Employing futures studies methods, we imagine two circular futures: 1) relocating buildings has become standard practice 2) all vacant facilities are efficiently used, even during transitional times. We organize two backcasting workshops to explore which political, economic, social, technological, and environmental developments need to take place for the...
Background and Aim. Economic, demographic, and other societal fluctuations leave many buildings vacant due to locational obsolescence. Maximizing the use of existing buildings would foster a shift toward circularity and resource efficiency. This paper explores two lesser known, creative circular strategies for asset and facility management.
Methods and Data. Employing futures studies methods, we imagine two circular futures: 1) relocating buildings has become standard practice 2) all vacant facilities are efficiently used, even during transitional times. We organize two backcasting workshops to explore which political, economic, social, technological, and environmental developments need to take place for the futures to realize.
Results. Our findings identify necessary actions toward the two circular futures to sustain our planet’s finite resources. Suggested actions range from adjusting lifecycle assessment and real estate valuation practices to creating mediator and advisory roles and related business models. Educating young professionals on these practices is also seen necessary for the transition.
Originality. Engaging in futures studies in facility management research is still rather uncommon. Further, temporality as a circular strategy to tackle locational obsolescence is underexplored.
Practical Implications. This study contributes to the emerging bodies of knowledge of both circular FM and future awareness in FM. We offer insights for policy makers, educators and facility management professionals as they undergo the transition towards circular practices.
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@inproceedings{0c779df1-b9c4-46c4-9b7c-8206a6859364,
abstract = {{<div><b>Background and Aim.</b> Economic, demographic, and other societal fluctuations leave many buildings vacant due to locational obsolescence. Maximizing the use of existing buildings would foster a shift toward circularity and resource efficiency. This paper explores two lesser known, creative circular strategies for asset and facility management.</div><div><b>Methods and Data.</b> Employing futures studies methods, we imagine two circular futures: 1) relocating buildings has become standard practice 2) all vacant facilities are efficiently used, even during transitional times. We organize two backcasting workshops to explore which political, economic, social, technological, and environmental developments need to take place for the futures to realize.</div><div><b>Results.</b> Our findings identify necessary actions toward the two circular futures to sustain our planet’s finite resources. Suggested actions range from adjusting lifecycle assessment and real estate valuation practices to creating mediator and advisory roles and related business models. Educating young professionals on these practices is also seen necessary for the transition.</div><div><b>Originality.</b> Engaging in futures studies in facility management research is still rather uncommon. Further, temporality as a circular strategy to tackle locational obsolescence is underexplored.</div><div><b>Practical Implications.</b> This study contributes to the emerging bodies of knowledge of both circular FM and future awareness in FM. We offer insights for policy makers, educators and facility management professionals as they undergo the transition towards circular practices.</div><div/>}},
author = {{Falkstedt, Annika and Lundgren, Rebecka and Kyrö, Riikka}},
booktitle = {{Proceedings of the 24th EuroFM Research Symposium : 1-2 December 2025, Trondheim}},
editor = {{Kyrö, Riikka and Danivska, Vitalija}},
isbn = {{9789083447513}},
keywords = {{backcasting; circular FM; relocation; resource efficiency; temporary use}},
language = {{eng}},
pages = {{220--220}},
publisher = {{EuroFM}},
title = {{Temporality to promote circularity in the real estate sector}},
url = {{https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17847262}},
year = {{2025}},
}
