Case Study: The GPT Group materials and waste governance framework – strategic review and update

Situation and Challenge

The GPT Group is one of Australia’s leading real estate investors, with more than $30 billion in assets under management and a global reputation for sustainability leadership. ESG is embedded across the organisation, with strong performance in benchmarks such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and GRESB, and a clear commitment to circularity and resource efficiency.

GPT had already established unique and strong foundations in materials and waste management, including advanced data systems, transparent reporting and a focus on understanding the actual outcomes of materials leaving its assets — whether materials are genuinely recycled, or downcycled, not just reporting tonnages placed in commingled recycling bins.

However, waste, recycling and circular economy practices are dynamic and rapidly evolving.

The existing circularity governance and guidelines for the group, required a comprehensive refresh to reflect current policy and legislative settings, market conditions, recovery infrastructure and reporting frameworks.

At the same time, managing materials and waste across a diverse portfolio of retail, office and logistics assets is inherently complex.

Outcomes depend on a wide network of stakeholders - including tenants, onsite teams, cleaning providers, waste contractors, reuse partners, food rescue charities and the broader recycling supply chain.

Our Approach

Bel was engaged to review and update GPT’s Materials and Waste Management Guidelines, ensuring they were current, practical and aligned with GPT’s leadership position.

This involved analysing how existing systems were operating across the portfolio, and updating the guidance to reflect evolving policy, infrastructure and industry expectations.

The work included reviewing operational processes, reporting methodologies, carbon neutrality requirements and frameworks such as NABERS Waste, as well as strengthening the document for a broader audience including tenants, suppliers and industry stakeholders.

The updated guidelines focused on:

• Reflecting changing legislation, policy and regulatory requirements - including container deposit schemes, jurisdictional requirements on single use packaging, and increasing expectations on stewardship, transparency and reporting
• Explaining the evolving landfill levy landscape across Australia - recognising variations between jurisdictions and the implications for cost, behaviour and decision-making
• Strengthening data integrity and transparency - aligning with GPT’s approach to reporting the actual outcomes of materials leaving its assets
• Establishing a consistent, portfolio-wide approach - providing a single, trusted reference point across retail, office and logistics assets
• Clarifying roles and responsibilities across the value chain - including tenants, onsite teams, contractors, reuse organisations and food rescue partners
• Embedding best-practice operational processes - from source separation and tenancy design through to loading dock management and contamination reporting
• Translating circular economy principles into operational practice – highlighting opportunity and emerging solutions to reduce waste, expand food rescue and improve reuse of applicable items

Bel’s Unique Value

As the former leader of circular economy and waste within GPT’s central sustainability function, Bel brings a deep working knowledge of the organisation’s operating environment, including established frameworks, processes and stakeholder networks across the Group.

Having also invested significant time working on site with property and operational teams across the Australian portfolio, coupled with hands-on collaboration with suppliers - she brings a practical understanding of how systems and processes are implemented.

This enabled efficient collaboration, informed judgement and continuity throughout the engagement.

Her proven track record in governance design, delivery and risk identification is underpinned by strong expertise in Australian recycling systems, property operations and supply chain dynamics.

The result

GPT has a refreshed and aligned set of Materials and Waste Management Guidelines that reflect current policy settings, market conditions and best practice in circular economy.

The guidelines provide a clear, consistent framework for operational teams, support stronger stakeholder alignment, and reinforce GPT’s leadership in transparent, outcomes-based reporting and responsible materials management.

They position GPT to continue improving recovery outcomes across its portfolio and to share best practice more broadly across the property sector.