DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY AND ADAPTABILITY IN SINGAPORE S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: DRIVERS, BARRIERS, AND STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Abstract

The dissertation titled "Design for Disassembly and Adaptability in Singapore's Construction Industry: Drivers, Barriers, and Strategies to Achieve a Circular Economy" delves into the possibility of adopting Design for Deconstruction and Adaptability (DfDA) principles to promote sustainability and fostering a circular economy within Singapore's construction sector. Using Singapores' construction industry as a backdrop, this study investigates the core principles that enable DfDA implementation, along with drivers and barriers influencing their adoption, and evaluates effective strategies. Through literature review and pilot interviews, eight drivers, 11 barriers, and eight strategies were found and included in a survey disseminated to industry professionals for data collection. Statistical tests such as the Shapiro-Wilk test, mean ranking analysis, and inter-group comparisons were then conducted on the 50 results collected to give insight into the perceived significance of these factors among industry professionals, regardless of their background. This research established that DfDA implementation is, to industry professionals, not feasible for widespread adoption. The study elucidates key insights into the significance of various strategies across organisation types, sectors, experience levels, and respondent designations. Despite its low implementation rate in Singapore, the drivers for DfDA adoption were acknowledged to be significant. The top 3 drivers for DfDA adoption are "D6: Reducing pressure on finite natural resources", "D7: Significantly reducing waste production through construction" and "D8: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The top 3 perceived barriers against DfDA adoption are "B4: Lack of tools to apply DfDA principles e.g. to choose right materials or database for quality of salvaged building components" & "B11: Cost and Schedule Constraints", and "B9: Negative public perception on reused building components". To counter these barriers, the top 3 strategies are S1: Government to offer aid for the industry such as financial incentives and awards", "S5: Creating explicit guidelines and frameworks for DfDA and CE", and "S7: Architects to play a renewed role in linking key players using IPD and other collaborative project delivery methods"Despite certain limitations, the findings provide valuable guidance for academia and construction companies seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts by integrating DfDA principles, thus contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in the construction industry.