Application of Sustainable Procurement Policy to Improve the Circularity of Construction and Demolition Waste Resources in Australia

Abstract The sustainable management of construction and demolition (C&D) necessitates efficient waste minimisation policies. Sustainable procurement of recycled waste products (RWPs) is an encouragement-based policy approach that can serve this purpose. This policy aids stakeholders in enhancing the circular economy (CE) in the built environment (BE) sector. However, this procurement method is yet to be successfully adapted globally or in Australia. Hence, this study was conducted to shed light on the use of sustainable procurement in the Australian BE sector. Based on a mixed-methods methodology, 49 relevant academic, industry and government publications were analysed during the review process. The findings reveal that the two most significant obstacles are the lack of supportive organisational culture and uncertainty about RWP quality. In addition, implementing clear and supporting regulations and maintaining transparency and good governance are identified as the two most important enablers. A model was proposed to facilitate the adoption of sustainable procurement, based on the research findings. The study includes a number of suggestions to encourage the acquisition of C&D RWPs for construction projects. This review is anticipated to contribute to three areas: sustainable procurement theory, policy development, and BE sector practice.