement being critical to the transition. Although circular public procurement is garnering increasing interest, until now, the research focus in this area has been narrow, concentrating on, e.g., IT equipment or furniture. Plastic medical products have remained absent in the literature despite generating substantial environmental impact and offering a tremendous upside. To enable the application of circular economy strategies in this context, changes are required on two ends: the design of the products and the criteria under which the products are procured. Indicators are a central basis of any purchasing decision and are considered powerful enablers and drivers of the transition to a circular economy. This paper reviews circular economy indicators as a starting point toward guidelines for the circular design and procurement of plastic products in the healthcare sector. Thus, this review identifies critical factors for developing a comprehensive indicator for designing and procuring circular plastic medical products.
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| 30. |
- Matschewsky, Johannes, et al.
(författare)
-
Circular indicators for the design and procurement of plastic products in the healthcare sector - A review
- 2024
-
Ingår i: 31st CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, LCE 2024. - : Elsevier B.V.. ; , s. 891-896
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- A critical shift is required to meet the challenges reflected in the sustainable development goals. Policymakers in the EU are betting on a transition from a linear to a circular economy to make this happen. Public procurement is vital in this context, e.g., accounting for 20% of Swedish GDP, with circular public procurement being critical to the transition. Until now, the research focus in this area has been narrower, concentrating on, e.g., IT equipment or furniture. However, plastic medical products have not been addressed despite generating substantial environmental impact and offering a tremendous upside. To enable the application of circular economy strategies in this context, changes are required on two ends: the design of the products and the criteria under which the products are procured. Indicators are the central basis of decision-making in any purchasing decision and are considered powerful enablers and drivers of the transition to a circular economy. This paper reviews circular indicators as a starting point toward guidelines for the circular design and procurement of plastic products in the healthcare sector. Based on this, critical factors for developing a comprehensive indicator for the design and procurement of circular plastic medical products are identified.
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| 31. |
- Melander, Lisa, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Is the pace of technology development a threat or opportunity for sustainability? : the case of remanufactured industrial robots
- 2018
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Ingår i: Procedia CIRP. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 2212-8271. ; , s. 247-252
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Remanufacturing has been identified as having much potential and providing a wide range of benefits. However, challenges remain for remanufacturing to be widely accepted, both from customers as well as within industrial firms. Business models for remanufacturing are complex and remanufacturing requires multiple competences across the firm. This paper is a study of the remanufacturing market for industrial products and is exemplified by a case study of a leading robot company in the US market. The study shows that rapid technology development impacts the remanufacturing possibilities and as such has an impact on sustainability. Technology development can be seen as a threat to remanufacturing e.g. making products become obsolete as well as leading to compatibility problems where it is difficult to find spare parts. Technology development also results in cheaper robots, making it difficult to provide economic incentives to buy remanufactured products. However, fast technology development can also be a possibility to firms that have well developed remanufacturing processes, as they are able to adjust to newer technologies. The study also points to the importance of cross-functional collaboration in the design phase of products, where remanufacturing needs to be considered. The article provides implications on how to manage rapid technology development in remanufacturing.
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| 32. |
- Molin, Elvira, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable public food procurement : actors’ role and influence
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This study examines the interpretation and incorporation of sustainability in public foodprocurement by interviewing stakeholders, such as procurement officers, wholesalers, chefs,and food producers. Findings highlight a consensus on the need for sustainability measures,such as purchasing local and organic products, but disagreements on the most influentialactors in the process. The influence of system-level factors, including market dynamics andregulatory frameworks, plays a significant role in implementing sustainable procurement.There is trust in the organic label and locally sourced products, yet actors require furtherpractical examples and hands-on solutions to facilitate their work towards a more sustainablefood system for the future.
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| 33. |
- Molin, Elvira, et al.
(författare)
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Sustainable public food procurement: criteria and actors’ roles and influence
- 2024
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2571-581X. ; 8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Food production and consumption significantly contribute to climate change. The public sector, which procures large quantities of food, has a crucial role in steering toward more sustainable food systems. More empirical studies involving practitioners are called for to understand the complexity of sustainable public food procurement. This study examines how actors interpret and implement sustainability in food procurement, as well as their influence on this process. A comprehensive analysis of multi-actor collaboration and stakeholder engagement involving interviews with key actors such as procurement officers, wholesalers, chefs, and food producers is presented. Findings highlight a consensus on the need for sustainability measures, such as purchasing local and organic products. The results showcase the potential transformation of power dynamics within the supply chain in response to modifications in procurement standards toward local produce and the overuse of product-specific criteria. However, assuming that local is invariably sustainable carries the risk of falling into the “local trap” when the consequence of procuring local varies and requires further investigation. The influence of system-level factors, including market dynamics and regulatory frameworks, plays a significant role in implementing sustainable procurement, as well as alignment and coordination in the supply chain.
