Developing Circular Economy-Based On-Site Water Collection and Filtration Systems

The construction industry is a significant consumer of freshwater and a major contributor to environmental degradation through wastewater discharge. In response, there is growing interest in applying circular economy (CE) principles to construction practices—particularly through the implementation of on-site water collection and filtration systems. These systems can capture and treat greywater, runoff, and wash water generated during construction, facilitating water reuse and reducing pressure on municipal infrastructure. Globally, innovative firms and policy frameworks have begun promoting CE models in the built environment, recognising wastewater as a valuable resource for recovery, reuse, and energy generation.;Despite the conceptual appeal and increasing institutional support for CE in water management, its practical integration into construction workflows remains limited. Much of the current literature and policy efforts continue to focus on solid waste, with wastewater largely underrepresented. Studies such as Perera et al. (2021b) and Iyer-Raniga et al. (2022) highlight the lack of systemic implementation of CE principles for construction wastewater in Australia. Similarly, although international initiatives like those from Green Badger and Sydney Water demonstrate potential, scalable models tailored for on-site, pre-operational construction environments are largely undeveloped or untested. This reveals a gap between CE ideals and their practical realisation in the field.;This research aims to develop and evaluate circular economy-based on-site water collection and filtration systems specifically designed for building construction sites. The objectives are as follows:;• To investigate current practices and challenges associated with on-site water collection and filtration in construction.;• To develop a prototype filtration system based on circular economy principles tailored for use during the construction.;• To test the system’s effectiveness in improving water reuse, reducing freshwater, and making the process energy and carbon neutral ;• To identify pathways for integrating such systems into construction practices through guidelines, tools, and policy recommendations.;• ;This Cotutelle research will leverage the complementary strengths of Deakin University in sustainable construction innovation and IITM’s leadership in water technologies and circular systems. The proposed study supports broader national goals such as Australia’s 2030 CE transition agenda and aligns with India’s Smart Cities Mission and environmental policy commitments. It will produce both theoretical insights and practical tools to drive the uptake of sustainable water practices in construction globally.;