Analysis of sustainable procurement in supplying recycled content: a case study in Western Australia

Extensive construction activities across Australia have resulted in an unpreceded rate of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation. A fraction of this waste is currently being recycled and supplied to the market. However, the reports indicate that the Australian market is not prepared to uptake such a quantity of recycled content (RC). A successful policy approach in increasing RC uptake in the construction industry is sustainable government procurement. However, the benefits of this policy instrument have not been fully realised in Australia. Therefore, this study aims to understand the dynamics of sustainable procurement using the Roads to Reuse (RtR) Program managed by Western Australia Main Roads as a case study. This public organisation is responsible for managing road networks across Western Australia. The study employs an interview with a senior sustainability advisor of this organisation. The interview is guided by a framework for enabling sustainable procurement seeking transformation in behaviour, culture, context and processes in the government and industry sectors. The results of the study shed light on sustainable procurement opportunities and challenges in the Australian context. Furthermore, a series of recommendations proposed to improve the status quo towards a more sustainable future. The findings can be used by policymakers, government procurement experts, and industry practitioners to drive sustainable procurement planning and practices changes.