Can bio-based building materials change the future of Brisbane’s development industry and encourage a transition toward a circular city?

Abstract

The evolving challenges of climate change and urbanisation have forced cities to reinvent new approaches to reduce resource consumption and promote sustainable development designs to minimise environmental impacts. The development industry is central to this transition away from a linear economy being the sector that contributes most significantly to global carbon emissions. The current prioritisation of non-renewable resources requires an operational shift to a circular system. Bio-based building materials can be an effective alternative in achieving sustainable design in construction to help mitigate climate-related problems, supporting this redirection to a circular economy. Mass timber is a renowned bio-based construction material that has numerous environmental benefits, however, having only recently emerged in modern development, there is a lack of education and application which presents a barrier to this renewable resource.

In this research, a systematic review of academic published literature was conducted relative to sustainability and sustainable development, the circular economy, and bio-based building materials to assess these state-of-the-art concepts and extract a comprehensive set of data using snowballing techniques. The study implemented a circular economy framework, which instilled requirements and actions to assist in achieving this shift away from the linear system. Multiple research methods have been undertaken, including case study research on the Australian city of Brisbane as well as semi-structured interviews, to explore industry knowledge and understand the barriers and opportunities of building materials from key stakeholders. The results identified a number of interconnecting barriers, opportunities, and key stakeholders that play important roles in the transitional shift towards Brisbane becoming a circular city. Notable findings highlighted the need for piloting, planning incentives and policy initiatives to help change traditional values and provide education to the industry in the benefits of bio-based building materials. Whilst Brisbane and other Australian cities would be well-suited for a circular city approach, further research is considered necessary and has been recommended as part of this study.