Modular Prefabricated Construction: a circular asset management system for closed-loop supply and logistics chains

The Netherlands has set itself the goal of becoming fully circular by 2050: an economy in which raw materials are reused over and over again and waste no longer exists. The construction sector is a crucial player in this. It consumes a lot of materials and is responsible for a significant proportion of CO₂ and NOx emissions. To achieve the interim targets for 2030 – a 0.4 Mton reduction in CO₂, 60% less NOx , and 75% health gains – structural changes are needed in the way we build and work together. Prefab modular construction offers great opportunities: it enables the reuse of modules, shortens construction times, and reduces transport movements. However, its potential remains largely untapped due to fragmentation in the chain and the lack of an efficient infrastructure for data sharing. This results in missed opportunities to reduce waste and emissions.

This research project brings together researchers, companies, and governments to realize a digitally integrated circular chain for prefab modular construction with the support of a data platform. The focus is on developing:

• A roadmap that describes how the construction sector can transition from a linear to a circular chain for modular construction.
• A digital simulation model (digital twin) to optimize construction and logistics processes, particularly for off-site logistics operations in construction.
• A digital data platform that enables secure and transparent information exchange between chain partners.

These digital tools make it possible to compare scenarios, track material flows, and better substantiate chain decisions. Such tools, particularly for off-site logistics operations in construction, are currently lacking in both scientific literature and practice.

The combination of digitization and circularity yields significant environmental benefits. Better coordination in the chain can reduce CO₂ and NOx emissions from construction traffic by up to 85% compared to traditional construction. In addition, more efficient logistics result in lower costs, shorter lead times, and less disruption in the urban environment. The project also encourages knowledge sharing between science and practice and creates new standards for data-driven, circular construction processes.