Information Flow in Reuse Prospects of Construction Materials : Analysis of information flow in the Swedish construction industry

Abstract: Efficient management of construction and demolition components is crucial for the sustainability of the environment, society, and economy. Reusing construction materials is an effective way to reduce construction debris. However, reuse is hurdled due to different factors, and one of the leading causes of these factors is improper information flow. The information flow is the transfer of relevant information within the network about construction materials such as quality, quantity and other specifications in the reuse aspect. The seamless flow of relevant information on the construction process and materials is crucial to facilitate reuse. Unfortunately, there are considerable obstacles to achieving a seamless information flow. By identifying and addressing the barriers that hinder the current information flow, we can thrive towards a seamless flow of information that facilitates reuse within the construction industry. This paper examines the challenges in the flow of information within the Swedish construction industry using a qualitative exploratory research design. The research also explores some strategies adopted by a few stakeholders to promote reuse. The study is performed using existing literature and interviews with various stakeholders mainly in the Swedish construction industry. The research identifies several barriers in information flow, including a lack of collaboration among stakeholders, fragmented information, no standardization, business models that do not support reuse, and low awareness of reuse prospects. To gain better insight into the flow of information, a five-component framework has been devised based on these challenges.