Integrating Sustainability Criteria into a Decision Model for Reverse Logistics in Industrialized Housebuilding: A Field Study Approach

Question: How can sustainability criteria be integrated into a decision model to enhance the application of reverse logistics in construction? Purpose: The study explored how economic, social, and environmental sustainability criteria could be integrated into a decision model for reverse logistics design. Research Method: A field study tested a decision model based on multiple-criteria decision analysis at an industrialized housebuilding firm in Sweden. Through theory, observations, interviews, and expert validation, a practical decision model was developed and tested to enhance transport and weatherproofing of modules. Findings: The theoretical framework primarily developed for the engineering and automotive industries can be adapted for reverse logistics in industrialized housebuilding by using a decision model based on multiple-criteria decision analysis. Limitations: Further research is needed to validate and refine the model, and to extend its application to other construction products and processes. The findings may be more specific to the process examined in the field study rather than across the industry. Implications: The criteria of the decision model support decision-making in the weather and transportation protection process, though they can be further refined to provide a more precise basis for decisions. Value for practitioners: Understanding the importance of systematic decision-making in reverse logistics design can improve sustainability and ensure compliance. Keywords: Reverse Logistics, Green Logistics, Closed Loop Supply chain, Construction Supply Chain Management, Decision-making, Reuse, Sustainability, Lean Construction Paper type: Full paper