Circular economy stories
Businesses using landfill sites face higher disposal bills from 1 July as New Zealand widens its waste levy and reporting rules.
Battery makers face a supply squeeze as Stora Enso develops tree-based anodes that could cut reliance on graphite and lithium imports.
The new Auckland facility could cut New Zealand construction emissions by about 78,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, Holcim says.
Contaminated waste has long made the plastic hard to handle, but new chemical recycling plants are turning post-use polystyrene back into feedstock.
Recycling rates could rise as new sorting and shredding systems help construction waste avoid landfill and recover more valuable materials.
Construction waste is harder to recycle than most rubbish because asbestos and other pollutants must be stripped out first.
Greater use of mass timber in New Zealand buildings is set to get a boost, after the Timber Design Centre named Dr Robert Finch as director.
Local and central government backing will decide whether New Zealand's 30-year infrastructure strategy turns recommendations into real projects.
A Canterbury student’s low-cost wall panel could help cut the building sector’s emissions, with seaweed replacing traditional gypsum in plasterboard.
Projects saving time, money and emissions were among eight winners at the 2021 IPWEA NZ Asset Management Excellence Awards.
Europe’s energy security has been exposed by Russia’s invasion, strengthening calls for a rapid shift to renewables and digital twins.
Plastic pollution in rivers, oceans and wastewater systems could finally face tougher global rules after nearly 200 countries backed a UN treaty.
Poor sanitation and water management are emitting methane, while better policy could help cut climate pollution and expand clean energy.
The capital will use a US$1 million grant to expand its Digital Twin, helping planners test climate adaptation options over three years.
Climate pledges made at COP26 could speed up investment in clean energy, EV charging and low-carbon materials, despite weak deadlines.
Industry leaders say the draft 30-year plan could give New Zealand clearer funding, planning and delivery for vital infrastructure.
Poor maintenance is costing firms billions through outages, water failures and transport disruptions, the G20 says in a new policy agenda.
Record spending is exposing poor productivity, rising insolvencies and risk in Australia’s construction sector, industry leaders warn.
Food makers could cut energy use and recycling headaches with a one-step natural coating made from wood waste or shrimp shells.
New recycling methods could cut EV battery costs by 60% and ease reliance on cobalt, nickel and China, researchers say.
