A Circular Building Economy: Working Towards Net Zero

Research conducted by the CSIRO, the World Economic Forum and forming part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 report, emphasised the profound impact of a circular building economy. A recent recent interim report from a federal government advisory group has also found that built environment sector produces 40 percent of Australia’s solid waste and is the largest source of materials received and proceeded in recycling and waste re-use -   “As a sector, the built environment is primed to take on circularity, especially in commercial buildings, future liveable cities and sustainable infrastructure,” the report states.

The main features of a circular built environment

A circular built environment embeds the principles of a circular economy across all its functions, establishing an urban system that supports human well-being and natural systems, and is accessible and abundant by design. This system prioritises sustainability by minimising waste and increasing efficiency of resources. This concept contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which typically follows a "take, make, dispose" model.

A circular built environment can be achieved by leveraging systems-thinking, digital technology and holistic urban planning.

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Some of the key features of a circular built environment include:

Continuous material cycles

• Tracking and returning construction materials to suppliers for reuse.
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• The selection of ‘looping’, non-toxic materials to reduce pollution and virgin material consumption.

Design for maintenance and deconstruction

• Buildings are designed to enable maintenance, repair and reuse at all life cycle stages (including operation and end-of-service)
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• Techniques such as modular construction minimise waste generation during construction and deconstruction stages.

Flexible productive buildings

• Buildings meet their own energy and water needs.
  • Utilisation rates increase thanks to shared, flexible and modular spaces.

• Integrated infrastructure systems
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• Integrated water, energy and waste networks prioritise natural systems
  • Smart management systems make use of capacity available throughout the day.

Studies show that through innovation, the implementation of new policies, and enhanced accessibility, a circular economy in building can significant progress in achieving net zero. To achieve a net zero transition, it will also be necessary to strengthen the supply of and access to 'circular material' on a global scale; this is material that is pre-used, low or/zero-carbon, recyclable, or recycled.

This approach not only promotes sustainability but also ensures that building materials are reused and recycled, minimizing waste and reducing the demand for new resources. As the industry moves towards this model, it could set a precedent for other sectors, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of a circular economy in achieving environmental goals.

Examples of Circular Design:

Macquarie University Incubator , Sydney -   the Australian university’s first on-campus business incubator is constructed primarily out of timber, and has a flexible layout, allowing the building to easily adapt and attract a growing entrepreneurial community. The building has been designed to be fully relocated if the need arises.

Quay Quarter Tower, Sydney – another piece of landmark architecture in Sydney Harbour, this time the transformation of a city block, which is centred on a 1970’s tower block. The ‘adaptive reuse’ input has enabled 68% of the original block to be reused. Retaining all of this embodied energy has avoided significant carbon emissions compared to a new building.            

Future Food Systems, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne - The Future Food System is one of zero-waste pioneer Joost Bakker’s largest projects to date in collaboration with chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone. Situated in Melbourne’s Federation Square, the 87 square-metre, self-sustaining two-bedroom home manifests what we can achieve in an urban environment. At the heart of the concept is a system the mimics nature by growing, nourishing and fertilising. However the structure it self draws up on circular design and features materials such a Durra Panel – walls constructed by organic straw, one of the worlds biggest waste products.

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References:

https://architectureau.com/articles/built-environment-sector-primed-to-take-on-circularity-report-finds/

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/heres-how-circular-system-building-materials/

https://www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/circular-economy

https://www.globalaustralia.gov.au/industries/net-zero/circular-economy

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/built-environment/examples

https://www.futurefoodsystem.com/about

https://www.arup.com/projects/quay-quarter-tower

https://estliving.com/future-food-joost-bakker/#:~:text=The%20Future%20Food%20System%20is%20one%20of%20zero%2Dwaste%20pioneer,achieve%20in%20an%20urban%20environment.

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