This research aims to explore and propose a more effective management of rail and road infrastructure and the possibility of a more resource-efficient road and rail infrastructure by applying business models based on performance and a life-cycle perspective. There is a lack of efficiency in the Swedish rail and road infrastructure industries - at the same time as the availability of the rail tracks and roads is essential. Rail and road infrastructure have long lifetimes, around 40-60 years, and during these decades regular maintenance and reconstruction are needed to ensure proper function. Large amounts of resources are required to construct the infrastructure, and the overall environmental pressure depends substantially on this. This research is largely based on interviews conducted with the buyer, contractors and design consultants for rail and road infrastructure in Sweden. Literature reviews have been conducted to develop the framework needed to analyze the empirical findings. This research contributes by building on theory in areas such as Integrated Product Service Offerings (IPSOs) and eco-design, and this abstract presents a brief summary of the overall conclusions. Several challenges for rail and road infrastructure in Sweden have been identified, such as the lack of information and knowledge transfer between different projects and actors. This is due to e.g. the use of traditional short-term contracts and conservative cooperate cultures, creating sub-optimizations in management. Increased collaboration, through e.g. partnering, seems to be a promising way to increase the information and knowledge transfer between actors by increasing trust and interaction. In this way, management would be more effective, and by involving contractors in the design phase, more efficient technical solutions could be developed and used. Additionally, increased involvement by the design consultants and an iterative information loop between design, construction and maintenance could also be beneficial. The research indicates that increased cooperation increases trust. In this way, there is a possibility to remove the detailed requirements that prevent new ways of working. Rail and road infrastructure have characteristics, such as the resources used and the importance of availability, that are well-suited for IPSOs. This performance-based business model with a life-cycle perspective provides incentives to optimize the use of resources and provide a holistic view for management that is lacking today for rail and road infrastructure. However, a long-term contract such as an IPSO creates uncertainties. The actors are risk-averse, which is an obstacle in the development of new business models and contract forms. Most of the risks and uncertainties identified are due to lack of experience. This implies that an implementation of IPSOs will have a steep learning curve. Additionally, risk allocation between the actors is important for effective management: too much risk for the suppliers will make them reluctant in developing new solutions, and they will use a risk premium to cover up for the risk.

Understanding the environmental implications of consumption and production depends on appropriate monitoring tools. Material flow accounting (MFA) is a method to monitor natural resource use by countries and has been widely used in research and policy. However, the increasing globalization requires the consideration of "embodied" material use of traded products. The indicator raw material consumption (RMC) represents the material use - no matter where in the world it occurs - associated with domestic final demand. It provides a consumption-based perspective complementary to the MFA indicators that have a territorial focus. Several studies on RMC have been presented recently but with diverging results; hence, a better understanding of the underlying differences is needed. This article presents a comparison of Austrian RMC for the year 2007 calculated by six different approaches (3 multi-regional input-output (MRIO) and 3 hybrid life-cycle analysis-IO approaches). Five approaches result in an RMC higher than the domestic material consumption (DMC). One hybrid LCA-IO approach calculates RMC to be lower than DMC. For specific material categories, results diverge by 50% or more. Due to the policy relevance of the RMC and DMC indicators it is paramount that their robustness is enhanced, which needs both data and method harmonization.

This research examined how public policy addresses long-term societal challenges. The case study focused on policy narratives and frames of resource efficiency in the ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ of the European Commission (EC). The study followed an interpretive constructionist perspective on public policy and assumed a research strategy based on a single critical case study. The literature review examined perspectives on policy narratives, frames, knowledge and social learning in the interpretive policy analysis and organisation studies literature. Foresight and futures literature also provided insights on the use and nature of knowledge and policy learning in the process of deliberation of future visions. The empirical enquiry was based on a series of in-depth interviews with policy stakeholders, formal EU policy documents and speeches as well as participation in targeted policy events. The thesis makes contributions in three areas. First, the study developed and applied a new conceptual and methodological approach – a policy narrative framework analysis(POLFRAME) – to examine different discursive and narrative layers of policy narratives of the resource efficiency agenda. The framework can lend itself to interrogate any policy narrative, notably ones with explicit or implicit future scenarios and vision. Second, the policy case study contributed to knowledge on the evolving EU policy area of resource efficiency, addressing challenges of the sustainable use of natural resources. The research provided insights into how a complex societal, economic and environmental challenge of resource efficiency was understood by different stakeholders and intentionally framed in the official policy narrative. The emerging EU agenda on resource efficiency was intentionally reframed to advance a broader approach to environmental policy that moves beyond a traditional goal of environmental protection towards a systemic transition of economic system to achieve decoupling of economic growth from environmental impacts. While the study found evidence of a significant shift in scoping the challenge, their framing has not led to radical changes in underlying normative assumptions on the relation between nature and society or on the central role of economic growth in transition. Third, the research discussed theoretical implications of introducing a long-term challenge-driven perspective to public policy narratives. Introducing a future vision to policy narrative added a stronger normative orientation to policy argumentation. The case study demonstrated that an inclusion of a long-term societal challenge to the resource efficiency agenda influenced the selection, interpretation and use of evidence in policy narratives. The design of challenge-driven long-term policies bears a family resemblance to the perspective of post-normal science. Finally, the thesis puts forward messages and recommendations for policy makers and practitioners interested in the process of radical policy reframing. It also suggests further research encompassing a comparative dimension and longer periods of enquiry of policy frames, which would allow for better understanding the effects of the reframing of policy on various phases of policy cycles.

