Australian building industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, leading to an increase in new building projects developments and associated stock. While scholars and policymakers propose the circular economy (CE) as an effective system to overcome the extensive resource consumption and challenge the linear, conservative nature of design and construction, the practical adoption of CE strategies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector remains limited. This study examines AEC stakeholders’ perceptions of key circular resource indicators and the factors influencing the transition toward circular buildings (CB). An online survey was distributed across different states in Australia to assess the current applicability of CE resource management practices. The findings reveal growing awareness of circularity among AEC professionals; however, the low implementation of biological and reused (Secondary) materials indicates a persistent gap between theory and practice. This disconnect underscores the need for systemic collaboration, integrated design approaches, and strengthening education such as practical capacity-building initiatives among AEC stakeholders. This research provides empirical insights into current resource management priorities within the Australian AEC sector and identifies potential areas for further adoption of circular strategies to accelerate the transition toward a more circular built environment in Australia.
Keywords
AEC stakeholders, building sector, circular building, resource managemnet