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The current global construction sector is based on ‘take-make-waste’ economic models, whereby resources are invested in construction and disposed of at the end of a building’s life. In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, these approaches are no longer aordable – timely measures are necessary to address urgent environmental and social challenges.

Building construction practices need a rethink by shifting from linear to circular approaches of design and construction, where resources are re-used, repaired, remanufactured, and/or recycled to limit waste. ‘Circularity by Design’ is the urgent call to action and this response aims to identify opportunities and barriers for the adoption of circular economy strategies in the Australian construction industry, leading to systemic-radical innovation. The research analyses international best-practice approaches to circularity and scrutinises current practices, giving voice to major stakeholders and key players. Promoting constructive dialogue between academia, industry and policy-makers, the project will define a collaborative roadmap towards sectoral change in Australia – towards the reconciliation between building activities and natural resources.