How can we explain the paradoxical outcomes of resource efficiency? As a key pillar of worldwide sustainable development policies, the concept of resource efficiency has become increasingly important to scrutinize. The overreliance on efficiency coupled with the intention of conserving scarce resources can sometimes backfire. Understanding the intermediate process that leads to the negative, paradoxical outcome is imperative for a sustainable future, especially for societies that risks resource degradation. This study takes the explanatory route and aims to problematize the usage of efficient technology in a resource scarce developing country, namely, Morocco. It is argued that the causal mechanism which links the independent variable (drip irrigation technology) to the observed outcome (total increased resource consumption) has to do with production and consumption processes, which is theorized to be spurred by efficiency. These mechanisms have been derived from the theory of Jevons Paradox and juxtaposed with empirical findings from the Guerdane irrigation scheme, a scheme which sought to increase productivity and simultaneously reduce water scarcity. The study makes use of the case-study approach and the process-tracing method. The chosen method provides a means for establishing a timeline of events, alternative explanations, as well as providing grounds for a primary explanation for the observed outcome. The findings point to reduced labour costs and initial water savings as the empirically derived causal mechanisms. These mechanisms, spurred by the implementation of drip irrigation technology, consequently gave rise to the expansion of irrigated land which in turn increased water withdrawals and eventually resulted in a paradoxical, negative outcome where the total consumption of water resources increased. Taken together, these results deepen our understanding of the problematic usage of efficient technology when different types of social processes are not accounted for.

Resource efficiency has become an important topic due to dramatic increase of world-population and globalization. A company that is not able to efficiently utilize its resources is less sustainable. It produces at higher cost as well as with higher environmental impact. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises are mostly not able to deal with these kinds of issues in addition to their daily business. Their characteristics differentiate them from large companies and require approaches that respond to their specific needs. Not only technological aspects but also organizational problems as well as lack of methodology are reasons for low resource efficiency in small companies. This thesis therefore focuses on developing a tool which facilitates the increase of resource efficiency particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.To start with, this thesis investigates the meaning of resource efficiency and the basics of performance measures as well as special characteristics of small and medium-sized enter-prises. Afterwards, measures are designed in order to quantify resource efficiency. A case study is carried out as well to investigate how to ensure applicability of a supporting tool in small and medium-sized enterprises from different industries. In the final part, a computer-based tool is developed which facilitates the assessment of resource efficiency potentials using 12 resource efficiency measures, a consistent approach and a ranking method.Keywords: Resource efficiency, performance measures, small and medium-sized enterprises / <p>QC 20121101</p>

The building industry accounts for around one third of the total energy use and GHG emissions in Sweden. Despite the implementation of energy efficiency measures focusing on new buildings, embodied impacts from material extraction, manufacturing, construction and maintenance have grown in significant proportions. While cities like Stockholm are currently experiencing a strong demographic growth and a high pressure on the supply of new spaces and facilities for new residents, national environmental goals aim to reduce energy use and GHG emissions in the coming decades. For instance, the new Climate Act in Sweden expects the country to become carbon neutral by 2045 and the European Commission urges the decarbonisation of national building stocks by 2050. The dual pressure of growth and environmental targets urges the exploration of alternatives for the supply and use of space. In fact, some sources indicate that many spaces remain unused during several hours a day/week and estimations show that most of the buildings that will be in use in 2050 have already been built today. This study explores the potential for a resource-efficient use of space in the existing building stock in Stockholm, leading to a positive impact on the reduction of energy consumption and GHG emissions. The inquiry is conducted with a mixed methods approach in three sequential steps: the identification of relevant stakeholders, instruments and initiatives; the analysis of use of space in a sample of commercial spaces at the street level; and the formulation of strategies allowing an increase in their temporal and spatial capacity. The study suggests that one way to optimise the use of space in existing buildings is to create new property rights. Specifically, it illustrates how merging commercial spaces on the street level through the constitution of 3D properties can increase the capacity to accommodate activities in space and time. Together with digitalisation and the development of new services based on sharing solutions, this opens up new possibilities for decreasing new construction and to absorb new demands for heated floor area.

