Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
The title of this thesis, looking beyond the economics, is a first way to define the problem that we have in our built environment. The research question, how can we create a more viable society with circular economy, is the start of the investigation. Hopefully finding answers to a more sustainable way of building.
In a time of climate crisis, pandemics, war and an unstable world economy, the moment to start rethinking our way of living and building is here.
Sustainability has become the most used word within the business sector, companies needs to take a position of how they can be more sustainable.
The Ellen McArthur Foundation (Ellen McArthur Foundation) has based sustainability, or more stated as circular economy, on three principles;
- Eliminate waste and pollution.
- Circulate products and materials ( at their highest value).
- Regenerate nature.
It is concise and easy to understand these goals, but a lot harder to convert it into reality within the building industry.
Another way to understand circular economy is to divide them into the three areas of economical, ecological and social sustainability.
The economics is already a value that of course can be counted in different ways, but the figures will always be there as a result, measurable.
The ecological part is something that has been evaluated for some time now, the construction companies knows what materials that are renewable and also that it is something very diverse, depending on where they are situated, in a global context.
The knowledge of how to build energy efficient buildings is reached, but the question if it is sustainable to build energy efficient still exists.
Reuse and repurpose buildings, is relatevily new and it needs to be developed further. The ecological part is measurable, but maybe not as direct as the economics.
The social aspect is to plan our built environment better, more accessible for all, and to integrate more. Creating social spaces where interaction can take place, with our neighbours, friends and also to find new contacts. By interacting more, the acceptance and appreciation of our differences grow.
The social part needs to be measured through feelings, which makes it more complex to rate, especially when the same situation can be rated in different ways by different humans.
Another way of measuring the social sustainability could be to look at the problems that can be avoided within this area. Like crime rates, bullying in school and psychological health in different areas of the city or country.
This master thesis will look further into how we can create a circular economy within our dwelling cluster. How does it look like? What priorities needs to be made and why?
2023. , p. 41