Swinburne University of Technology researchers are helping local businesses take the guesswork out of sustainability with a new digital tool that measures how “circular” their operations are – and shows them practical ways to improve.
Led by Dr Olamide Shittu from Swinburne University of Technology, CircularDiagnostics has been developed in partnership with six Victorian councils – Boroondara, Glen Eira, Bayside, Ballarat, Nillumbik Shire and Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The online tool allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail trade sector to assess their progress towards circular economy practices and receive tailored recommendations for reducing waste, reusing materials and operating more sustainably.
“Many small businesses want to do the right thing but don't know where to start,” says Dr Shittu.
“CircularDiagnostics gives them a clear picture of where they stand and practical, achievable steps to move forward.”
With the prototype previously funded by Sustainability Victoria, the project aims to make circular economy adoption more accessible to businesses that don't have the resources for expensive consulting or complex sustainability audits.
The tool is currently being refined for its second testing phase, with a focus on the retail sector – including food, textiles, furniture and hardware businesses.
Unlike traditional assessments, CircularDiagnostics not only supports individual businesses but also provides valuable insights for local councils and other changemakers. By aggregating anonymous data, it helps governments, financial institutions and industry groups understand how businesses in their regions are progressing and where further support is needed.
“For councils, it's a way to see what's happening on the ground,” Dr Shittu explains.
“It bridges the gap between policy and practice, helping governments understand what their local businesses need to thrive sustainably.”
The team plans to make CircularDiagnostics available to businesses later this year via circulardiagnostics.com, offering free access for small and medium enterprises through partnerships. Councils and other changemakers will be able to subscribe to the platform, enabling local businesses to use the tool at no cost and benefit from tailored sustainability insights.
For businesses that wish to subscribe independently, the annual fee will remain low to encourage participation. Subscribers will receive quarterly reports that track their progress over time, including data visualisations and scores showing how their sustainability performance improves as they implement recommended actions.
Dr Shittu says the potential benefits are far-reaching.
“This isn't just about compliance – it's about innovation. When businesses start thinking circularly, they find new ways to cut costs, reach new markets and boost profitability while doing good for the environment.”
By connecting the data needs of the industry and all levels of government with the sustainability ambitions of small businesses, CircularDiagnostics could play a key role in accelerating Australia's transition to a circular economy.