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Project title

A Value Centric Approach for Circular Businesses to reduce Virgin Material in the construction sector

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Markus Helfert

Project Abstract

VISION addresses the knowledge gap to identify opportunities to minimise the use of virgin materials used in the growing construction sector in Ireland. VISION will design and show the feasibility of circular business models together with recommendation for policies, incentives and standards by reviewing and evaluating different approaches that are gaining traction internationally. It is based on an industry-academic-policy making collaboration supported by the Digital Construction Cluster at the Innovation Value Institute at Maynooth University. Recommendations for approaches and best practices to reduce virgin material in Ireland are developed forming a Best Practice Guide that is based on robust evidence to inform systemic transformation towards circular economies. The research aligns with key policy and strategy commitments, whilst at the same time acknowledges and understands Ireland’s unique socio-economic and environmental characteristics. The application and impact of the best practice guide on circular business models is exemplary demonstrated with a feasibility study testing some of they key best practice options with industry partners. VISION contributes to the expected impacts from the call with the innovative and collaborative aspects of this project. VISION aims to drive a new way for circular business models forward and hardwired prevention and reuse of the material into construction activity. Exemplary best practices, feasibility and impact will be demonstrated a practice oriented feasibility project. Replication of the approach is, by design, built into our research to increase impact beyond the timeframe of this project. The project plan has been designed with industry and policy collaboration in mind to maximize impact and relevancy. Systematic measures will be established to critically review relevant models, international practices and frameworks and assess the impact and feasibility of the proposed incentives, standards and levies to reduce the use of virgin materials in the construction sector. Research results and guiding information together with a software tool for testing circular business models will be made available through an open knowledge repository allowing for wide knowledge dissemination and adoption of best practices.

Grant Approved

�149,874.41

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/03/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2026