Embedding circular economy principles within precincts and infrastructure business case processes in NSW

This Rapid Review has been prepared by researchers from several universities and other organisations for NSW Circular, whose mission is to deliver a zero-carbon circular economy in New South Wales. NSW Circular is a government-funded body created by the Office of NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and hosted by UNSW. Their objective is to provide positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes for government organisations, industry and people.
This review identifies practical approaches and tools to embed circular economy (CE) principles within business case processes for the built environment. It is understood that business cases can inform and underpin infrastructure decisions, which then can significantly shape the form and operation of our current and future precincts, towns, and cities. Business case processes of the NSW government are the primary focus of this review, how the government decides which infrastructure and precincts to invest in. This focus reflects the terms of reference for this project. There is relevance to be drawn, though, for the more general meaning of ‘business case’ - what a business or financial institution or superannuation fund would consider worth investing in. In a similar way, reference to the ‘NSW government’ should be taken to imply a wide array of government activities, and not all of those activities related to the circular economy have been described in this report. It is important to acknowledge up front the wealth of individual and departmental initiatives to boost the circular economy being undertaken within federal, state and local governments as well as within large and small businesses throughout the state.