A socio-material analysis of factors affecting construction waste reclamation in regional Australia

About the research project

Construction and demolition activities account for a large proportion of global raw material use, yet only a tiny fraction of construction and demolition waste is currently reclaimed through reuse or recycling. The Australian Government has a target of doubling the circularity of the nation’s economy by 2035, including through increasing refurbishing and adaptive re-use and prioritising circular and low carbon construction materials in the built environment sector. We are, however, a long way from meeting these aspirations. 

Waste is an outcome of an ongoing negotiation that unfolds throughout the life cycle of a building. For instance, the way an architect designs and specifies; how a builder interprets drawings; how contractors apply knowledge and practices on site; how people use and maintain buildings; how salvage companies pull things apart; and how materials are sorted and stored, all have the potential to impact whether materials and components will end up in landfill or not. 

Construction and demolition waste is certainly a massive problem for cities across the globe; however, there are also quite specific challenges associated with material reclamation in places that exist a long way away from the infrastructure, population centres, and services of large cities . In such contexts, limited or fragmented demand for reused or recycled materials, restricted access to local recycling and reprocessing facilities, and tighter project budgets can further constrain opportunities to ‘close the loop’.

This project uses the Tasmanian context as a critical case through which to analyse barriers and opportunities specifically for building industry waste reclamation in regional places. By adopting multiple qualitative research methods, it seeks to understand waste as a complex socio-material phenomenon—a messy problem that isn’t likely to be solved using only technological solutions.

The successful candidate will be supported to engage with industry partners in the Tasmanian architecture, construction, and waste sectors. A relevant industry internship will be included within the candidature and there will be opportunities and expectations for structured co-publishing while working in a collaborative research group environment.

Please reach out to the Primary Supervisor listed to discuss your proposal if you have an idea for a project that sits within this framework. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Mark Sawyer

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Prior experience in social research methods
• Demonstrated skills in qualitative research design

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Professional experience in the architecture or waste management sectors

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Mark Sawyer to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 June 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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