Decarbonizing Construction: A Multi-Level Perspective Analysis of Green Concrete Transition in the Netherlands

Abstract

There is a high need for green concrete transition to reduce the CO2 emissions, however, the practice is limited due to economic, institutional, technical, social barriers. Despite their heterogeneity, demand-side organizations can play a critical role by setting environmental standards and project prioritization. This study aims to understand how demand-side organizations can stimulate green concrete adoption in the construction sector by using the Multi-level perspective (MLP) framework. Interviews with key experts in the Dutch concrete industry and subsequent qualitative analysis reveal strategies for accelerating green concrete adoption. Key findings emphasise the need to promote diverse cement types tailored to specific applications, accelerate the development of alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), create aggregate demand for near-mature innovations, and provide large-scale testing for radical innovations. This study highlights the necessity of integrating incremental and radical innovations to meet Dutch greenhouse gas reduction targets and support global sustainability.

Keywords: green concrete, multi-level perspective, sustainable construction, Netherlands, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)