Investigating strategies, policies, business models, and social and technical solutions to drive a circular economy.
The circular economy proposes a solution to the problems of resource depletion and waste by instigating a rethink in the way we design, make, use and manage products through their lifetimes. In a circular economy, resource efficiency and recirculation are key.
Circular economy models foster reductions in virgin resource consumption by extending the useful life of materials, and reducing energy and water consumption. The circular economy also embodies an extended waste hierarchy, product and system redesign, efficient and renewable use of resources, reuse, sharing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling.
ISF takes a ‘whole systems’ approach to the circular economy, understanding that this fundamental transition in production and consumption requires not only technical analysis and solutions, but also new business models, social acceptance and appropriate institutional and policy settings. Our team has experience and expertise in material flows analysis, supply chain analysis, circular economy strategy and policy, as well as social research. Our recent sectoral experience spans plastics and packaging, electrical and electronic goods, textiles, food and organics.
Scoping the governance and co-benefits of circular food-energy systems in Pacific Islands Countries
While there has been extensive work globally on bio-gas digester systems, and the impacts they have on emissions and deforestation reductions, there is more...
Circular Economy for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
In the next five to 10 years a significant number of rooftop solar PV systems will reach end of life in Australia. Unless circular economy strategies are put...
Circular Solar Trial
Australia has the highest household uptake of solar energy systems in the world, with more than 2.8 million small-scale installations across the country. It's...
NSW Circular Rapid Review Reports
ISF has played a leading role in three of the four NSW Circular - Rapid Review research reports released in March 2022, including across the priority areas of...
Unlocking the value of organics in Western Sydney Parklands
NSW Circular engaged ISF to develop a high-level economic and environmental analysis of the the opportunity to accept and process organic waste (such as food...
Wellbeing wardrobe
The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) commissioned a team from ISF, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Lund University to develop the concept of a 'Wellbeing...
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Investigation of Australian used packaging material flows
PROJECT | 2021
On behalf of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), ISF explored how packaging in Australia is managed: from consumption and collection of used material, to end-of-life recovery and disposal.
Transitioning the water industry with the circular economy
NEWS | NOV 2020
An ISF report for the Water Services Association of Australia outlines the potential benefits of a circular economy approach and the steps that the water industry will need to take to unlock them.
Scoping study for solar panel and battery system reuse and recycling fund
PROJECT | 2019-2020
ISF's research informs the development of a $10 million NSW Government program.
Addressing plastic pollution in India
PROJECT | 2018
Plastic pollution world-wide is growing and creating significant ecological, social and economic impacts.
Circular economy best practice and application in NSW
PROJECT | 2018
Assisting the NSW government with planning a sustainable future by looking at international applications of a circular economy.
Procurement for a circular economy in NSW
PROJECT | 2018
ISF was commissioned by the NSW Government to help inform the development of a public procurement program for a circular economy in NSW.
Client: Environment Protection Authority (NSW)
Researchers: Monique Retamal, Melita Jazbec
Circular Economy Prioritisation Workshop at WMAA18 Conference
PROJECT | 2018
On behalf of the Waste Management Association of Australia, ISF facilitated an industry workshop to develop a coordinated approach updating the National Waste Strategy to include circular economy principles.
Researchers: Monique Retamal, Damien Giurco
Creating a circular economy precinct
PROJECT | 2018
ISF produced a report for Sydney Water to support both internal and external dialogue on the potential of creating a circular economy precinct in Sydney.
Client: Sydney Water
Research outputs
Creating a circular economy precinct report (Report)
Circular Economy approaches to water services
PROJECT | 2017
Clients: Sydney Water, Hunter Water
Researcher: Melita Jazbec
Circular economy: water services planning for Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula
PROJECT | 2017
Client: Sydney Water Corporation
Researcher: Melita Jazbec
The sharing economy in developing countries
PROJECT | 2017
Examining the challenges and opportunities that the sharing economy presents for low-income societies.
Institutional issues for green-grey infrastructure based on integrated 'One Water' management
PROJECT | 2013-2014
This project captured the opportunities for institutional transition within urban water systems in order to move communities on to a more integrated and sustainable path.
Clients: WERF (USA), WRF (USA), WaterRA
Research outputs
Pathways to One Water: A guide for institutional innovation (Publication)
Reusable food containers
PROJECT | 2013
Client: City of Sydney
Researchers: Rachael Wakefield-Rann, Nick Florin, Monique Retamal
Building industry capability to make recycled water investment decisions
PROJECT | 2011-2013
Client: Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence (AWRCoE)
Research outputs
Water recycling investment website
Frasers Broadway precinct water cycle strategy
PROJECT | 2010
Location: Sydney
Client: Frasers Property Australia
Researcher: Pierre Mukheibir
Research outputs
Frasers Broadway Precinct Water Cycle Strategy - "Green Transformation" (Article)
Researchers
