90 per cent of Boola Katitjin's construction waste has been recycled

Named the world's best academic building in 2023, Boola Katitjin was designed with sustainability at its heart.

The largest timber-framed building ever constructed in Western Australia was designed with sustainably grown timber, stormwater harvesting, and expansive solar cells.

Instant Waste Management Bayswater - which specialises in construction and demolition waste - was called on to sort Boola Katitjin's waste into viable materials that could be recycled and repurposed.

Construction waste currently makes up the largest share of WA's landfill, so it is critical to address with major developments.

The recycling initiative also provided a valuable learning opportunity for students.

Students from the University's Environmental and Sustainable Systems Engineering Masters program toured the Instant Waste facility, observing first-hand the process involved in recycling waste at scale.

Associate Professor Dr Martin Anda said it was a great opportunity for his students to see construction waste recycling in action.

They have been learning the principles behind recycling and circular economy so they can design their own plant for upcycling construction and other wastes into a new type of low-carbon concrete," Dr Anda said.

Murdoch University's 2023-2030 strategy highlights a focus on Sustainability, with the recycling of construction waste contributing to the University's goal of becoming a truly sustainable campus and reaching carbon neutrality and zero waste to landfill by 2030.

Boola Katitjin is symbolic of an effort to meet the biggest challenge we collectively face: to develop sustainable ways of living without destroying the fragile ecosystems and indeed cultures of our planet," Dr Martin Brueckner, Pro Vice Chancellor Sustainability, said.

"To do so we must be compassionate to our surroundings and continue to develop the social, environmental and technical competencies required to embrace a circular economy.

"This building provides a case study of that progress. A case study of cultural engagement, of sustainable design and of the exploration of materials that are central to improving our built environments."

Want to know more about Murdoch University's commitment to sustainability? Read about how we are honouring this strategic pillar.