Exploring the Applicable Circular Business Models in Dutch Temporary Social Housing

Since industrialization, the linear economy pattern has dominated, leading to environmental degradation. This highlights the importance of transitioning to a circular economy (CE), which aims to minimize waste and maximize resource value. In the Netherlands, temporary social housing is facing pressure to adopt circular practices, while addresses housing shortages with 15-year zoning exceptions. This study investigates the integration of circular business models (CBMs) into temporary social housing to promote circularization and financial viability for housing associations. Five CBMs based on the 10R framework are identified in this paper, including shifts in ownership of products, adaptable assets, relocatable housing, residual value, and flexible spaces. Thus, these CBMs are expanded to nine applications in temporary social housing. Subsequent interviews with housing associations revealed similarities and differences in practices and perspectives regarding CBM applications in temporary social housing. Among the nine applications, two stand out as practiced and promising for future projects: The implementation of pay-per-use laundry machines (#2) and the reutilization of entire buildings in new locations while preserving their original purpose (#6). Despite the challenges associated with requiring buildings constructed from reused materials and products (#7), housing associations recognize their importance, suggesting the necessity of overcoming its relevant barriers. Diverse perspectives on applications such as co-living concepts (#9) highlight the need for further analysis. Identified challenges include financial hurdles and legal constraints, indicating the need for further research to find solutions.