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| 34. |
- Nathaniel, Hanna
(författare)
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Insights to beachcast management on Gotland, Sweden : An Industrial Ecology perspective on waste-resource ambiguity
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Beachcast or beach wrack, washed-up algae and seaweed, used to be a highly sought-after agricultural resource (fertiliser and soil conditioner) in coastal communities around the world before being replaced by chemical fertilisers, but considering the talks of a circular bio-economy – can we reintroduce it? Since the abandonment of beachcast in agriculture, the amount of beachcast has significantly increased as an effect of eutrophication caused by the use of chemical fertiliser, and the material is commonly considered waste. Meanwhile, soils have degraded and need the multiple positive effects on agroecosystems that beachcast could provide. So, while harvesting the biomass serves to remedy the adverse ecosystem effects on marine ecosystems (from excessive organic material, i.e. macroalgae blooms), beachcast could potentially contribute to more sustainable food production.Sadly, it is not simple. This potentially symbiotic process infers uncertainties regarding soil cadmium accumulation, coastal ecosystem effects, and other challenges - and despite multiple studies and attempts at a waste-to-resource conversion of beachcast, the challenges remain unsolved, and a novel take on the topic seems necessary.On Gotland, Sweden, with a historical tradition of using beachcast in agriculture, a modern governance system for management has emerged from a national policy subsidising beachcast harvesting, which has partly come to connect the marine and agricultural domains, among other actors. In this case, beachcast harvesting is subsidised as a measure to curb eutrophication and reduce the detrimental effects of excessive beachcast, a phenomenon present in the Baltic Sea and many other coastal regions worldwide that are caused by an accelerating nutrient accumulation at sea and sediment stocks. So, by further applying beachcast as a fertiliser in agriculture and horticulture, a practical example of a regional land-marine nutrient loop could be created to make beachcast management more sustainable. However, multiple challenges need to be addressed. This thesis and case study of Gotland, Sweden, presents an illustrative example of contemporary beachcast governance and management that provides knowledge and insights to support policy development and more sustainable beachcast management practices. insights for policy that can support the development of more sustainable management practices. This is done by using semi-structured interviews to understand the beachcast governance and management practices based on stakeholder perceptions (Paper I), performing a cost-benefit analysis of beach-cast harvest to assess the economics of closing land-marine nutrient loops in the Baltic Sea region (Paper II), conducting a cultivation experiment to predict future trends in soil cadmium concentration from applying beachcast as fertiliser (Paper III), and mapping regional variations in chemical composition of fresh and composted beachcast to consider future treatments (Paper IV). The results show that to overcome the challenges and achieve more sustainable practices, the following measures and considerations are essential: further supporting continued experimentation and monitoring of marine ecosystems to handle the harvest-hesitation caused by the uncertainties associated with marine ecosystem effects; sampling of composted material and careful agricultural use to remedy the waste-resource ambiguity associated with Cd contamination; and a continued subsidy and cross-sectoral collaborations to abide managerial and financial responsibility for beachcast activity. In this in-depth and transdisciplinary case study with a mixed-methods approach, the findings point to a theoretical and practical incongruity In seeking a waste-to-resource conversion of beachcast, which indicates that beachcast cannot compete with commercially viable products in today's intensive agricultural regime. Instead, agroecology, an alternative pathway according to FAO, appears to be a more promising context for beachcast to be acknowledged and receive the necessary investment to resolve its ambiguous resource status.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Söderqvist, Tore, et al.
(författare)
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Cost–benefit analysis of beach-cast harvest : Closing land-marine nutrient loops in the Baltic Sea region
- 2022
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Ingår i: Ambio. - : Springer Nature. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 51:5, s. 1302-1313
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Harvesting beach-cast can help mitigate marine eutrophication by closing land-marine nutrient loops and provide a blue biomass raw material for the bioeconomy. Cost–benefit analysis was applied to harvest activities during 2009–2018 on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, highlighting benefits such as nutrient removal from the marine system and improved recreational opportunities as well as costs of using inputs necessary for harvest. The results indicate that the activities entailed a net gain to society, lending substance to continued funding for harvests on Gotland and assessments of upscaling of harvest activities to other areas in Sweden and elsewhere. The lessons learnt from the considerable harvest experience on Gotland should be utilized for developing concrete guidelines for carrying out sustainable harvest practice, paying due attention to local conditions but also to what can be generalized to a wider national and international context.
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