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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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