GBCA Launches Circular Construction Guide to Promote Sustainable Building Practices

The Australian Green Building Council (GBCA) has introduced a practical handbook for the building industry to apply circular procurement principles. The handbook was created in collaboration with government and industry partners and aims to increase material reuse, reduce waste, and decrease carbon emissions from construction works. It provides industry practitioners such as developers, architects, and procurement managers strategies for integrating circularity into their projects and more responsible material purchasing decisions and sustainable alternatives.

Fostering Circular Economy in Building Construction:-
Construction is one of the largest consumers of resources in the world, but recycling of materials only covers around 30%. The guide is intended to beat this problem by revolutionizing procurement practices with a focus on greener choice and utilization of materials. It is also centered on the potential of circular procurement in reducing the environmental impact of the built environment and realizing Australia's net-zero ambition.

The guide dictates important measures at different stages of the life cycle of a building. The guide adheres to recognized standards, including Green Star Buildings certification, to aid professionals in the field to adopt sustainability in their work. Some of the prominent areas addressed are integrating circularity into design, improving contract frameworks for more sustainable procurement, and incorporating case studies of successful circular economy projects. One such example is Kennett Builders, which adopts circular approaches in eliminating construction waste and enhancing material efficiency. 

Reduction of Embodied Carbon in Construction:-
The construction industry contributes significantly to embodied carbon emissions because the materials used in construction processes make a significant contribution. By making strategic material selections and by sustainable sourcing, the industry can significantly reduce waste, eliminate emissions, and make buildings more resilient. The guide provides insights into maximizing material efficiency, reducing the use of virgin materials, and encouraging building durability through sustainable design alternatives.

Circular procurement not just involves recycling but also deconstruction design of buildings, whereby materials are reused or re-used upon the life closure of a building. This has the capability to reduce landfill waste and lower carbon footprints of construction projects.

Challenges and Future Adoption:-
While the manual establishes a clear blue-print for circular purchasing, adoption would be dependent on industry stakeholders volunteering to embrace the practice. Barriers like complexity in the supply chain, regulatory hurdles, and market openness would need to be addressed first if adoption is to go mainstream. The construction industry would also need to work towards aligning procurement policy and sectoral standards according to the circular economy principle.

By embracing circular procurement as part of mainstream construction, Australia has the ability to pursue a more sustainable built environment. The guide is an important resource for industry practitioners who wish to take part in sustainable practice and contribute to the country's environmental ambitions.

Source: GBCA
Credits: Green Building Council of Australia and industry partners