Lindgren, J and Koch, C (2021) Does industrialised housing drive sustainable transition? Swedish experiences. In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-7 September 2021, Online Event, UK.
Abstract
Industrialised Housebuilding (IH) in Sweden have grown within Multi-Storey Housing made of Timber (MSHT) and most of the producers rely on this approach. Business models for Industrialised Housebuilding, often start with prefabrication. With the rapid growth of sustainability demands and circular construction as an uprising theme, a central question is, what is the sustainability element in Swedish industrialized housebuilders business models regarding MSHT? Sustainable transition theory is adopted. The method is a desk study of existing research, websites, annual reports and other material. The sustainability element in the business models of industrialized house builders is explored, with focus on circular construction. MSHT is described as reducing environmental impact compared to concrete and provides social values, enabling its diffusion, however with less apparent cost advantages. However, with the growth of circular thinking, IH may have potential to further develop. The findings show that sustainability is overall present in the development of IH within MSHT, where the companies show a homogenous picture with varying challenges and contribute to sustainable transition. Regarding circular construction, the study shows potential in additional steps needed from a life-cycle perspective.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | industrialised housing; sustainable business models; circular construction; sustainable transition; Sweden. |
| Index terms: | sustainability demand, Sweden, housebuilder, builder, annual report, business model, environmental impact, social value, housebuilding, housing, prefabrication |
| Subjects: | practitioner, environmental impact, business, construction type, environmental resource management, Geography, construction integration, building construction, sociology |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Construction Technology, Governance, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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