Investigating the Potential of Circular Economy in Stockholm’s Craft Classes : A Case Study Comparing Secondary Wood to Virgin Wood Using LCA and LCC

Abstract: This thesis evaluates the environmental, economic, and social impacts of implementing secondary wood from recycling centers into wood crafts in Stockholm schools. The thesis is conducted in a case study setting as a part of the "Climate Neutral Stockholm 2030" sub-project 3.2, which focuses on promoting reuse and waste reduction through circularity. A comparative consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) within a cradle-to-gate system boundary was conducted in a scenario setting, which compared and quantified the use of virgin wood and secondary wood both environmentally and economically. The environmental profile was quantified for four impact categories: global warming potential (GWP), water use, land use, and cumulative energy demand (CED). Additionally, the social implications of incorporating secondary wood were examined through a survey and interviews with the wood craft teacher and students. Furthermore, the LCA and LCC were conducted with a functional unit (FU) of 0,00106 m3 of wood demand per student. The impacts were aggregated to understand the combined effect of all schools in Stockholm, from grades 3 to 9. The study's results verify that secondary wood is more environmentally and economically beneficial while also being positively perceived by the teacher and students. The environmental findings indicate a total yearly reduction in GWP by 78%, water use by 82%, land use by 99%, and CED by 90% for all schools in Stockholm. From an economic perspective, implementing secondary wood in craft classes leads to a significant cost saving of 81%. From a social aspect, results revealed an overall positive perception from the teacher and students. However, the quality and quantity of wood must be sufficient without excessive additional time or labor requirements. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed for both LCA and LCC results. It was observed that a percentage change in transportation distance does not significantly change the GWP results. In addition, secondary wooden boxes can become more expensive than virgin wooden boxes if transportation costs are increased by more than 54%. To support the "Climate Neutral Stockholm 2030" project, the study contributes to the city's pursuit of sustainability by showing decision makers the magnitude of impacts that can be reduced through circularity and waste reduction, therefore facilitating and motivating the implementation of a sustainable system in Stockholm.