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GBCA and GHD partner on new circular procurement guide

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20 Mar, 2025

This post was originally published on Sustainability Matters

Translating circular economy principles into real-world applications for new and refurbished buildings may now be easier with a new guide, developed in partnership with professional services company GHD.

Launched at the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) Transform 2025 conference in Sydney, GBCA’s Practical Guide to Circular Procurement: For New Buildings and Major Refurbishments (the Guide) provides a resource to foster a more resilient and sustainable building industry.

Developed in consultation with funding partners, the New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian governments, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the Guide provides a roadmap for integrating circular procurement into building projects. This includes structured, stage-by-stage procurement considerations to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency throughout a building’s lifecycle, from project inception through design, construction and operation.

For instance, when procuring a designer, architect or engineer, the Guide outlines key considerations for inclusion in tender documentation and offers guidance on the questions to ask the consultant team. It also defines key performance indicators to track circular outcomes. Beyond the construction phase, the Guide supports the procurement of goods and services for building operation to embed circularity throughout the entire lifecycle.

One example of a circular initiative in the building sector is the Kennett Material Bank, developed by Kennett Builders in partnership with the University of Adelaide and sustainability consultancy dsquared. The Kennett Material Bank catalogues and tracks high-value building products and materials across three residential projects using Building Information Modelling (BIM). This approach facilitates reuse at the end of a building’s life, helping to reduce both the environmental impact and the costs of future projects.

As technical partner, GHD contributed its research, industry knowledge and technical review to develop practical tools contained within the Guide, such as contract templates and key performance indicators, incorporating key considerations identified through consistent dialogue with the industry.

“Shifting to a circular economy is one of the biggest opportunities we have to cut waste, reduce emissions and build a more resilient future. This guide gives industry the practical tools needed to embed circular principles into procurement — translating ambition into action at every stage of a building’s lifecycle,” said Davina Rooney, CEO of GBCA.

“By working together, we can drive the systemic change needed to unlock long-term environmental and economic benefits. We’re proud to partner with GHD on this guide and look forward to seeing it shape a more sustainable built environment.”

Huia Adkins, Business Group Leader – Sustainability at GHD, added, “We know that developers and industry professionals often lack a structured framework to incorporate circular economy requirements into tenders and contracts throughout the building lifecycle, hindering meaningful progress. The guide provides a structured framework that enables businesses to set clear expectations and confidently invest in circular solutions, unlocking long-term environmental and economic benefits.

“Partnering with GBCA on this essential resource is a significant milestone, one I’m confident will play a pivotal role in advancing circularity, not only within the built environment but across other sectors.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Oulaphone Sonesouphap

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Urban 'placemaking' focus for $85m recreation centre

Urban 'placemaking' focus for $85m recreation centre

Sydney developer Billbergia Group has announced the Rhodes Recreation Centre — an $85 million, 9200 m2 multi-purpose community hub in Sydney’s Inner West.

Located at 6 Gauthorpe St and designed by architectural firm SJB, the recreation centre is in a three-level podium building beneath two high-rise residential towers — the 48-level Peake and 43-level Oasis. Together, they form stage two of the developer’s Rhodes Central Masterplan — a $3 billion, three-stage town centre project.

The Rhodes Recreation Centre was delivered under a $97 million Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between the developer and City of Canada Bay Council. It will be handed over to council next month and is set to open later this year. Once complete, the masterplan will have delivered 25,000 m2 of dedicated public amenity, including retail, community facilities and open space.

With the NSW Government’s housing reforms set to address the housing shortage, the recreation centre will reflect the importance of ‘placemaking’ — a collaborative approach to designing and managing public spaces that enhances community wellbeing and fosters connections between people and their environment — in planning new urban communities.

It also presents a pathway for public and private sectors to collaborate and create social infrastructure while increasing housing supply in fast-growing suburbs.

The recreation centre is set to add vibrancy and pedestrian activity to the local streetscape, providing a diverse range of facilities that enhance the livability of the evolving suburb. These community amenities include two full-sized indoor sports courts, a gymnastics centre, a 70-place childcare centre, a community lounge, allied health services, and bookable spaces for local groups and events. It also provides a gym with cardio equipment, weights, group fitness rooms, a creche and an outdoor terrace, alongside a range of sustainability features.

Facilities at the Rhodes Recreation Centre. Images supplied.

“Rhodes Recreation Centre is the community heart of our high-density TOD development, bringing to life Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, livable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density,” said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia.

The amenities within the two residential towers include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, children’s play area, library and theatre rooms. Pedestrian connections and through-site links provide access to Rhodes railway station and the Homebush Bay waterfront.

“The Rhodes Recreation Centre stands as a benchmark in successful public–private collaboration. Through a VPA with Canada Bay Council, we’ve created a pathway to unlock additional housing supply while delivering significant, lasting community infrastructure. It’s a clear demonstration of how thoughtful public and private partnerships can shape vibrant, livable neighbourhoods,” Moran said.

Located adjacent to Rhodes railway station, stage one of Billbergia’s Rhodes Central Masterplan was completed in 2021 and included the 13,000 m2 Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, with convenience retail, a Woolworths supermarket, medical facilities and the Bamboo Lane dining precinct.

Other previous projects include the 1.2 ha Phoenix Park in Rhodes, the $63 million Bennelong Bridge, the popular Baylink Shuttle service, the 3500 m2 Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, and the Wentworth Point Pop-Up Town Square.

Billbergia’s ongoing focus on placemaking and social infrastructure also includes the $8.4 million delivery of a library at its mixed-tenure development, Arncliffe Central, in Sydney’s south. There is the potential for 75% of Arncliffe Central’s dwellings to be dedicated to social, affordable and essential worker rental housing, along with 3400 m2 allocated to childcare, convenience retail and cafes, and a 4000 m2 park with play space for both residents and the broader community.

Top image caption: The Rhodes Recreation Centre location with two planned residential towers, Peake and Oasis. Image supplied.

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