Under de senaste århundradena har samhället tillämpat ett linjärt synsätt på ekonomin där varor produceras, säljs, används och sedan blir till avfall utan någon högre grad av återvinning. Det linjära synsättet har stor inverkan på vår planet med minskade ändliga resurser och ökat klimathot. Fler och fler har fått upp ögonen för att vårt nuvarande synsätt inte är hållbart och som en respons på den ökade medvetenheten har begreppet cirkulär ekonomi växt fram. Cirkulär ekonomi, i motsats till linjär, bygger på att sluta kretsloppen, både biologiskt och tekniskt. Begreppet innebär att minimera råvaruuttaget genom ökad återvinning och återbruk samt minimera avfallet genom att nyttja det som råvara någon annanstans. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka åtgärder som skulle möjliggöra ett fastighetsföretags omställning från en linjär till en cirkulär affärsmodell. Det innefattar att belysa vilka områden som bör beaktas när cirkulär ekonomi inkorporeras i verksamheten och hur eventuella hinder kan övervinnas. Arbetet har genomförts genom en litteraturstudie där cirkulär ekonomi har undersökts både på generell nivå samt specifikt inom fastighetsbranschen. En intervjustudie har genomförts med fastighetsföretag och andra marknadsaktörer där resultatet visar på tydliga strukturella problem som måste övervinnas för att övergången mot en cirkulär ekonomi ska kunna äga rum. Avsaknaden av en marknadsplats för återbrukade material och produkter är central. Fastighetsbranschen visar på en medvetenhet kring miljöfrågor, kunskapen om hur cirkulär ekonomi ska kunna inkorporeras i verksamheten är dock mindre. Vidare framgår att digitaliseringen kommer vara en drivande faktor där nya digitala tjänster och plattformar möjliggör inte minst för nya delandetjänster och funktioner. Att cirkulär ekonomi måste kunna kopplas till affärsnytta är tydligt och ur övergången mot cirkulär ekonomi uppstår nya affärsmodeller som på sikt kan öka lönsamheten givet att fastighetsägaren i högre grad kan arbeta cirkulärt. / In the last few centuries, society has applied a linear approach to the economy where goods are produced, sold, used and then become waste without a higher degree of recycling. The linear approach has a great impact on our planet with reduced finite resources and increased climate threat. More and more people have become aware that our current approach is not sustainable and as a response to the increased awareness, the concept of circular economy has emerged. Circular economy, in contrast to linear, is based on ending the cycles, both biological and technical. This implies minimizing raw material consumption through increased recycling and reuse and minimize waste by utilizing it as raw material elsewhere. The purpose of this study is to investigate which measures would enable a real estate company to switch from a linear to a circular business model. This includes highlighting which areas should be considered when circular finances are incorporated into the business and how any obstacles can be overcome. A literature study has been conducted in which circular economy has been examined both at the general level and specifically in the real estate industry. Later, an interview study has been conducted with real estate companies and other market participants where the result shows clear structural problems that must be overcome for the transition to a circular economy to take place. The lack of a marketplace for recycled materials and products is central. The real estate industry shows an awareness of environmental issues, however there is less knowledge about how circular economy is to be incorporated into the business. Furthermore, it appears that digitization will be a driving factor where new digital services and platforms are vital enablers, not least for new sharing services and functions. Circular economy must be linked to business benefits and from the transition to circular economy new business models will emerge, which in the future can increase profitability, given that the property owner can work more circularly to a greater extent.

