Optimal multi-use cycle scenarios for temporary demountable modular building systems: An environmental sustainability perspective

Currently, there is limited understanding of how many years and how many times demountable modular building systems can be reused while remaining minimal adverse environmental impacts from a multi-use cycle perspective. This study aims to identify optimal multi-use cycle scenarios for a demountable...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yang Yang, Bowen Zheng, Calvin Luk, Ting Wang, Albert Ping-chuen Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-10-01
Series:Developments in the Built Environment
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666165925001279
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Summary:Currently, there is limited understanding of how many years and how many times demountable modular building systems can be reused while remaining minimal adverse environmental impacts from a multi-use cycle perspective. This study aims to identify optimal multi-use cycle scenarios for a demountable modular unit that achieves minimal environmental impacts. Multi-objective optimization was conducted to determine the optimal number of use cycles and the duration of each cycle, focusing on minimizing both environmental cost and residual value. Six Pareto-optimal scenarios were identified to minimize both the environmental cost of embodied and operational carbon emissions and residual value. They are [5-yr, 5-yr], [5-yr, 25-yr], [10-yr, 25-yr], [15-yr, 25-yr], [20-yr, 25-yr], and [25-yr, 25-yr], implying that the optimal number of use cycles is two. The finding serves as valuable insight for developing end-of-life planning strategies that promote the sustainable reuse of demountable modular building systems.
ISSN:2666-1659