In the quest for sustainability, the construction industry faces a monumental challenge: balancing growth with environmental responsibility. Enter Alperen Taha Demirbağ, a researcher from Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, who has developed a groundbreaking model that could revolutionize how contractors are selected, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Demirbağ’s work, published in Buildings (translated from Turkish), focuses on integrating circular economy principles into contractor selection, particularly for off-site construction (OSC). This method, which involves assembling buildings or components in a factory before transporting them to the site, offers greater potential for circularity than traditional construction techniques.
The circular economy, with its emphasis on reducing waste and promoting the continual use of resources, is increasingly seen as a vital approach to combating environmental degradation. However, the construction industry lags behind, with only 12% of its materials exhibiting circular characteristics. Demirbağ’s model aims to change that.
At the heart of Demirbağ’s model are three key criteria: Material Circularity, Energy Circularity, and Product Circularity. “These criteria,” Demirbağ explains, “help us evaluate a contractor’s commitment to circular economy principles.” Material Circularity assesses the use of recycled or recyclable materials, Energy Circularity examines energy efficiency and renewable energy use, and Product Circularity looks at the design and longevity of the products used.
But how does one quantify these criteria? That’s where the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) come in. These complex-sounding methods are essentially tools for evaluating and ranking contractors based on their circular economy performance.
Demirbağ’s model was put to the test in a hypothetical case study involving four contractors experienced in sustainable construction. The results were promising, with the model demonstrating its ability to produce sensitive and informed decision-making outcomes.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Off-site construction, with its potential for greater circularity, could lead to significant energy savings. Moreover, the model’s focus on energy circularity could drive demand for renewable energy sources, further reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.
But the implications go beyond energy savings. By promoting circular economy principles, Demirbağ’s model could also drive innovation in construction materials and techniques, creating new opportunities for businesses and jobs.
Demirbağ’s work is a significant step forward in integrating circular economy principles into the construction industry. As he puts it, “The future of construction is circular, and this model is a tool to help us get there.” With its potential to drive energy savings, promote renewable energy use, and stimulate innovation, this model could shape the future of the construction and energy sectors for years to come.