In the heart of Hong Kong, researchers are pioneering a novel approach to construction that could redefine how we build our cities, with significant implications for the energy sector. Kaveesha Gihani Dewagoda, a researcher at the Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, has been delving into the concept of Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA), a framework that merges circular economy principles with industrialised construction methods. Her work, published in the journal Buildings (translated as “Buildings” in English), offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable and efficient future.
The building construction industry (BCI) is a major contributor to global resource extraction and waste generation. As rapid urbanisation and population growth drive demand for housing and infrastructure, the need for swifter, safer, and more affordable construction methods has never been greater. Industrialised Construction (IC) presents a promising solution, but integrating circular economy principles could amplify its benefits.
Dewagoda’s research identifies 41 key constructs that underpin DfCMA, drawn from Design for Circularity (DfC) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) principles. Through a rigorous literature review and questionnaire survey, she employed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) to validate these constructs. “The study findings confirm the significance of applying these constructs in advancing the concept of DfCMA in the BCI,” Dewagoda explains.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The integration of circular economy principles into industrialised construction could lead to more energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure. By designing for disassembly and reusability, buildings can be more easily retrofitted with energy-efficient technologies, reducing the energy sector’s carbon footprint. Moreover, the reduced waste generation and resource extraction could lower the energy demand associated with raw material processing and waste management.
The commercial implications are substantial. As Dewagoda notes, “This study adds value to research and practice, exploring the underlying mechanism of this novel DfCMA concept, which synergises two imperatives: promoting a Circular Economy (CE) and DfMA principles and practices in IC.” By adopting DfCMA, construction firms could reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance their sustainability credentials, opening up new market opportunities.
The research also sheds light on the future of construction. As we grapple with climate change and resource scarcity, the need for sustainable construction methods will only grow. DfCMA offers a compelling vision for how we can build more sustainably, efficiently, and affordably. It’s a vision that could reshape the construction industry and the energy sector, driving us towards a more sustainable future.
In the words of Dewagoda, “This study thus adds value to research and practice, exploring the underlying mechanism of this novel DfCMA concept, which synergises two imperatives, promoting a Circular Economy (CE) and DfMA principles and practices in IC.” As we look to the future, DfCMA could be a key driver of innovation and sustainability in the construction and energy sectors.