Leading the way towards a circular built environment
The research component involved a review of key Australian national and state documents related to circular economy. This assessment provided an overview of the existing guidance available to councils and identified opportunities for improved guidance.
This was integrated with a review of two international best practice examples at local government level (Greater Paris and Greater London) that demonstrated how to implement practical initiatives at a local scale. These initiatives include:
- A step-by-step approach transitioning from voluntary to mandatory circular economy submission templates
- Provision of decision matrixes to promote circular economy outcomes through good design
- Tailored targets to each local council according to their unique context
- Implementation of incentives and/or penalties
A secondary assessment undertaken by our Planning and Approvals team considered the relevant laws, environmental planning instruments (EPI), guidelines and codes influencing the implementation of circular economy principles in Design Approvals (DA) to provide further insights on long-term changes required to support circular economy outcomes at local government level.
Based on our key findings, WSP developed a long-term vision for Western Sydney Councils to ‘aim high’ in the ‘Review, Assessment & Approval’ phase of project, and adopt a key role as drivers of change across the construction industry. This included identifying a practical and phased approach, relevant stakeholders an demonstrating the importance of building a holistic approach toward a circular economy.
The six identified focus areas of include:
- Education
- Advocacy & engagement
- Planning approval requirements
- Leading by example
- Incentives
“By applying a holistic approach, we can develop a Circular Economy Strategy that will design out waste, keep resources in use at their highest value and regenerate natural systems.
Circular economy design strategies can be effectively embedded in multiple projects including infrastructure, masterplan, precinct, building and fit-out projects.” says Valentina Petrone, WSP’s ANZ Circular Economy Lead.
“Embedding circular economy principles in projects has the potential to save the public and the private sector money, create jobs, reduce pressure on the environment, improve the security of the supply of raw materials, increase competitiveness, stimulate innovation and boost economic growth,” Valentina concludes.
WSP has a long and deep history in Western Sydney, with over 20 projects already delivered. Explore ‘Preparing Western Sydney for Take-off’ for more information.
