Circular Economy and Sustainable Construction
The Circular Economy and Sustainable Construction (CESC) group is a multidisciplinary research team advancing innovation in sustainable building. By integrating advanced materials, smart systems, circular economy principles, sustainable processes and low-carbon technologies, the group develops practical solutions for a resilient, energy-efficient, ecologically sustainable built environment.
Working across construction management, architecture, civil engineering and materials science and in close collaboration with industry, CESC addresses the urgent challenges of climate change and resource sustainability. The group’s applied research supports the development and testing of sustainable building materials, explores construction process and practice, while also contributing to policy reform and national and international sustainability standards and guidelines. By aligning academic inquiry with real-world applications, CESC informs evidence-based construction processes, practices, policy and regulations that enable decarbonisation in the built environment. This work directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to achieving near-zero carbon targets through the promotion of circular and sustainable construction practices.
Research focus
CESC aligns with the University of Newcastle’s engagement priorities by promoting sustainable construction and circular economy solutions, including but not limited to the following:
Design approaches:
- Circular economy design
- Climate responsive design
- Energy efficiency in design
- Climate change mitigation
Innovative Materials:
- Energy efficient materials
- Low carbon construction materials
- Regenerative and circular materials
Construction Practices:
- Advanced construction methods
- Circular economy solutions
- Resilient construction
- Ecologically sustainable, nature inclusive construction
- Low carbon construction processes and machinery
Building Performance:
- Thermal comfort
- Life Cycle Analysis: cost and carbon (LCA)
- Healthy buildings
Our researchers
Group leader:
Co-leader:
Members:
Current projects
This project develops a world-first removable, low-carbon mortar using agricultural waste. It enables brick reuse, reduces embodied carbon, and supports circular construction practices, with strong commercialisation potential through collaboration between universities and advanced manufacturing industry partners.
This project is a research and development project with Industry Partner Mudtec to create a high-performance, prefabricated DIY ecoply kit home, which can be filled with earthen and bio-materials such as hempclay, light straw, un-stablised rammed earth. Making these sustainable materials accessible to more people.
This SmartCrete CRC-funded project develops low-carbon concrete using coal ash as a substitute for cement and aggregates, supporting sustainable construction and circular economy goals. Successful field applications include footpaths using the proposed eco-friendly mix.
This project develops Superyard, a digital tool to track surplus construction materials and their environmental impact. It enables reuse, reduces landfill waste, and supports circular economy goals through verified data, real-world trials, and collaboration with councils and industry.
Contact us
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.