Netto, Ryan (2025) Exploring Sustainability & Innovation in the Dutch Concrete Sector. Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).
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Abstract
This qualitative study explores how companies in the Dutch concrete sector engage with sustainability and innovation amid growing pressure to decarbonise. Using the Dutch Concrete Agreement and its Road Map CO2 as entry points, the research investigates how voluntary frameworks are interpreted and operationalised within diverse organisations. Data were collected through nine interviews across concrete product manufacturing firms. The PROMISE framework was used as a diagnostic lens to examine how structural conditions shape low carbon innovation pathways. The findings reveal that while the Concrete Agreement sets out sectoral ambition, its influence is mediated by procurement norms, internal leadership, and organisational culture. Client-driven demand, especially through MKI-based tendering, emerged as a key driver of sustainability action. However, fragmented procurement standards, certification ambiguity, and cost barriers continue to limit widespread adoption. Sectoral platforms such as Betonhuis and BouwCirculair were identified as important enablers through their support for knowledge-sharing and alignment of innovation goals. The study further highlights the potential of emerging technologies such as 3D concrete printing, which offer opportunities for material efficiency and circular design but face challenges in certification and mainstream acceptance. Overall, decarbonisation in the concrete sector is not hindered by a lack of innovation, but by systemic misalignments between voluntary ambition, market signals, and regulatory structures. This thesis offers practical insights for aligning procurement policy, certification frameworks, and organisational readiness to accelerate low-carbon innovation across construction.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Muzikeviciute-Oud, R. B. |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jul 2025 10:39 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jul 2025 10:39 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/743 |
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