The waste and carbon emissions in Sweden is comprehensively contributed by the construction industry. With focus on the growing need for raw materials, reports indicate that by 2060 the use of raw materials is expected to increase by 50%. It is evident that the production of windows can have negative environmental consequences, from extraction to its contribution to a building’s energy consumption. By centering on the circular economy framework, this study aims to promote reuse of windows, by focusing on environmental, economic and quality factors. Through literature reviews, case studies and stakeholder interviews, this study focus upon window reuse in construction projects in a feasible manner. The absence of knowledge and logistical concerns hinders the reuse of windows, despite its environmental and economic benefits. Reuse relies on inventory, digital logistics and collaboration among stakeholders as a vital key motivator. Furthermore, limited support and resources has been identified as some of the key obstacles for progress and implementation of reuse of windows. Emphasizing on the importance of responsibility allocation and considering sustainability throughout the entire construction process. Quality criteria for window reuse include energy efficiency and cultural value. Despite challenges such as economics, logistics, collaboration and the share of knowledge, it’s believed that this study can significantly transform the reuse process and steer towards a more sustainable future. / Bygg- och fastighetssektorn står för en stor andel av Sveriges koldioxidutsläpp samt av den energi som förbrukas i Sverige. Sektorns användning av råmaterial tenderar att stiga och förväntas fördubblas till 2060. Utvecklingen skapar ett tydligt behov av att minska sektorns negativa miljöpåverkan och öka återbruket av byggmaterial, som för närvarande står för 35% av Sveriges totala avfall. Fönster är en komplex del av en byggnad vars utformning kan variera avsevärt och ha stor inverkan på hur energieffektiv en byggnad är. Vidare har fönster krav på både estetik, komfort och funktion. Produktionen av fönster kan ha negativa miljökonsekvenser, från råvaruutvinning till dess bidrag på en byggnads totala energiförbrukning vid bruksskedet. Denna studie fokuserar på återbruk av fönster för att minska miljöpåverkan och öka resurseffektiviteten.Studiens syfte är att identifiera och optimera återbruksprocessen av fönster och samtidigt beakta miljö, ekonomi och kvalitetskrav. Frågeställningar inkluderar hur återbruk kan främjas, vem som styr och fattar beslut om återbruk, samt vilka kvalitetskriterier som behövs för fönster. För att besvara frågeställningarna kombineras de tre tillvägagångssätten; litteraturstudie, fallstudier och intervjuer med branschaktörer. Med tillvägagångssättet undersöks utmaningar, möjligheter samt vem som lämpligast driver frågan om återbruk av fönster i ett projekt. Målet med studien är att utforma en handlingsplan för resurseffektivt återbruk. Studiens teoretiska ramverk bygger på konceptet om cirkulär ekonomi, som syftar till att minska avfall och främja återanvändning.Resultatet av studien visar att både miljömässiga och ekonomiska aspekter motiverar återbruk av fönster inom bygg- och fastighetssektorn. De främsta utmaningarna identifieras som relaterade till logistik, brist på kunskap och motstånd mot förändring. Åtgärder såsom inventering, digitala logistikportaler och ökad medvetenhet föreslogs för att främja återbruk av fönster. Implementering av återbruk av fönster och därmed cirkulärt byggande kräver att dessa utmaningar adresseras, vilket kan underlättas om aktörer inom sektorn samarbetar. Utmaningar vid implementering kan uppstå på grund av bristande stöd från beslutsfattare och resursallokering. Begränsningar i tidigare forskning och den svenska marknadens förutsättningar kan påverka resultatets betydelse utanför Sverige. Studienbelyser vikten av ansvarsfördelning och att beakta hållbarhet genom hela byggprocessen. Kvalitetskriterier för återbruk av fönster avser energieffektivitet och kulturellt värde. Trots utmaningar som ekonomi och logistik, kan samarbete och kunskapsdelning effektivisera återbruksprocessen och leda sektorn mot en mer hållbar framtid.

Effective database management has become essential for modern organizations, especially to reduce costs while maintaining optimal performance. This project explores practical strategies to reduce response times, improve resource efficiency and improve data integrity in a database for the chemical management sector. The techniques include normalization, data type optimization, and query optimization using indexes. Tools like EXPLAIN are used to understand the optimizer's logic regarding the selection of scan types and how it can be influenced to make better decisions. MySqlSlap is used for load testing to verify the effects of the changes, such as reduced latency, improved memory management, and improved resource utilization.

Abstract Background:Industrial symbiosis, a concept where waste or by-products from one industry serve as resources for another has gained attention as industries seek sustainable and efficient resource management solutions. However, the practical implementation of industrial symbiosis remains complex. Purpose:This research investigates the factors influencing the establishment of industrial symbiosis among stakeholders in Vetlanda, Sweden. Method:Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews with six regional stakeholders provide insights into the dynamics of symbiotic relationships and the obstacles and aids to their development. Key findings indicate that financials, collaboration, resources, geographical proximity, politics and regulations are crucial factors when establishing industrial symbiosis partnerships. Conclusion:Despite potential benefits like resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, practical challenges like high initial investment costs and organizational complexities remain significant. This study contributes to understanding the conditions necessary for successful industrial symbiosis implementation and suggests areas for future research that include, continuation of this research and cross regional research.