Knoeri, C, Nikolic, I, Althaus, H-J et al. (1 more author) (2014) Enhancing recycling of construction materials: An agent based model with empirically based decision parameters. Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 17 (3). 10. ISSN 1460-7425
Abstract
Recycling of construction material is a valuable option for minimizing construction & demolition waste streams to landfills and mitigating primary mineral resource depletion. Material flows in the construction sector are governed by a complex socio-technical system in which awarding authorities decide in interaction with other actors on the use of construction materials. Currently, construction & demolition waste is still mainly deposited in landfills, as construction actors lack the necessary information and training regarding the use of recycled materials, and as a result have low levels of acceptance for them. This paper presents an agent-based model of the Swiss recycled construction material market based on empirical data derived from the agent operationalization approach. It elaborates on how recycling of construction materials can be enhanced by analysing key factors affecting the demand for recycled construction materials and developing scenarios towards a sustainable construction waste management. Doing so it demonstrates how detailed empirical agent decision data were incrementally included in the ABM model. Raising construction actors' awareness of recycled materials as a decision option, in combination with small price incentives was most effective for enhancing the use of recycled materials. This could lead to a 50% reduction of construction & demolition waste streams to landfills, and significantly reduce the environmental impacts related to concrete applications. From a methodological perspective, although the agent operationalization approach provides a large empirical foundation, incremental model development turned out to be particularly important for the traceability of results and a realistic system representation.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | (c) 2014, JASSS. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Agent operationalization approach; Empirical based modelling; Multi criteria decision-making; Socio-technical system; Sustainable resource management |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 06 Feb 2015 16:08 |
Last Modified: | 21 Feb 2024 13:42 |
Published Version: | http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/17/3/10.html |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | SimSoc Consortium |
Identification Number: | 10.18564/jasss.2528 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:82726 |