Optimal multi-use cycle scenarios for temporary demountable modular building systems : an environmental sustainability perspective

Abstract

Currently, there is limited understanding of how many years and how many times demountable modular building systems can be reused while remaining minimal adverse environmental impacts from a multi-use cycle perspective. This study aims to identify optimal multi-use cycle scenarios for a demountable modular unit that achieves minimal environmental impacts. Multi-objective optimization was conducted to determine the optimal number of use cycles and the duration of each cycle, focusing on minimizing both environmental cost and residual value. Six Pareto-optimal scenarios were identified to minimize both the environmental cost of embodied and operational carbon emissions and residual value. They are [5-yr, 5-yr], [5-yr, 25-yr], [10-yr, 25-yr], [15-yr, 25-yr], [20-yr, 25-yr], and [25-yr, 25-yr], implying that the optimal number of use cycles is two. The finding serves as valuable insight for developing end-of-life planning strategies that promote the sustainable reuse of demountable modular building systems.