Towards a Regenerative Future: Understanding Practical Implementation, Research, and Benchmarking in the Built Environment

The 73rd session of the United Nations in 2019 emphasised the urgent need for sustainable development to avert irreversible climate change impacts within a mere 11 years. Yet vulnerable communities have experienced food security and ecosystem crises since the 1990s. Moreover, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts environmental damage will lead to 200 million permanent displacements by 2050. Built environment professionals such architects must act as agents of systemic change, driving the study’s investigation into ‘regenerative design’ with a focus on research, practice and implementation. The study conducted a comprehensive search and scoping review of peer-reviewed literature and an industry-specific audience poll at a built environment professional summit. The findings reveal an inconsistent application and limited comprehension of ‘regenerative’ among industry professionals. The study poll of key stakeholders in the Australian built environment context accentuates the lack of consensus surrounding regenerative design’s definition. This research contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge, bridging domains of education, design, construction, planning, urban development, and policy. It underscores the need for more extensive research and highlights the absence of consensus in defining regenerative design. By shedding light on these aspects, the study aims to galvanise collective action and foster transformative change towards a sustainable future.