Aurecon has created a team of specialists to account for the demand for circular economy expertise in Australia and New Zealand, at a time when the engineering and design firm’s pipeline is set to quadruple in the next 18 months.

The team, comprising 15 circular economy experts, hold international experience in the sector working for the likes of Ikea and Veolia. Recently appointed Principal of Circular Economy Jodie Bricout says she ranks the team she oversees as the best across Australia and NZ.

“I believe we have built the best circular economy team that Australia and New Zealand has to offer, regarding the depth and breadth of people’s industry experience and personal passions,” she says. 

“Circular economy approaches are key to achieving net zero. Around 45 percent of emissions are linked to materials and products in our economies and can’t be reduced through changing energy systems alone. With the recent creation of a ministerial advisory group in Australia, organisations across sectors are racing to explore how to apply circular economy approaches in their own contexts. 

“We see plenty of opportunities to support clients from ideation to execution, ultimately helping Australia and New Zealand reap the economic, environmental and social benefits of transitioning to a circular economy. 

“What’s also driving our rapid growth is Aurecon’s internal buy-in. At Aurecon our team has been operating in the heart of the business instead of sitting in a corner as a niche area. Aurecon teams across sectors have shown strong interest in not only circular economy as a subject of expertise, but also in how to potentially incorporate relevant strategies within projects.” 

The experiences of team members in social enterprise and not-for-profit organisations puts them in good stead to work with a premier company in Aurecon. Kelly McClean cofounded Reuse Aotearoa to improve access to reusable packaging systems in New Zealand, Kunal Khanna recently delivered the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival live in India and online, while Bricout sits on the board of Circular Australia. 

“Engaging in external projects often enables systems-thinking and cross-pollination of diverse ideas, which is crucial for an inclusive transition to a circular economy. We therefore encourage the team to continue with their extracurricular activities through the company’s flexible work arrangements,” Bricout says. 

Team Member Jenni Philippe says the impact of working at a company like Aurecon to establish a circular economy cannot be understated.

“For me, it’s important to join an organisation that recognises the value in holistic approaches to circular economies. At Aurecon I see the opportunity to apply circular economy and design thinking in all aspects of the value chain, which often leads to a far greater impact,” she says.

Bricout says the team will look to nurture and develop talent to ensure the next generation is well equipped to tackle future circular economy issues.

“We are conscious of the responsibility for fostering up-and-coming talent. Apart from seasoned professionals, we have brought on board graduates and interns studying in the relevant fields so they can cut their teeth on valuable industry work.” 

The team members are located in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Wellington in New Zealand. Aurecon’s circular economy team is now involved in 18 projects spanning local and state governments, water utilities, resources, major infrastructure and renewable energy, including Rio Tinto, Sydney Water, City of Adelaide, Sustainability Victoria and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. 

Image: (from left to right: Emily Hendrikx, Audrey Christiansen, Leann Feng, Izzat Majid, Chase Wieland, Jodie Bricout – six of the 15 team members)