The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has launched its Asia Pacific Regional Network (APN) Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework, a first-of-its-kind roadmap designed to help policymakers and businesses across the region decarbonise their building stock and embrace circular, sustainable practices.
The Framework, developed by WorldGBC’s APN of 17 Green Building Councils in collaboration with knowledge partners, will be presented at the WorldGBC-hosted accelerator session, ‘Retrofitting buildings: Lessons from a global network,’ during the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF2025) in May.
The Framework provides a practical tool for governments and industry to assess their circularity readiness and identify strategic priorities for action.
It sets out clear assessment criteria, readiness indicators, and actionable guidance across five interconnected elements: government leadership, technical solutions, data, finance, and mindset.
Joy Gai, Head of Asia Pacific Network at WorldGBC, emphasised the Framework’s unique value:“The Framework has been developed by sustainability experts from the Asia Pacific, one of the most diverse regions in the world, which is defined by remarkable complexities of culture, building stocks and environmental conditions.
“Our network recognises that harnessing diversity is fundamental to shaping a more resilient, resource-efficient future — but we need a guide to show us how to put our ambition into action.
“That is why we developed the APN Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework.”
The Framework is designed to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation, supporting WorldGBC’s new 2025–2027 strategic plan and the global 2030 decarbonisation agenda.
It also enables businesses to quantify the benefits of circularity, reduce waste, and lower carbon emissions.
Jeff Oatman, Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Network and Head of Collaboration and Membership at Green Building Council of Australia, said: “The Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework is a timely and much-needed initiative to accelerate the transition to a more regenerative and resource-efficient built environment across our region.
“By offering a clear pathway for assessing readiness and driving action, it empowers governments, industry, and communities to make smarter, more sustainable decisions around circularity.”
The Framework comes as countries like Singapore ramp up efforts to address infrastructure and technological challenges in the built environment.
Yvonne Soh, CEO of the Singapore Green Building Council, noted: “Circularity in the built environment is a challenging goal that will require us to rethink how we design, construct, use, and eventually deconstruct buildings.
“We will need a coordinated approach across the value chain.
“The launch of the Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with growing industry interest and efforts in Singapore to address infrastructure and technological challenges.”
Christopher Cruz de la Cruz, Vice Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Network and CEO of the Philippine Green Building Council, highlighted the Framework’s transformative potential: “I see the Circularity Readiness Framework as a powerful catalyst for Asia-Pacific.
“It goes beyond cutting waste and emissions — it turns sustainability into a strategic advantage. With this framework, we’re not just building greener — we’re building smarter, leaner, and ready for the future.”
The APN Resources and Circularity Readiness Framework is expected to serve as a vital resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future for the Asia Pacific region and beyond.