Realizing a circular building economy: The case of municipal governments
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2025-12-15
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en
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This study examines the role of smaller Dutch municipalities (up to 50.000 inhabitants) in operationalizing and stimulating a circular building economy, using the municipality of Lingewaard (47.500 inhabitants) as a case study. This thesis uses a three-tier methodology, including frameworks for governance capacity, collaborative governance, and modes of governance. Interviews with municipalities, market actors, and knowledge institutes provide insights into existing barriers and opportunities and are used to formulate governance strategies.
The analysis shows that discouraging national legislation, insufficient internal capacity and a traditional mindset of stakeholders are the most significant barriers. Financial constraints are evident, but several case studies show that coordinated collaboration and shared willingness to innovate among stakeholders can overcome these constraints. At the same time, the results highlight the importance of embedding circular principles within the organization by strengthening learning capacity through monitoring, evaluation, and actualization.
The analysis further shows that there is most promise in self-governance and governing through enabling, depending on whether the municipality has an active or facilitative role. When having an active role, lacking practical knowledge on the application of circular practices can be overcome through collaboration. When in a facilitative role, positioning as a connector, innovator, and stimulator could result in the empowerment of collective action towards long-term sustainability goals.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen