Version 1
: Received: 21 February 2024 / Approved: 21 February 2024 / Online: 21 February 2024 (16:17:22 CET)
How to cite:
Holwerda, H.; Haanstra, W.; Braaksma, J. Designing for Successful Circular Action: A Longitudinal Case Study in the Energy Sector. Preprints2024, 2024021242. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1242.v1
Holwerda, H.; Haanstra, W.; Braaksma, J. Designing for Successful Circular Action: A Longitudinal Case Study in the Energy Sector. Preprints 2024, 2024021242. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1242.v1
Holwerda, H.; Haanstra, W.; Braaksma, J. Designing for Successful Circular Action: A Longitudinal Case Study in the Energy Sector. Preprints2024, 2024021242. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1242.v1
APA Style
Holwerda, H., Haanstra, W., & Braaksma, J. (2024). Designing for Successful Circular Action: A Longitudinal Case Study in the Energy Sector. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1242.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Holwerda, H., Willem Haanstra and Jan Braaksma. 2024 "Designing for Successful Circular Action: A Longitudinal Case Study in the Energy Sector" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1242.v1
Abstract
Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are adapting to changing energy demands and the shift toward renewable and decentralized energy. Circularity is increasingly relevant for DSOs as their distribution systems age and need replacing. Taking circular action, however, is generally regarded as challenging as the current circular economy (CE) landscape is highly fragmented and rarely touches the implementation level. A longitudinal case study at Dutch DSO Liander on the circu-larity of distribution transformers was used to understand empirical success factors for taking circular action and to generate prescriptive knowledge on the operationalization of circularity. Six design propositions for circular action were formulated that suggest to 1) initiate small-scale cir-cularity experiments, 2) involve technical and strategic experts, 3) synergize circularity with more urgent, primary goals 4) translate circular initiatives bottom-up and top-down, 5) collaborate with other DSOs, and 6) create multidisciplinary teams. At DSO Liander, selecting the right interventions depending on the changing context contributed to operationalizing circularity for distribution transformers and achieving circularity targets. The generalizable design propositions could assist other DSOs in optimizing their strategy toward circular action.
Keywords
circular action; energy transition; distribution system operator; asset management; design science research; change management; corporate sustainability reporting directive
Subject
Environmental and Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science and Technology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
