The recent study Logistics for Building Circular, Biobased, and Modular: Environmental Impacts in Amsterdam, published in the Journal of Circular Economy, examines the role of logistics in circular construction practices, with a specific focus on the urban context of Amsterdam. The article analyses how logistics systems influence the environmental performance of circular, biobased, and modular construction projects and identifies both opportunities and challenges for practical implementation.
Key findings
The study demonstrates that logistics flows play a critical role in the environmental impact of circular construction projects. The combination of biobased and modular building materials with efficient logistics planning can lead to substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions and other environmental indicators. This is partly because modular and biobased materials are often lighter and require fewer transport movements than conventional construction materials, thereby lowering the overall ecological footprint compared to traditional building methods. In addition, the study highlights the potential of urban logistics hubs, local nodes where materials can be stored, assembled, or repackaged, to improve transport efficiency and environmental performance.
The authors emphasise that integrating logistics into circular construction strategies requires a holistic approach. Logistical decisions affect not only operational efficiency but also the degree of material circularity throughout the building life cycle. This includes supply-chain optimisation measures such as consolidated deliveries, the use of electric or zero-emission vehicles, and the integration of logistics data with construction planning processes.
Limitations and knowledge gaps
Despite its contributions, the article identifies several gaps in existing knowledge. There is limited empirical evidence on the actual logistics performance of circular construction projects at the urban scale. Furthermore, little is known about how to optimise logistics networks for biobased, modular material flows. The study also notes a lack of insight into the cost implications of different logistics strategies and into broader social dimensions, such as employment effects and stakeholder acceptance.
Directions for future research
The authors argue that further research is needed on operational logistics models tailored to circular construction practices. This includes scenario analyses of logistics hubs, life-cycle assessments (LCA) that explicitly incorporate logistics variables, and evaluations of digital tools for logistics coordination. There is also a clear need for practice-based case studies that generate quantitative data on transport efficiency, emission reductions, and material efficiency across different urban contexts.
Finally, the article calls for interdisciplinary research combining logistics, architecture, civil engineering, and urban planning to develop a robust knowledge base that can support policy development and the implementation of circular, biobased, and modular construction systems in cities.
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Modular construction strongly reduces logistics emissions through delivery consolidation
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Circular construction lowers total emissions but can increase local traffic and pollution
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Biobased materials perform well only when sourced locally
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Water transport reduces CO₂ but increases NOx and particulate matter
Walther Ploos van Amstel.
Source: Tsui, T. ., Koljenšić, P. ., van Binsbergen, T., Kuiper, J. ., van Amstel, W. P. ., & Vrijhoef, R. . (2025). Logistics for Building Circular, Biobased, and Modular: Environmental Impacts in Amsterdam. Journal of Circular Economy, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.55845/XJPF2170