| 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. |
- 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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| 3. |
- 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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| 4. |
- 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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| 5. |
- 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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| 6. |
- Lingegård, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Sustainable public procurement in large infrastructure projects—policy implementation for carbon emission reductions
- 2021
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13:20
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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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| 7. |
- 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
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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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| 8. |
- Matschewsky, Johannes, et al.
(författare)
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Circular 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 B.V.. ; , s. 891-896
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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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| 9. |
- 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
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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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| 10. |
- 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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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- 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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