Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment – A Positive Impact Framework for Urban Transitions

The detrimental impacts of human activities on social and ecological systems are increasingly evident, with cities and their inefficient built environment (BE) stock being significant contributors. Neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools (NSATs) have been developed by the BE sector for new precincts; however, many have limitations and adopt linear approaches unsuitable for complex urban areas. While the circular economy (CE) model has gained global attention, its integration into NSATs remains limited. This thesis adopts a cross-pollination perspective, combining the CE model with regenerative design concepts. Through inductive content analysis, the 'Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment' (RC4BE) conceptual model is proposed. Based on this model, a framework is developed to support the positive impact-based transition of existing urban precincts and neighbourhoods. To explore current green practices, six ecological urban developments across three continents were studied. Surveys and semi-structured interviews with over 150 BE professionals examined their practices and perceptions of regenerative and circular approaches. A 2-round Delphi consultation with 31 international experts validated a set of five themes, 26 categories, and 136 criteria derived from literature and previous stages. This informed the design of a mixed performance-based and maturity model assessment framework with four different evaluation components. The findings suggest shortcomings in existing NSATs and green precincts, while experts express a desire to improve their practises. The resulting RC4BE framework provides a flexible, systemic approach that is adaptable to different contexts while also empowering various urban players. It serves as a platform for citizen-led community improvements towards positive impacts. This thesis contributes to the development of sustainable cities by presenting a unique framework that incorporates circular and regenerative design concepts. It goes beyond traditional approaches to sustainability by emphasising neighbourhood-scale transformations and recognising the critical role of local communities. Along with environmental and economic issues, social factors as community participation and equity are considered. The framework's holistic, process-based approach recognises the interdependence of urban systems. By involving BE practitioners and stakeholders, a more inclusive, realistic implementation is ensured, boosting real-world relevance and impact

Knowledge and Management Models for Sustainable Growth

In the last years sustainability has become a topic of global concern and a key issue in the strategic agenda of both business organizations and public authorities and organisations. Significant changes in business landscape, the emergence of new technology, including social media, the pressure of new social concerns, have called into question established conceptualizations of competitiveness, wealth creation and growth. New and unaddressed set of issues regarding how private and public organisations manage and invest their resources to create sustainable value have brought to light. In particular the increasing focus on environmental and social themes has suggested new dimensions to be taken into account in the value creation dynamics, both at organisations and communities level. For companies the need of integrating corporate social and environmental responsibility issues into strategy and daily business operations, pose profound challenges, which, in turn, involve numerous processes and complex decisions influenced by many stakeholders. Facing these challenges calls for the creation, use and exploitation of new knowledge as well as the development of proper management models, approaches and tools aimed to contribute to the development and realization of environmentally and socially sustainable business strategies and practices