GHD and GBCA launch guide for a more sustainable building industry

Translating circular economy principles into real-world applications for new and refurbished buildings is now easier with a new guide launched on 19 March, at the Green Building Council of Australia's (GBCA's) Transform 2025 conference in Sydney.  

Developed in partnership with leading professional services company GHD, GBCA’s Practical Guide to Circular Procurement: For New Buildings and Major Refurbishments provides a much-needed resource to foster a more resilient and sustainable building 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” says Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA.   

“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. 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 and look forward to seeing it shape a more sustainable built environment.”

Circular economy is based on the concept of closed loops, where resources and materials circulate indefinitely to minimise waste and retain materials at their highest value use for as long as possible.  

Developed in consultation with funding partners, the New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australian governments, as well as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the guide offers a clear 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.  

“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,” says Huia Adkins, Business Group Leader – Sustainability, GHD. 

“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.”   

To find out more, access the full document here.

Image: FiledIMAGE / Envato