Buildings and construction are responsible for around 38% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making decarbonisation of the construction sector essential in combating climate change. Limiting resource consumption and waste generation by transitioning to a circular economy (CE) is key to reducing emissions. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings, such as through their vertical extension, is one of the most effective ways this can be done.

The paper summarized here investigates construction sector professionals’ current awareness, uptake and experience of vertical extensions, as well as the key drivers, barriers and enablers affecting implementation. It does so via a survey and follow-up interviews.

Economic factors are revealed to be the primary driver for extension projects, though case-by-case variability results in commercial risk in some instances. Other barriers include difficulty appraising existing structures, resistance within the construction sector and unfavourable tax regimes.

Mandatory whole-life carbon assessments and adjustment of tax regimes are recommended to increase uptake of vertical extensions, as well as enhanced education of engineers and greater consideration of CE amongst stakeholders.

The primary aim of the study summarized here is thus to identify the key drivers, barriers and enablers of vertical extension, and how these compare with those of other sustainable construction practices.

This paper yields new insights on drivers, barriers and enablers of vertical extension. The conducted survey and interviews also, for the first time, assess stakeholders’ awareness, uptake and experiences of this construction technique.

I'm interested in:

• circular economy
• Embodied Carbon
• extension
• Retrofit