QUT researchers have developed a blueprint to transition the construction industry to a circular economy, emphasising three key areas of focus.
Led by QUT Professor Leonie Barner, the report Building the Future – Circular Economy, was an initiative of Building 4.0 CRC, an industry-led research initiative co-funded by the Australian Government.
Other co-authors include Dr Judith Herbst, Dr Thuy Chu, Dr Agnes Toth-Peter and Ali Pakdel.
The findings were developed through stakeholder engagement along the circular supply and value chain via co-design workshops, interviews and site visits, and was complemented by a literature and market review.
The three key themes that emerged include: Circular Economy in Construction, Circular Supply and Value Chains, and Circular Economy Enablers.
"It is well-known that resources are extracted from the Earth system at an unsustainable rate and that humanity is already operating outside of some environmental limits as defined by the planetary boundaries framework," Professor Barner said.
"The circular economy concept describes an economic system that addresses sustainability by eliminating waste, establishing the continual use of resources and the regeneration of nature. However, the transition from the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take, make, use, dispose' model, is challenging and overconsumption urgently needs to be addressed."
The first identified pillar, Circular Economy in Construction, focuses on strategies that can be implemented at the micro and business level, emphasising the importance of (re)designing and ensuring that construction processes are sustainable from the outset.
This includes designing for deconstruction, allowing materials and assemblies to be easily reused and incorporating renewable energy sources in the construction process itself. Businesses are also encouraged to focus on alternative materials that minimise waste and avoid contamination.
The second pillar, Circular Supply and Value Chains, calls for businesses to integrate circular principles into their entire value chain. This involves embedding circular economy principles into the core of the business strategy and participating in material marketplaces that enable the exchange of recycled or upcycled materials.
The third pillar, Circular Economy Enablers, identifies key factors that enable or hinder the adoption of circular practices. These enablers include technology, such as prediction and documentation tools, database solutions for tracking circularity metrics and improved waste management systems. In addition, all three levels of government play an important role in adopting laws and regulations to enable circular economy.
Education was also named as a key part, as training the workforce and engaging in ongoing capability building is vital to ensure that businesses are equipped to implement circular strategies effectively.
Certification and reporting standards, social and biodiversity inclusion and ensuring compliance with circular economy goals are also critical enablers. Moreover, economic incentives, such as financial rewards for sustainable practices, climate targets and open-market policies, all contribute to promoting circular economy, while financial punishments and stricter regulations discourage linear practices.
"Transition to the circular economy will require ongoing and more profound initiatives as climate change and other forces prevail," Professor Barner said.
"The outcomes will be contingent upon mobilising a groundswell of support and action from all actors to implement these constructive measures, leading to the development of a critical mass that embeds the circular economy firmly within the Australian construction industry. Government, industry and academia at the top must lead best practices with citizen participation at the bottom."
Other QUT researchers involved in the project include Dr Melissa Teo, Associate Professor Mirko Guaralda, Professor Tim Schork, Dr Sara Omrani and Professor Robin Drogemuller.
Read the full report, Building the Future – Circular Economy, online.
Main image (left to right): Dr Agnes Toth-Peter, Dr Thuy Chu, Professor Leonie Barner, Dr Judith Herbst and Ali Pakdel.
