Hidden Cost of Circular Economy in Offsite Housing Projects
Studies suggest that offsite construction can enhance sustainability performance by incorporating circular economy (CE) practices in housing delivery. However, it is understood that CE adoption for offsite housing projects (OHPs) could create an additional cost layer to housing delivery, even though its implications remain unclear.
This paper provides awareness of CE cost activities, also known as circular cost drivers, with potential cost impacts on integrating CE strategies in OHP deliveries. It employs a qualitative approach to gathering OHP stakeholder opinions on circular-related cost drivers through a focus group discussion. From an OHP lifecycle and ecosystem perspective, the study identified seven strategic approaches (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, and remanufacture) critical for adopting CE strategies into OHPs.
