Developing an assessment framework for circularity in dike reinforcement projects

Abstract

In the Netherlands, the objective of the Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment is to realise a full circular economy in 2050, where an intermediate goal of a 50% reduction in primary resource use in 2030 should be realised. In the coming thirty years, 1300 kilometres of dikes in the Netherlands must be reinforced to cope with rising sea levels caused by climate change. These dike reinforcement projects must conform with the circularity objectives of the government.

To support improved implementation of circularity in DR projects, this study conceptualised circularity in this context based on a literature review and interviews with practitioners in the sector. In this conceptualisation, circularity is considered a tool to maintain resource stocks, protect the environment and retain the value of objects/materials. This resulted in six categories that must be considered; the categories treat topics like the quantity of material use, the circular characteristics of input and output materials, the inclusion of future perspectives and interests in designs, the impact of material use, and the uncertainty of the data.

To track the progress of circular implementation in DR projects, an assessment framework was developed that compares different dike designs using the six categories from the conceptual framework. Each category has measurable aspects that can be used to determine a score for each category. To determine the final circularity score, each category is assessed and weighted depending on the perceived importance to circularity of an expert panel. In this way, circularity can be measured and assessed in DR project during the entire life cycle