Embedding Circularity in the Next Generation of Project Leaders.
Date: 17/02/2026
With global construction activity projected to reach $15 trillion by 2030, the building and construction sector faces mounting pressure to address resource scarcity, waste generation and climate change. Traditional “take–make–dispose” approaches are no longer sufficient in a world striving to meet net-zero commitments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The circular economy paradigm offers a transformative alternative, extending the life cycle of resources, minimising waste, and designing systems that regenerate value. In Australia, the National Circular Economy Framework emphasises the role of universities in equipping industry with the knowledge and capability to drive this transition.
Research institutions, universities, and NGOs should provide the necessary research, education, and advocacy to drive the circular economy forward’.
One of Its-Kind Industry Partnership
Recognising this responsibility, RMIT University’s School of Property, Construction and Project Management (PCPM) has introduced a new elective course, Implementing Circularity in Projects (BUSM2776), designed to place circular economy principles and sustainability at the centre of project planning and management. For the first time in Australia, PCPM has partnered with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) to co-design and co-deliver a postgraduate course that embeds industry-recognised sustainability capability directly into academic study.
Through this collaboration, ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Assessment Program (ISAP) training is integrated into the Master of Project Management. Upon successful completion of the ISAP exam (the course’s first assessment), students receive formal accreditation as an Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional (ISAP).
Partnership between ISC and RMIT/PCPM to co-design Implementing Circularity in Projects course.
This means graduates enter the workforce with sustainability capability already built in, rather than learning these competencies retrospectively once employed. The course provides:
- Practical application of circular economy principles across the project life cycle
- Exposure to real-world case studies and industry frameworks
- Insight into how sustainability performance is assessed and delivered in live infrastructure projects
- Tools to integrate waste management and circularity into procurement, design, delivery and operations
The direct integration of industry standards into the curriculum enhances both the rigour and practical relevance of sustainability and circularity capability across Australia’s industry workforce. The PCPM, particularly the Project Management discipline, demonstrates a strong commitment to embedding sustainability throughout its curriculum. This approach helps bridge the traditional gap between sustainability specialists and project managers who have historically focused primarily on cost, time and quality. This makes our graduates more competitive and ready to meet both current industry expectations and future demands.
