Circular Procurement in Action: Insights from the BBP Webinar
The property sector is embracing circular procurement as a powerful lever to reduce environmental impact, drive innovation, and strengthen supply chains. This was the clear message from the recent Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) webinar, which marked the launch of the new Circular Procurement Best Practice Guideline.
Hosted by Nicole Sullivan (thinkstep-anz), the session featured expert insights from Jim Goddin (thinkstep-anz), Simon Ng (Colliers), Harriet Smith (Green Building Council of Australia), and Melinda Mandla (JLL). The speakers shared guidance, case studies, and practical steps to help organisations embed circular principles into their procurement processes.
Watch the webinar replay or scroll down for key takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- Simon Ng highlighted the BBP's decade-long leadership in sustainability and the urgency of addressing scope 3 emissions. He introduced the guideline as a practical tool developed by industry, for industry.
- Jim Goddin explained the guideline’s focus on fit-outs, operations, maintenance, and repair. He walked through its structure, including the 10 R framework, step-by-step guidance, and checklists to support implementation. The guideline encourages organisations to set circular goals, engage internal teams, collaborate with suppliers, and measure outcomes.
- Harriet Smith showcased the GBCA’s Practical Guide to Circular Procurement, which complements the BBP resource by focusing on new buildings and major refurbishments. It outlines circular strategies across the building lifecycle and provides sample contract language to support delivery.
- Melinda Mandla presented JLL’s sustainable procurement guide for their Sydney office, developed to support Green Star certification and global ESG commitments. She emphasised the value of using clear, accessible language and involving all teams in the process.
Panel Discussion:
Speakers shared practical insights into challenges and opportunities, from supplier engagement and measuring social benefits to aligning circular goals with business strategy. All agreed on the importance of collaboration, patience, and continuous improvement. Audience questions ranged from product versus service procurement to quantifying financial benefits and managing documentation. You can find some of answers to the most frequently asked ones further down at this website.
Recommended Actions:
- Download the BBP Circular Procurement Best Practice Guideline
- Explore the GBCA’s Circular Procurement Guide
- Begin with small, achievable changes and build internal momentum
- Use the available guides to engage stakeholders and measure your progress