A traceability framework for the construction supply chain
A Traceability Framework has been developed to help with the complex process of tracing the source, production and distribution of construction products, and verifying the claims made about them.
Many construction products have long and complex journeys before reaching their end consumers, who often know little about the origins of the products, or the circumstances in which they are sourced, produced and distributed.
Traceability involves knowing where products come from, their journeys through supply chains and the conditions within those supply chains. Tracing helps to verify claims made about the products, such as that they are manufactured without workforce exploitation (for example without using modern slavery), and about their embodied carbon and life-cycle energy use, quality and so on.
Traceability is established in the automotive, pharmaceutical and food sectors, but little is known about traceability in construction. A BRE Trust supported PhD research study by Asselya Katenbayeva at Loughborough University, has been conducted in response to this gap in our knowledge. It has investigated how traceability is understood and implemented by contractors and manufacturers, and developed and validated a Traceability Framework for the construction sector.
The study revealed the critical role of responsible sourcing and supply chain sustainability for driving traceability in construction. However, a lack of supplier collaboration and information exchange, stemming from the fragmented and complex nature of the construction sector, hinder traceability. This is compounded by the absence of regulations governing traceability, and low awareness of its benefits, scope and implementation.
On the other hand, the development of digital technologies offers the potential for traceability to optimise product supply chain processes, improve product quality management and facilitate the circular use of products in the construction sector.
A Traceability Framework has been developed to provide a holistic way of understanding the complex process of tracing products within construction. It was validated with contractors, manufacturers and other construction sector stakeholders. The framework can be a starting point for construction companies developing their own company-specific traceability strategy.
Asselya was supervised by Dr Chris Goodier, Dr Peter Demian and Prof Karli Glass at Loughborough University, and Dr Shamir Ghumra at BRE. For more information on the Traceability Framework contact Asselya ([email protected]) or access the paper.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Action programme for responsible and ethical sourcing.
- BES 6001 Responsible sourcing of construction products.
- BRE articles.
- BRE Trust.
- BREEAM recognised responsible sourcing certification schemes.
- BREEAM Responsible Sourcing of Materials.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Chain of custody.
- Point of supply.
- Traceability.
Featured articles and news
Designing sustainability and performance into buildings
Specifying and selecting sustainable resilient timber products.
Modifying wood to improve resistance to decay and movement.
A last minute, long look for built environment professionals.
The architecture of creative reuse. Book review.
Installing solar panels on listed structures.
Sustainable development global goals, history in progress?
"Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been."
Mike Kagioglou FCIOB named CIOB President
'Sustainable Development Goals must be focus for construction'
BSRIA training; a look at what's on offer
From energy management to compliance training.
TESP video warns to beware of rogue trainers.
Highlighting the slippery tactics of non-approved providers.
New Building Safety Wiki launched
Boosting awareness and understanding of the new fire safety regime.
New playbook on AI in construction published by CIOB
How to get to grips with, and the best from AI.
Digital Construction Report NBS
BIM, cloud, off-site, immersive tech, AI, twins and sustainability.
ECA learning zone and industry focus video series
From updates and amendments to circular economy, emergency lighting and much more.
The Building People Communities Network
Celebrating and amplifying voices of the under-represented, this refugee week and pride month.
Pride of Place: queer heritage
Acknowledging and taking pride in LGBTQ histories.