Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre1.10.4 Bringing Consistency and Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in the Built Environment
2024 - 2026
Overview
The project will make a significant contribution by establishing a consistent circular economy framework for the built environment. This clarity will enable businesses and industries to develop realistic action plans and targets for their circular economy initiatives. Additionally, the project will employ a life cycle approach to promote circular practices within selected construction material supply chains, aiming to achieve environmental benefits and encourage industry-wide adoption of such practices.
This project aims to establish an effective transition to the circular economy by bringing national consistency in the taxonomy associated with the circular economy and its various R-strategies and to promote sustainability and resource efficiency across the construction supply chain in the built environment.
Objectives
The project’s aim will be achieved through these objectives:
- Analyse current practices and develop a consistent circular economy taxonomy based on various R-strategies.
- Examine effective business models to foster uptake by industry and influence relevant policies and standards.
- Enhance the life cycle circularity performance of the construction material supply chain.
Industry Outcomes
The project will improve industry practices by providing consistent guidance and frameworks for enhancing consistency and implementing circular economy principles in construction projects. This will empower industry stakeholders to adopt more sustainable and efficient practices, enhancing their competitive advantage.
This project aims to deliver the following key industry outcomes:
- Propose a standardised and consistent circular economy framework for the built environment.
- Inform the industry stakeholders about the possible adoption of innovative circular business models.
- Suggest improvements for supply chain and life cycle sustainability performance in construction materials.
Research Team
Chair, Project Steering Group
Adrian Wiley
Executive Director, Circular Economy, Climate and Sustainability Portfolio
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Research Partners
Factsheets & Reports
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P1.10.4 Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in the Built Environment Factsheet
Fact Sheet
Additional Resources
Previous Research
P1.93 Green energy and decarbonisation transition of the built environment
Presentations
In April 2025, Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, hosted an inspiring knowledge exchange session that brought together leading minds in sustainable development. Dr. Atiq Zaman, from Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, shared the stage with Prof. Dr. Keith Hampson, CEO of the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc), Australia.
The session was inaugurated by Prof. Henriette Söderberg, Head of Chalmers’ Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Prof. Keith Hampson provided an insightful overview of SBEnrc’s initiatives and Curtin University’s contributions to advancing sustainability. Dr. Atiq Zaman presented his groundbreaking work on Circular Economy Activities and Zero Waste, emphasising projects funded by SBEnrc, NESP2’s Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub, and UNCTAD.
Collaborative research opportunities were a key focus, with discussions on leveraging strengths between Australia and Sweden through partnerships involving Curtin University, Chalmers University, and SBEnrc. Contributions from Chalmers researchers like Mattias Roupé further enriched the dialogue, showcasing innovative projects, including the legacy timber initiative by Prof. Greg Morrison.
This dynamic exchange highlighted the power of international collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges, fostering impactful research that bridges continents and disciplines.
