Stocks and Flows of Buildings: Analysis of Existing, Demolished and Constructed Buildings in Tampere, Finland, 2000-2018

Abstract

Research has identified cities as potential urban mines for recovering secondary construction materials. Studies typically focus on stocks or flows of bulk materials on high abstraction levels. To enable a shift of focus towards higher levels of circular economy, such as waste minimization, there is a need for a more detailed understanding of the dynamics that contribute to the waste flows, building replacement in particular. This paper examines the characteristics and location of the stocks and flows of buildings in the city of Tampere, Finland, over the last 20 years. Statistical and geographical analyses are performed on the building stock, new construction and demolition in Tampere to unveil patterns pertaining to stock change and building replacement. The study shows that these patterns vary significantly between buildings of different function. Spatially confined redevelopment areas within the city structure, i.e. brownfields and greyfields, whose industrial and commercial functions yield to housing and mixed residential-commercial use, make up major arenas for replacement. Policy-making should acknowledge that urban planning stirs these waste flows and incorporate their conscious prevention and management on its agenda.