Barriers, success factors, and perspectives for the reuse of construction products in Norway

Abstract

Reuse of construction materials and products has great potential to reduce the environmental footprint of a building. However, the way buildings are designed and constructed rarely considers closed loop materials systems and the implementation of reuse in building projects is associated with many hurdles. Various professionals might experience different challenges or might be affected to different degrees. The objective of this paper is to provide an insight into experiences and perspectives of professional actors involved in projects with a focus on reuse in Norway. A series of interviews with manufacturers, architects, contractors, environmental consultants, and public institutions was conducted to (i) identify barriers and success factors for reuse in pilot projects, (ii) capture the issues that seem most pressing for different actors, (iii) identify which actors in the value chain need to be more included into reuse processes, and (iv) define and prioritise necessary actions to advance reuse in Norway. The results suggest that reuse in Norway could be greatly advanced by more communication and cooperation between different actors in the value chain. Especially manufacturers can play an important role and need to be more involved in reuse processes. Planning for and practical execution of reuse will benefit from well-functioning research infrastructure. However, legislation needs to be adjusted in favour of reuse. Currently being one of the greatest barriers as experienced by most actors, it has the potential to become the greatest enabler for the reuse of materials and products in the Norwegian building sector