A NSW Government website

Circular design guidelines for the built environment

21 Feb 2023

Circular design means using materials efficiently and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. 

Circular design minimises waste and reduces carbon emissions. 

These Guidelines encourage and equip government and industry to adopt smart, innovative and sustainable strategies to: 

  • reduce embodied carbon 
  • minimise the generation of waste 
  • improve materials efficiency 
  • increase the circularity of materials used in projects.  

The Guidelines present a whole-of-system approach for implementing circular design strategies throughout all phases of built environment projects.  

The Guidelines are relevant to building, precinct and infrastructure projects of all types, sizes, and locations. A circular design approach can be tailored to respond to the needs and characteristics of each project.  

Download the Circular design guidelines for the built environment.