The Asia Pacific Network (APN) Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework provides the first step towards the regeneration of natural systems and a thriving circular economy in the building and construction sector.
The Framework serves as a practical roadmap for policymakers and businesses to assess their circularity readiness, and identify priority areas to create strategic action plans.
It can be used as a tool to quantify the business case for circular, sustainable principles in the built environment, and support businesses and governments to reduce waste, conserve resources and lower carbon emissions.
Our Framework has been developed by Green Building Councils (GBCs) and Knowledge Partners from our Asia Pacific Regional Network.
The Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework has five categories for transitioning to a circular economy:
Governments lead by implementing robust policies and regulations, strengthening local supply chains, enhancing certification and labelling schemes, and adopting procurement guidelines that actively encourage circularity and resource efficiency in construction and infrastructure projects.
1.1. Establish policies and regulations to promote sustainability and circular economy principles in construction.
1.2. Localise and strengthen supply chains.
1.3. Establish and evolve certification and labelling schemes.
1.4. Optimise resource consumption and waste management.
1.5. Develop collaborative platforms and skills development programmes.
1.6. Incentivise circular economy initiatives.
Advancing technological solutions is pivotal for achieving circularity. This involves fostering innovation in sustainable materials, circular design principles, construction techniques, and supporting technologies that enable effective material recovery and reuse.
2.1. Design for building reuse, disassembly and deconstruction.
2.2. Material efficiency and resource optimisation.
2.3. Circular business models.
2.4. Innovation and technology integration.
Mobilising financial resources and investment is fundamental to supporting the transition to a circular economy. Initiatives should include incentives for sustainable construction practices, mechanisms for financing circular projects, and financial frameworks aligned with circular economy objectives.
3.1. Increase financial incentives for circularity.
3.2. Implement carbon budgeting for projects.
3.3. Encourage investment in sustainable materials and technologies.
Reliable data collection and transparent reporting systems are essential for monitoring progress and informing decision-making. Effective frameworks must track material flows, measure resource efficiency, and evaluate circular economy outcomes, promoting accountability across the entire value chain.
4.1. Comprehensive data collection and management.
4.2. Transparency and reporting.
4.3. Benchmarking and performance evaluation.
4.4. Data-driven decision making.
Fostering a circular mindset through education, capacity building, and behaviour-change programmes is crucial. Stakeholders — including businesses, consumers, and policymakers — must embrace circular economy principles, resource conservation, and sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
5.1. Reframe waste as a resource.
5.2. Enhance education and awareness.
5.3. Promote the use of renewable and replenishable materials.
