Atapattu, A M D S; Hadiwattage, C; Perera, B A K S and Rajaratnam, D (2024) Employing criteria scoring matrix in appraising the economic return of transcending to a circular built environment. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(2), pp. 267-290. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: The circular economy concept emerged as the resolution to the destructive linear economy practices. Nevertheless, the transition to a circular built environment is hindered due to the ambiguities of the economic value of the concept. Conversely, numerous decision-making tools are applied in the construction industry in assessing economic alternatives, even if there is a gap in utilising these tools in appraising circular economic practices. Hence, this study investigates the potential benefits of applying proven decision-making practices, particularly criteria scoring matrices, in developing circular built environments. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. A conceptual design of a criteria scoring matrix was developed with a comprehensive literature survey. Semi-structured interviews of a three-round Delphi expert survey were employed to assess the matrix qualitatively and develop the matrix further. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. Findings: The lack of a value assessment tool in economically assessing the circular economy principles is a key barrier to transcending to a circular built environment. In addressing this issue, this study develops a criteria scoring matrix for circularity value assessment during the design stage of a construction project. Originality/value: This research contributes to the theory by developing a criteria scoring matrix to measure the economic contribution of circular economy principles. Further, this research contributes to the practice by allowing construction alternatives to be selected, balancing the potential economic return options of a project with the project's contribution to a circular economy.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | built environment; circular economy; criteria scoring; design-making tools; matrix development; value assessment |
| Index terms: | interview, survey, content analysis, design stage, decision-making, methodology, construction project, conceptual design, circular economy, qualitative approach, circularity, built environment, option, construction industry, resolution |
| Subjects: | infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, conflict resolution, decision analysis, production management, sustainable design, design practice, research methods, professional practice, data analysis and analytics, sustainable materials, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Sustainability, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Urban Studies, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here