Logistics for Building Circular, Biobased, and Modular: Environmental Impacts in Amsterdam

Tanya  Tsui; Petar  Koljenšić; Tim van Binsbergen; Jip  Kuiper; Walther Ploos  van Amstel; Ruben  Vrijhoef

doi:10.55845/XJPF2170

Authors

Tanya Tsui Delft University of Technology Author
Petar Koljenšić Delft University of Technology, Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions Author
Tim van Binsbergen Delft University of Technology Author
Jip Kuiper Delft University of Technology Author
Walther Ploos van Amstel Hogeschool van Amsterdam Author
Ruben Vrijhoef Delft University of Technology Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/XJPF2170

Keywords:

Circular Built Environment, Construction Logistics , Agent-based Modeling, Urban Sustainability, Modular Construction, Biobased Materials, Transport Emissions, Reverse Logistics, Circular Economy, Circular Hubs

Abstract

Circular, biobased, and modular construction practices are gaining traction as cities seek to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment. However, little is known about how these strategies affect construction logistics and their associated emissions. We develop an agent-based model to assess the environmental and spatial impacts of construction logistics in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region (AMA) under six future scenarios. These scenarios vary in transport modes, construction practices, and logistics hub configurations. Results show that modular construction significantly reduces emissions through delivery consolidation, while circular and biobased approaches present trade-offs. Circular logistics reduce total emissions by sourcing materials locally but increase local emissions and congestion due to more frequent, short-distance trips in case of fossil transport. Biobased construction reduces transport emissions because of lower weight but may increase emissions when materials are sourced from distant suppliers, often located abroad, e.g. in Austria. The study also reveals that water transport lowers CO₂ but often raises NOₓ and PM emissions in case of use of ships with older engines. Also, decentralized logistics networks may perform worse than centralized ones without advanced coordination. These findings emphasize that sustainability benefits depend not just on what is built, but how and where materials are transported. Policymakers and urban planners must weigh both global and local trade-offs when designing logistics systems for sustainable construction. Our model offers a data-driven framework to support such decisions, highlighting the need for integrated, spatially grounded planning approaches in the circular transition.

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